Review: Review: The Wellesley Knightsbridge, A Luxury Collection Hotel
Stepping into this hotel is like stepping on set of The Great Gatsby. It’s a Roaring 20s fiend’s absolute paradise…
AMENITIES
24 Hour Butler Service for all guests that includes shoe shining, unpacking, and pressing
Room service
Babysitting services are available so mom and dad can have a night out on the town
THE REVIEW
Background
There’s fascinating history behind the hotel. It was once the Hyde Park Corner tube station, which closed in 1937 but you notice the station’s typical London and ox-blood tiles, and architectural design from the outside. Today the hotel is part of the Marriott portfolio and part of the Luxury Collection.
Where Is It?
Situated by Hyde Park and in the heart of Knightsbridge, the hotel is a stone’s throw from the famed Harrods department store. In front of a major road, it’s hidden in plain sight, and easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. But that’s its charm. It’s a present, not screaming, but has impact.
What’s It Like?
As soon as you walk through the doors, you’re firstly taken by how kind and attentive the doormen are, and secondly, you’re taken by the sophisticated Art Deco elegance of the hotel. The marble floors shine, the crystal chandeliers are most poignant, and the gold brass is shiny. The mirrors at the end of the lobby elongate and open up the space. Immediately to your left is the cigar lounge and to the right is the bar. As you keep walking you’ll notice the concierge desk and reception. At the end of the hall is The Oval restaurant and across from it is a seating area with royal blue velvet chairs.
The Crystal Bar | Photo Provided by: The Wellesley Knightsbridge
Rooms
There are 36 rooms and suites. The Ivor Novello Suite is a one bedroom suite, named for the renowned Welsh actor, singer and dramatist. As soon as you walk in, you’ll notice the rich colors of the spacious living room. Mirrors line one wall while the arched window overlooking Hyde Park Corner that takes up another wall and has the most stylish curtains and sheers. It’s perfectly decorated with lamps, relaxed seating, the most comfortable mustard colored sofa in all of London (no, really!), and a fuchsia orchid. It’s so charming that I found myself sitting in the living room, able to peacefully work, and taking it all in.
The bedroom is quaint and situated between the bathroom and living room. The king-sized bed is dangerously comfortable that you might not hear your alarm go off, so be aware! The room size is perfect for two people to easily move around. And the closet is also spacious. The bathroom is set with Italian Arabescato Corchia marble from the Cararra region, and comes with a mirrored TV. Take advantage of the deep soaking bathtub and also try out the shower. Spacious as well, you’ll be taken by the bathroom just as much as the rest of the room.
One Bedroom Suite | Photo Provided by: The Wellesley Knightsbridge
Photo Provided by: The Wellesley Knightsbridge
Photo Provided by: The Wellesley Knightsbridge
Food and Drink
The hotel has a large selection of cigars | Photo Provided by: The Wellesley Knightsbridge
The Cigar Terrace is a fixture for those who revel in cigar smoking. In it you find a large painting of Winston Churchill and Fidel Castro, and the largest collection of over 400 cigars.
The Oval | Photo Provided by: The Wellesley Knightsbridge
The Oval restaurant is literally shaped like an oval and provides an intimate setting. If you like seafood and want to do something nice for your taste buds then you must order the Prawn Carpaccio as a starter. The compressed mango, pink peppercorn, and lemon puree will melt in your mouth. The Tuna Tartare is also a delight that sits on top of a spicy avocado puree, bed tuille, and coriander cress. Light appetizer options, both will add a pop to your palette. There’s also Beef Carpaccio, Mini Wagyu Burger Trio, and The Wellesley Club sandwich as starter options.
Pasta and Pizza are listed on the menu with Lobster Spaghetti and Burrata and Black Truffle pizza. But we satisfied our main course appetite with the Lamb Chops served with mushroom ketchup, potato gallette, and autumn black truffle and lamb jus. And, the Lake District Beef Aged Fillet. The Spinach was cooked to perfection and pairs well with both meat dishes.
For dessert, the Ginger Crème Brulee with short biscuit and strawberries hits the right spot. It’s not too heavy and it’s just perfect.
Leisure
There is no gym and there is no pool. Hyde Park sits across the street from the hotel, and Green Park is a stone’s throw. So, taking a long stroll or run through either park provides sufficient exercise. Or, if you fancy the 11-minute walk to Harrods, you can shop till you drop while getting some retail therapy and added exercise.
Verdict
Hands down you must stay at this hotel. London is filled with many wonderful hotels, and many of them are great in their own unique way. But, The Wellesely has a charm. It’s quaint, inviting, and it has that je ne sais quoi of quiet charm. It’s not screaming at you to stay. But if you give it a chance, you’re going to find more than you imagined due to its natural boutique charm.
Best For An Art Deco Old World Hollywood feel
Don’t Miss the Crystal Bar and that carefully shaken or stirred cocktail.
Price the midweek rate of the last week of March for a 1 King Bed Hyde Park View 1 Bedroom Suite is £1,137 ($1,505) for the Member Flexible Rate and £1,160 ($1,536) for the Non-member Flexible Rate.
Contact 11 Knightsbridge, London, England, United Kingdom, SW1X 7LY +44 20-72353535
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