THE HOTEL: One of London’s hidden treasures just steps away from Knightsbridge with its Harrods and Harvey Nichols stores but a contrasting haven of tranquillity. It was opened in 1971 with the aim of creating ‘a grand hotel in miniature’, an aim that has been wholly successful. It offers 49 bedrooms and suites.
THE CHECK-IN: Warm, friendly and efficient in a small country house-style lobby with an open gas-fired ‘coal’ fire. A doorman and concierge complement the small yet cosy and welcoming reception area.
THE ROOM: My third floor Junior Suite was spacious, comfortable and well furnished throughout with a plethora of table lamps. A short entrance hall - with a small bathroom and luggage storage/wardrobe off to the side – opens into a living area with sofa, easy chair, occasional tables, TV and mini-bar. Fully carpeted throughout, a wide archway leads into the large bedroom with a ‘king size’ Savoir bed, easy chair, dressing table, chest of draws, dressing table and TV. Beyond the bedroom is a large marble-clad bathroom with a further wardrobe, safe plus Kiehl’s and Bulgari toiletries.
THE BUSINESS: Free wi-fi is available throughout the hotel – each guest is given a code – and there is also a free to use desktop computer in a small room beyond the lobby. For meetings the Capital has two fully-equipped private rooms on the first floor at a Day Delegate Rate of £85pp which includes room hire, coffee, lunch, mineral water, tea and biscuits and all equipment.
THE FACILITIES: Guests have access to the Peak Health Club on the 9th floor of the nearby Carlton Tower. Amenities here include a fully-equipped gym and a 20-metre pool for just £10 per day. Within the hotel there is the renowned and spacious Capital Restaurant (where breakfast is also served), which has large windows overlooking Basil Street, and the stylish Capital Bar where light meals and afternoon tea are also available. Immediately adjacent to the hotel is its Le Metro Wine Bar and Bistro. There is also 24-hour room service.
THE VERDICT: For those many business travellers who don’t want the formulaic rooms of chain hotels the Capital is a perfect choice. The hotel describes itself as ‘one of the calmest, most civilised places to stay in London’ and no one could dispute this. It offers the advantages of a larger establishment yet exudes the warmth, intimacy and attention to detail of a privately-owned hotel. It couldn’t be closer to Knightsbridge’s round-the-clock action yet offers a quiet and serene retreat.
THE DETAILS: Standard room rates start from £255 + VAT including continental breakfast. A Junior Suite is from £505 + VAT, also including continental breakfast. The Capital Hotel, 22 Basil Street, London, SW3 1AT. Tel: +44 (0) 20-7591 1200 Fax: +44 (0) 20-7225 0011 Email: reservations@capitalhotel.co.uk Web: www.capitalhotel.co.uk Alan Orbell
