Whether you’re visiting London on a business trip, or simply for leisure, finding accommodation isn’t exactly hard, with a plethora of opulent hotels to be found in various locations across the capital, each offering sumptuous rooms, decadent dining options and five star facilities.
But after an intense day out and about in the city, sometimes, all you want is a bit of quiet, and a private hideaway that allows you to escape from the hustle and bustle – which is where private serviced apartments offer something that hotels simply can’t.
Luxury private accommodation expert Cheval Collection has made quite the name for itself over recent years, offering ten high-end all-apartment locations across London – as well as three in Edinburgh, and now even one in Dubai. For anyone looking for a home from home, and a comfortable place to stay, they tick all the right boxes and more, offering the utmost in privacy and exclusivity, and the perfect base from which to explore any of this vibrant city.
Cheval Thorney Court, located in the sophisticated Royal Borough of Kensington, is one of the brand’s most sought-after London locations, and offers 59 extremely spacious apartments available to book for any length of stay. I recently had the pleasure of checking in for the weekend to find out exactly what it had to offer, and was met with a world of opulence and the ideal place to hide away for a couple of days in the very lap of luxury.
Location
Nestled in the midst of London’s most upscale boroughs, which is renowned for its exclusivity, five-star hotels and multi-million pound properties, Cheval Thorney Court enjoys the most prestigious of postcodes, and one of the best possible locations for a stay in the city.
Located on the fairly quiet Palace Gate street, just off the busy A315, the area feels quite secluded and private, yet there is an extensive amount to see and do right on your doorstep.
Just a stone’s throw from the lush expanse of Hyde Park and the regal Kensington Gardens – at just a one minute walk away – both Gloucester Road and High Street Kensington tube stations can also be reached in ten minutes on foot, so wherever you need to go or be during your stay, you’ll be able to get there with ease.
The apartments
British Georgian period décor is the order of the day here, and all apartments offer spacious interiors comprising a fully equipped kitchen and separate living and dining rooms.
I stayed in the top floor Luxury Two-Bedroom Apartment, which featured a large hallway that instantly created a sense of luxury and grandeur.
There was a large living room, with a large open fireplace and sizable coffee table, and plenty of space to seat at least eight. Whilst the colour palette was largely neutral, a red sofa here and a blue armchair here was enough to brighten things up a bit whilst remaining in-keeping with the quintessential British charm exuded throughout.
The dining area was similarly spacious, with a long, wooden dining table surrounded by light blue, fabric-covered chairs at its centre and some additional touches of classic wooden furniture.
The kitchen, meanwhile, was small but well appointed, and equipped with a range of modern appliances, including an electric cooker, a kettle, a Nespresso machine and plenty of good quality china and glassware – so if you wanted to host guests then you could easily cook up a storm with all the equipment on offer, and create a luxurious dinner party setting around the dining table.
As the name would suggest, it also offered two bedrooms, both with luxury en-suite marble bathrooms and monsoon showers. Both feature the same muted colour palette seen elsewhere in the apartment, but again, pops of colour – red in the spacious master bedroom, green in the second – by way of a cushion or two and a bed runner.
The apartment features a high tech cooling system, dubbed ‘comfort cooling,’ making it perfect for those hot summer days in London. If you’ve ever stayed in a city hotel at that time of year, then you’ll know just what I mean; even in the UK, things can get surprisingly warm.
The large patio/outdoor terrace area featured plenty of seating overlooking Hyde Park, which was lovely for enjoying the sunny weather, and during the summer months, it would be a lovely spot for putting the world to rights over a bottle of wine.
There’s plenty of space to relax, unwind, and enjoy a slice of peace and quiet amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, or to entertain in style.
The welcome food goodies and chocolate hamper by Maison Samadi London were great additions, and a bottle of Bollinger Champagne in the fridge on arrival was a rather lovely surprise that I of course, wasted no time in cracking open.
Style and character
The apartments at Cheval Thorney Court feel elegant, traditional and decidedly British. Each one is furnished with timeless Georgian flair, with regency stripes, plush carpets and a great use of colour to create texture and add some character. The vintage style furniture was quite something, and included a stunning leather-topped writing bureau, all coming together to create a stately home feel.
Some might say the look and feel is a little ‘dated’, but personally I love this style – it makes you feel instantly comfortable and right at home, which is just what I want when choosing to stay in a serviced apartment over a hotel.
The apartments offer a really authentic London experience, and would be sure to appeal to those visiting from overseas and seeking somewhere private, stylish and exclusive to stay, whether for just a few nights or an extended period of time.
Service and facilities
The front office at Cheval Thorney Court is staffed 24 hours a day, and there’s a daily housekeeping service – so when staying here, you still get many of the perks that you would at a hotel, as well as some that are unique to serviced apartments such as these.
All apartments offer free WiFi and are fully equipped with a washing machine and tumble dryer. There’s secure underground parking, and a complimentary on-site gym, too, so if you’re driving, there’s no need to worry about where to leave your car, and if you’re keen to stay active during your time here, then you’ll have no trouble doing so.
Any length of stay is permitted, whether it’s a flying visit or an extended break. For anyone visiting London for business purposes, this is particularly handy, and there’s the flexibility to lengthen your stay if needed, where availability allows.
Food and drink
Known for elegance and refinement, it’s no surprise that the Royal Borough of Kensington is home to a plethora of upscale restaurants and bars, which are right on your doorstep while staying at Cheval Thorney Court.
Zaika, which offers a decadent fine dining twist on the rich flavours and spices of Indian cuisine, is a must, and promises a luxurious dining experience with a show-stopping menu curated by Michelin-starred chef Vineet Bhatia.
For classic British fare with a modern twist, The Ivy Kensington Brasserie is a perennial favourite, while if you fancy a quintessentially English evening at the pub, then The Churchill Arms, with its vibrant floral displays, is the perfect place to rub shoulders with the locals over a glass of wine or a pint.
To do
Kensington is a borough steeped in history and culture, so there is no shortage of things to do here. The historic royal residence of Kensington Palace, which has been home to generations of British monarchs over the years, is a highlight, and is set within the manicured lawns of Kensington Gardens, which is lovely for a scenic stroll on a sunny day and provides a welcome escape from the throng of the city. Spread over 265 acres, the park is characterised by lush greenery, calming water features and various iconic landmarks, including the Albert Memorial and the Serpentine Gallery.
Nearby, the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) is the place to be if you’re keen to immerse yourself in art and culture, featuring a vast collection of art and design pieces stretching back over 5,000 years. From awe-inspiring paintings to impressive sculptures and ceramics and exquisite fashion and textiles, it’s got it all, and you really could get lost in here for hours if you’ve got the time to spare.
Of course, if you’d like to venture a little further afield, then there’s plenty more to explore in Central London, and you can access famous sights like Buckingham Palace and Big Ben, or head to see a show in ‘theatreland’ Covent Garden via a short journey from nearby High Street Kensington or Gloucester Road tube stations.
In nutshell
Ideally located in the heart of London’s upmarket Kensington, Cheval Thorney Court offers impressive self-catered accommodation with free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and 24-hour front desk. This luxury property is set within a one-minute walk from the beautiful Hyde Park.
Factbox
Address: Palace Gate, South Kensington, London W8 5NJ
Phone: +44 (0)20 7581 5324
Website: chevalcollection.com/cheval-thorney-court/
All imagery unless stated otherwise credit: Cheval Collection
