Photo courtesy 11 Cadogan Gardens
A welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the big city ritzy Chelsea is a popular spot to stay when visiting London. To help you, contributor Gina Baksa shares her list of the top luxury Chelsea hotels
Updated Nov 4, 2022 / Commissions may be earned from our affiliate partner links
London’s Chelsea neighbourhood is one of the classiest districts in the UK capital. Home to multi-million pound townhouses, luxury Chelsea hotels, and Michelin-starred restaurants – as well as the famous Saatchi Gallery – this former fishing village on the banks of the River Thames is the perfect luxury base for your London vacation.
Take a stroll down the King’s Road and explore its high-end boutiques and cafés, before a riverside walk along Chelsea Embankment and Cheyne Walk. Stop for coffee and people watching at one of Sloane Square’s cool cafés before dinner at the River Café or Gordon Ramsay. If the city buzz gets too much, fun things to do include taking a tranquil stroll in the four-acre Chelsea Psychic Garden to soothe the savage within. Chelsea fans know that nearby Stamford Bridge is home to their favourite football club.
Chelsea boasts an eclectic selection of luxury hotels near Sloane Square that are also within easy reach of the West End and the City. Here are just some of our favourite luxury Chelsea hotels.
The Best Luxury Chelsea Hotels
11 Cadogan Gardens
Number 11 Cadogan Gardens is an iconic Chelsea luxury hotel near Sloane Square, located on a quiet tree-lined square. Just a stone’s throw from the King’s Road and Harrods, this luxury townhouse hotel boasts several suites.
For the ultimate in luxury, choose, the first-floor spacious Sloane Suite; connected via a private staircase, two Signature suites create an exclusive Chelsea townhouse retreat. Enjoy cocktails at the hotel’s seductive Chelsea Bar before in-house brunch, lunch or supper at the Hans’ Bar and Grill.
Riley Recommends: For reviews, rates, and reservations, check out our preferred accommodation partner at 11 Cadogan Gardens
Belmond Cadogan Hotel
Belmond Cadogan Hotel is located next to Sloane Square tube station and forms part of the prestigious Belmond Group. With such a central location, guests are ideally placed to enjoy the very best Chelsea and Knightsbridge high-end retail, galleries, restaurants, and museums.
After a hectic morning sightseeing and exploring trendy Chelsea boutiques, relax in the Cadogan’s tranquil private gardens far from the madding crowd. With 54 rooms and suites, this charming Georgian townhouse hotel offers guests luxurious accommodation, alongside the finest British cuisine from chef Adam Handling at his eponymous in-house restaurant.
Riley Recommends: For reviews, rates, and reservations, check out our preferred accommodation partner at Belmond Cadogan Hotel
Sloane Square Hotel
Located directly on iconic Sloane Square, Sloane Square Hotel is just minutes from luxury boutique shopping on the King’s Road and a short walk to Sloane Square tube. Whether you are traveling solo or with a family, the single rooms and Junior Suite – overlooking Sloane Square – will accommodate you in style. Choose from 100 air-conditioned rooms with quality linens and the softest pillows.
Local attractions include Buckingham Palace, the Natural History Museum, and the renowned Victoria & Albert Museum. For a bird’s eye view of central London, head to the London Eye, only a short cab ride away.
Riley Recommends: For reviews, rates, and reservations, check out our preferred accommodation partner at Sloane Square Hotel
Draycott Hotel
Built in 1890, the Draycott offers 35 individually decorated boutique rooms and suites, designed by interiors guru Rupert Lord. His elegant vintage-inspired décor boast theatrical flair alongside eye-catching Edwardian antiques that add to the stately yet homely ambiance.
Cosy up together in front of a real fire in many of the suites and enjoy tranquil views over the hotel’s private garden. The deluxe family suite enjoys a garden view and connects with a single room, while some suites have a fully equipped kitchen. Perfect for longer stays or quarantine!
Riley Recommends: For reviews, rates, and reservations, check out our preferred accommodation partner at Draycott Hotel
The Chelsea Harbour Hotel
Overlooking Chelsea Harbour Marina and the River Thames, the luxury suites and penthouses at Chelsea Harbour Hotel boast the most spectacular views in London.
Work out at the hotel’s health club and spa – Princess Diana was a regular here – before supper at the in-house Chelsea Riverside Brasserie.
Chef Steve Tonkin has created a fabulous British-Italian fusion menu here, alongside afternoon tea at the Harbour Bar and Terrace. An unmissable English tradition to enjoy while admiring the yachts in the Marina below.
Riley Recommends: For reviews, rates, and reservations, check out our preferred accommodation partner at The Chelsea Harbour Hotel
The Franklin – Starhotels Collezione
A luxury Chelsea hotel par excellence, the Franklin Starhotels Collezione offers guests subtle sophistication alongside exquisitely furnished comfort. Each of the hotel’s 35 rooms and suites afford views over Knightsbridge or the leafy Egerton Gardens. Choose the huge Presidential Suite for luxurious marble features, a walk-in closet and exquisite private lounge.
Chelsea has a plethora of superb restaurants, but don’t miss The Franklin’s own eatery, run by Chef Alfredo Russo whose dedication to the culinary arts has earned him a Michelin star. Cocktails at the Martini and Champagne bar are the perfect start to a wonderful evening in this luxurious Chelsea hotel near Sloane Square.
Riley Recommends: For reviews, rates, and reservations, check out our preferred accommodation partner at The Franklin – Starhotels Collezione
San Domenico House
Built in 1887, initially as a stately private residence, San Domenico House is one of Chelsea’s premier luxury boutique hotels. Each of the 19 bedrooms is a work of art: an homage to vintage style and aesthetics with four-poster beds, stunning artwork and a selection of opulent fabrics and exquisite antiques.
Enjoy panoramic views over this select neighbourhood from the spacious Junior Suite with comfort air-conditioning, plasma TV and complimentary Wi-Fi. Ideally located for designer shopping on the King’s Road, Harrods, and the extraordinary collection at the V&A Museum.
Riley Recommends: For reviews, rates, and reservations, check out our preferred accommodation partner at San Domenico House
Sydney House Chelsea
Could this be Kensington and Chelsea’s best-kept secret? Make a reservation at this stylish seven-storey Chelsea townhouse just off the King’s Road during your visit to the UK capital.
Your discreet Chelsea bolthole offers 21 thoroughly modern and stylish rooms, and if a private roof garden is top of your Chelsea hotel wish list then book the Room at the Top with incomparable views over Chelsea and South Kensington. The Brownswood family owners also own the famous Bath Priory hotel in Bath.
Riley Recommends: For reviews, rates, and reservations, check out our preferred accommodation partner at Sydney House Chelsea
Millennium & Copthorne Hotels at Chelsea FC
Football fans looking for Chelsea hotels near the superstar Chelsea team’s home ground will strike gold at this hotel since it’s quite literally located in the grounds of the team’s HQ at Stamford Bridge.
Not only that, the Millennium & Copthorne Hotels at Chelsea FC are just a short cab ride from the King’s Road, Sloane Square, and the West End. Hypnos beds, unlimited hi-speed Wi-Fi and access to the hotel’s business centre are just some of the amenities, alongside access to the Chelsea Health Club and Spa.
Riley Recommends: For reviews, rates, and reservations, check out our preferred accommodation partner at Millennium & Copthorne Hotels at Chelsea FC
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel London – Chelsea
The Hilton brand is synonymous with comfortable, superbly located accommodation, and the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel London Chelsea is no exception.
Just a short taxi ride to the boutiques and restaurants along the King’s Road, Chelsea Harbour, and Chelsea Football Club’s home ground at Stamford Bridge, the hotel’s King Junior Suites offer superb value from their top-floor location while breakfast and à la carte dinner is available in the hotel restaurant.
Riley Recommends: For reviews, rates, and reservations, check out our preferred accommodation partner at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel London – Chelsea
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Contributor Gina Baksa is a freelance lifestyle and features journalist with a focus on luxury brands and experiences. You can follow Gina’s travel adventures on @Travelscriber (Twitter), @ginabaksa (Instagram), www.ginabaksa.com, and www.ginabaksa.journoportfolio.com.
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