WITH ITS LOCATION so discreet and tucked away on a quiet road off Sloane Street, I suspect few diplomats may be acquainted with The Capital Hotel and Apartments. Welcoming guests through its doors since 1971, The Capital is a unique five-star boutique hotel in the heart of Knightsbridge. Just yards from Harrods and Hyde Park, The Capital is ideally placed as it’s also a short walk from the embassies and high commissions of Belgravia and Knightsbridge.

Until recently, The Capital was family owned and run, and it still offers personal service that is so unique in London hotels these days. Despite an extensive refurbishment programme, the hotel has retained its character and style of English luxury with a personal touch. Guests are greeted by Concierges Clive and Graham, serving the hotel for 29 and 24 years respectively. Incredibly charming and helpful, they’re keen to explain all the modcons in the room, plus the history of the building. My Deluxe Double (No 273) had been decorated by British interiors icon Nina Campbell, and had walls clad in Ralph Lauren denim fabric. Decorated with oil paintings and antique furniture, the savoir mattresses are handmade and the bed linen is of the finest Egyptian cotton. The results were luxuriously cosy and supremely comfortable. Accommodation consists of 49 individually designed and air-conditioned bedrooms, including eight suites, seven deluxe doubles and one two-bedroom, two-bathroom suite.

The Apartments next door at 26 Basil Street offer a secure alternative to those looking for more space or longer stays.  Overseen by The Capital Hotel, residents benefit from complete privacy in their own space as though living in their own city pied a-terre.With housekeeping once a week and complimentary Wi-Fi, residents can also make use of the hotel’s concierge, restaurant and bar. Studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments are available – some for the night, but others only by the week or longer lets. The jewel in The Capital’s crown has to be its spacious new two-storey Penthouse. The 1,700 square feet apartment offers a stylish base for up to six guests. Over two floors, the space includes two terraces overlooking the rooftops of Knightsbridge, a bright sitting room with floor-to-ceiling windows, and a large, well-equipped, open-plan kitchen with dining area ideal for entertaining.

The Capital also houses Michelin-starred restaurant, Outlaw’s at The Capital.  Seafood-championing chef, Nathan Outlaw focuses on simply prepared, ecologically sound British seafood from Cornwall. Outlaw’s father is also very much part of the operation, as the hotel’s bread and pastry-maker. Buzzing with a lovely atmosphere, the bar is a fun place to go for a cockail or a lighter bite. Ideal for a celebration, meeting or special occasion, the Eaton and Cadogan Suites are the perfect setting to for parties up to 24 guests.

The Harrods taxi rank and nearby Underground (Piccadilly line) guarantee easy access to the whole of London, plus Heathrow and Gatwick airports. Perhaps this property is London’s best kept secret? It shouldn’t be. The Capital is a quintessentially British hotel offering a quintessentially British experience.

THE CAPITAL HOTEL & APARTMENTS 

22-24 BASIL ST, LONDON SW3 1AT

T: +44 (0)20 7589 5171 

WWW.CAPITALHOTEL.CO.UK