DIPLOMATIC CONCIERGE

It had been eight years since I last visited The Capital Hotel, Apartments & Townhouse, one of London’s first boutique hotels, which has quietly been serving London’s diplomatic community for decades. With 73 rooms across three buildings, their renowned high level of personal service has always ensured diplomatic guests have their every detail catered for. On arrival, I found a gleaming BMW – an ambassador’s car from a major European country – parked on the curb outside.

The Capital is a bastion of classic English elegance, service and hospitality found in a discrete road off Sloane Street. Ideally located a short walk from the embassies and high commissions of Knightsbridge and Belgravia, The Capital is minutes away from the underground station with the Piccadilly Line providing speedy access to Heathrow Airport and St Pancras for those on a flying visit.

Earlier this year, the hotel completed a renovation of all their classic rooms and apartments, which is part of a wider investment into upgrading all guestrooms within the hotel over the next 18 months. The property has worked with London-based interior design firm, JSJ Design, and interiors have been inspired by the vibrant history of Knightsbridge and what made this affluent part of London what it is today. My luxurious deluxe king room was delightful, with an extremely comfortable bed with sumptuous linens for a blissful night’s sleep. Perfectly set up for a night or two in town, the room had a beautiful marble bathroom, walk-in wardrobe, plus a desk in the bay window overlooking Basil Street. Thoughtfully decorated with rich fabrics, bespoke artwork and decorative lighting that provide a real sense of English style, details included an upholstered headboard inspired by the form of the windows of nearby Harrods, while the overlaid antique mirror above echoed the reflective floral sections in the wall panelling artist William Morris designed for the V&A café.

For those travelling with a larger party, the Penthouse offers an impressive 157 m² of accommodation that can sleep up to six adults. Spread over two floors, the Penthouse consists of a separate sitting area with floor-to-ceiling windows opening onto a balcony with views of the Knightsbridge rooftops, a large family kitchen and three double bedrooms. The Apartments at 26 Basil Street offer secure, contemporary accommodation, and are good value for longer stay guests. Overseen by the Capital Hotel, residents benefit from complete privacy in their own space as though living in their own city pied-a-terre.

The hotel has the added draw that it’s just a few steps from Harrods – a well-known haven for shoppers – as well as being close to Hyde Park, plus the museums and palaces that London is renowned for. Renovations on the Junior Suites will be completed early next year, and an award-winning Michelin star chef will be launching a new restaurant at The Capital in January. In the meantime, the hotel’s English Afternoon Tea or the extensive whisky collection at The Capital Bar, is discrete venue to take individuals that you would like to impress, or have a quiet meeting with.

Proud members of POB Hotels and Small Luxury Hotels of the World, The Capital Hotel, Apartments & Townhouse prides itself on being epitome of authentic British hospitality, with passionate staff dedicated to meeting the guest’s every need.

The Capital Hotel & Apartments, 22-24 Basil Street, London SW3 1AT

T: +44 (0) 207 591 1200
E: reservations.capital@warwickhotels.com
www.warwickhotels.com/the-capital