Tag: london hotels

The Chelsea Harbour Hotel & Spa – A Relaxing Escape within the City

The Chelsea Harbour Hotel & Spa is a perfect escape from bustle of the city with scenic views of Thames and yachts docked at the harbour.

Chelsea Harbour

Located in the main harbour area of a former industrial district, the Chelsea Harbour Hotel & Spa is a tranquil, yet modern escape from the bustle of the city. With a scenic vista, the establishment overlooks the peaceful and pastoral Thames and views of myriad yachts and vessels docked at the harbour. One can also see iconic structures such as the Shard in the distance, and a brilliant skyline that illuminates in all its London glory, by nightfall. The interior of the hotel is dotted with sophisticated fittings featuring dark woods and metals, and plush furniture, lending to its contemporary, but moody ambience. There is also an excellent display of diverse art featuring artists from around the world, giving the hotel a colourful, animated and cultural setting too.

Chelsea Harbour Hotel Balcony
Chelsea Harbour Hotel
Chelsea Harbour Hotel Room

Recently, my family and I spent two nights at the hotel, a luxurious staycation that was a peaceful getaway from the hubbub of the everyday. In the 158 suites-only establishment, the rooms are spacious like very few others in Greater London. We stayed at the Kings Penthouse Suite – an expansive home away from home. The living and dining areas are perfect to cosy-up for much-needed family time, and the option to retire to your respective privacy is also facilitated by two separate bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms. The crowning jewel of the hotel, this suite also houses a sauna, making it truly fit for royalty.

The Kings Penthouse Chelsea Harbour Hotel

Nevertheless, the Chelsea Harbour Hotel & Spa also features a spa, which could be its main attraction. It is an inviting and ambient space of tranquillity for guests to unwind with a wide range of relaxing and rejuvenating treatments to choose from, featuring products from the prestigious French skincare brand – Caudalie. The spa features four separate treatment rooms, including one for couples, for pampering guests with its holistic treatments and therapy. For those who prefer to break a sweat on vacation, there is a state-of-the art fitness centre with modern equipment. But I would say the most important and my personal favourite feature of the fitness and recreation facilities is the 17-metre long pool, perfect for all water-babies who love their laps or their pool-fun.

Chelsea Harbour Hotel spa
Chelsea Harbour Hotel Pool
Chelsea Harbour Hotel Fitness Centre

The hotel is also home to the Harbour Bar & Terrace and the Chelsea Riverside Brasserie. The former offers an impressive all-day menu ranging from salads and pizzas to steaks and grills. The latter is the hotel’s more refined and elegant dining destination which specialises in a fusion of British and Italian cuisines. One can also pair their meals with the many notable wine and champagne labels available, including vintage makes. Al-fresco dining means that you are once again privy to the breathtaking view of the harbour – a perfect setting for a romantic dinner or Sunday brunch. You can also take your afternoon tea at the Brasserie with a remarkable list of brews and blends, finger sandwiches, pastries and scones. For longer staying guests who are looking for variation, the hotel’s location allows one to venture out and explore the multitude of restaurants and eateries in the vicinity, as we did on one of our evenings.

Cheleas Harbour Hotel Bar
Chelsea Harbour Riverside Brasserie

All in all, breath-taking views of the marina and the outstanding spa and fitness centre make The Chelsea Harbour & Spa the perfect destination for all city dwellers looking for an escape from the everyday mundane and stresses, but cannot get too far for too long, especially in these rather distressing times. An all-suite establishment means that there is enough room for everyone to enjoy quality time together or find their nook to be by themselves and enjoy their privacy. For travellers, the area offers great connectivity through the Imperial Wharf Station and the Thames Clipper boat to Central London from the Chelsea Harbour Pier. The establishment has also put together a number of offers and packages available on their website for all kinds of guests seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. Whether you are looking for a weekend to be pampered alone, a romantic getaway with the background of stunning views or spending quality time with your family, there is something here for everyone. Unwind, relax and enjoy the calmness of the Chelsea Harbour Hotel & Spa to feel restored and reenergized.

Royal Lancaster London – A Regal Abode

Royal Lancaster London a symbol of England’s rich history and benchmark for modern hoteling, stands tall and majestic over Hyde Park. This iconic hotel promises a premium experience in terms of food, lodging, and service. My stay at the Royal Lancaster Hotel was outstanding, and certainly an experience I will not forget.

The first thing that struck me when we reached the hotel was its wonderful location. A stone’s throw away from the Lancaster Gate Tube Station and overlooking Hyde Park, it promises both easy connectivity and great views. In fact, you can expect to see the most breathtaking versions of the London skyline and surrounding greenery from any one of the 411 rooms here.


As we walked through the lobby, peeking around every nook and corner, I noticed that the hotel is, in many ways, a tribute to the royal English tradition. From the rose-bearing hotel crest to the names of the suites, and the mid-century architecture, relics of the past have been fused with contemporary aesthetics. The result, you ask is Regal luxuriance!


While the ambiance and exteriors exemplify lush opulence, the hotel rooms take it up a notch higher. Fresh, scented linen, a comfy king size bed, roomy cupboards and a safe, a sofa, minibar, vanity, walk-in shower – all such conveniences are well-provided for. I loved the woody décor which shone with polished upkeep – a lovely setting! What I enjoyed, even more, was a great view of the London skyline that our room presented; I’ll never forget the feeling of waking up to such a magnificent sight!


The Royal Lancaster London has several lodging options. From the well-furnished Classic Room, to premium suites, there’s something to suit everyone’s interests. For instance, if you’re a nature lover, you can opt in for a Park Suite – these offer the best view of the Hyde Park and some extra luxuries such as a 55 inch Smart TV, in-room coffee machine, separate lounging area, a bathtub and twin sinks in the bathroom, and so much more. The top-of-the-shelf Lancaster Suite offers you an even larger TV, a spectacular view, and even champagne in ice on arrival! You can choose a room that meets your preferences and budget, and no matter your selection, you’re sure to enjoy your time in the lap of decadent luxury.


If you are able to drag yourself outside your room, you’ll find that the hotel has a splendid array of facilities as well. You can work out in their state-of-the-art gym or spend some time indulging in the tradition of Afternoon Tea. We were quite excited to give their Brilliant Afternoon Tea a try and I was very pleased that they were able to customize my cup to a gluten-free variant! The lavish spread of cakes and savouries was one of the best I’ve ever tasted, and worth every calorie. And if you are stressed about gorging on their sumptuous food, you can always relax yourself by signing up for some in-room spa treatments. Sounds fantastic, doesn’t it? Surely was!


All in all, our stay at the Royal Lancaster London was rather delightful. The hotel recently completed 50 years, and I would hope it retains its charm and brilliance to reach the next milestone of 100. Kudos to the courteous staff and management for running this historic hotel with admirable excellence.