Belgraves, a Thompson Hotel is a stunning design hotel in the heart of London’s chic Belgravia.
It’s the only hotel outside of the US and Canada by hip lifestyle brand Thompson Hotels. While many Thompson hotels are all about downtown cool, Belgraves adds a youthful vibe to a sophisticated, well-heeled neighbourhood.
Location
Its surroundings are postcard pretty (think pastel-coloured townhouses and private gardens) and the hotel is just a short walk from Chelsea, Knightbridge and the designer stores of Sloane Street. It’s also in immediate company of high end boutiques such as Anya Hindmarch Bespoke, Emilia Wickstead, Christian Louboutin, Pretty Ballerinas, Pierre Hermé Paris and Rococo Chocolates.
We visited Belgraves for a weekend staycation on a hot summer’s day (stepping into the air-conditioned lobby was a welcome relief). Designed by acclaimed British interior designer Tara Bernerd, the towering hotel is contemporary with rich tones and just a dash of English eccentricity.
The Room
Our King Premium Room on a high floor had a cool loft feel and was long and spacious. It’s designed in shades of grey and cream with purple-burgundy highlights and features a light oak hardwood floor covered with a luxurious patterned rug.
There are typical Thompson signatures such as a stylish metal beaded curtain, cream leather ergonomic chair by the desk and 400-count Sferra bed linen with purple vertical stripes. There is also a stunning bespoke Ralph Lauren mirror above the bed, a large LCD flat-screen TV, minibar and iHome dock and alarm clock.
My favourite part of the room was the bay window with a plush purple-burgundy banquette offering fabulous views over the park and elegant Belgravia. It’s like a peaceful hideaway which you can separate off with sheer curtains. It also features a coffee table and has an electrical plug, so you can work on your laptop or just enjoy some quiet reading time.
Tea and coffee making facilities are on a list of ‘available on request’ complimentary amenities and I highly recommend calling down to receive them. While sachets of Nescafe aren’t particularly exciting, we were delighted by the selection of black and herbal JING Teas.
The king-size bed with a leather headboard was ever so comfortable and was covered in sumptuous Sferra linen and plump pillows.
A Welcome Treat
We were welcomed with a handwritten note and a lovely sweet treat of a handmade marshmallow and chocolate-dipped meringue. Stationary addicts won’t be able to resist the gorgeous bespoke correspondence paper and envelopes provided – a small detail that really sets Belgraves apart.
The Bathroom
The full marble bathroom is stylish and luxurious, with a powerful walk-in rain shower, plenty of high quality towels, oversized Frette terrycloth robes, black Thompson-branded slippers and a full set of bathroom amenities by REN. It has a slightly open-plan feel with sliding wooden doors and only the metal beaded curtain covering the glass-walled shower.
Breakfast at Pont St
In the morning, breakfast is served in Pont St, the hotel’s attractive restaurant overseen by executive chef Sophie Michell. It’s a comfortable spot with a pretty tiled floor, cosy leather banquettes by the windows and counters laden with cakes and macarons.
Health-conscious guests will be tempted by the Belgrave’s superfood, dairy free almond quinoa porridge, Avocado smashed on rye bread toast or a ‘create your own’ fruit and vegetable juice.
For something more indulgent Pont St hits it out of the park with Crab cakes Benedict with jalapeno Hollandaise, Bubble and squeak patties with poached eggs, black pudding, streaky bacon, watercress and home-made chutney and Cinnamon French toast with caramelised apples.
We went for the Continental Buffet, which was done exceedingly well with a generous amount of gourmet treats. Highlights were the delicious spelt banana bread, flaky pain au chocolat and farm-style blueberry yoghurt. I never usually eat cold cuts for breakfast, but the house roasted honey glazed ham infused with juniper flavours was out of this world.
Pont St’s lunch and dinner menus also sound tempting and in the warmer months, there’s a small outdoor terrace. Guests can also get outdoors with an Urban Picnic freshly prepared by Sophie Michell and made up of grazing dishes such as saffron and buttermilk chicken skewers and strawberry and pink peppercorn tarts, rounded off with spritz cocktails.
The Bar
Like other Thompson hotels, there’s a cool lounge scene and the open-plan mezzanine is sectioned into different socialising areas. The snug is an intimate space with an open fireplace, a plush cashmere sofa and Persian carpets, while the Bar has a speakeasy vibe and features an absinthe fountain.
The Terrace
Adjoining the Bar is the Terrace where you can indulge in vintage Cuban cigars, creative cocktails and tempting bar bites such as Lobster Rolls, Sliders and Ice Cream Sandwiches. It has a retractable roof, heaters and wifi connection for the the ultimate comfort, even when the sun’s not shining.
The hotel doesn’t have a spa (only a small fitness room), but guests can take advantage of a special day rate at nearby Grace Belgravia, a chic private club for health and wellbeing.
Belgraves is the kind of hotel that I would happily return to and recommend again and again – not just for the sleek design but for its homely atmosphere. The staff are so friendly and attentive, particularly the charming breakfast staff which can be rare in the hotel world. With such a fabulous location and excellent facilities, Belgraves should be the place you call home for your next stay in London.
Room rates at Belgraves, A Thompson Hotel start from £299 plus VAT per night for a King Superior Room.
Chérie City was a guest of Belgraves, A Thompson Hotel
All photos by Chérie City
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