Matthew Steeples reviews Chelsea townhouse hotel San Domenico House
San Domenico House is a hidden secret; a small hotel that’s physically minutes from the bustle of Sloane Square yet literally a world away from it.
Featuring just 17 rooms and suites and part of the San Domenico Hotels collection, this boutique hotel is situated within a Victorian building that was a private house and then apartments prior to its conversion in 1991.
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Owned by an Italian named Marisa Melpignano since 2005, the San Domenico House is stylish yet comfortable. The rooms are individually and opulently designed, furnished with antiques and spacious. Some feature private terraces with views over the Kings Road towards Battersea Power Station and though this isn’t a place that would appeal to a minimalist, the emphasis here is entirely on comfort and luxury.
Whilst lacking a dedicated in-house restaurant given its size, the San Domenico House is, however, situated close to many excellent dining spots. In the locality, I’d especially recommend the stalwart that is La Brasserie on Brompton Cross and the newly renovated Toto’s in Lennox Gardens Mews. Breakfast, however, was brought to the room and the full English I tried was excellent, hearty and set me up perfectly for the day ahead. Room service options are also available for those who wish to dine in during their stay.
San Domenico House feels more like a home than a hotel. It is the perfect place to stay if you seek something a little more discreet than the vast monolithic hotels of Knightsbridge and the West End.
The Essentials
Room to swing a cat? The room I stayed in was spacious and came with its own terrace. To be able to have breakfast outside on a summer’s morning was a highlight of the stay.
Piles of pillows? A great night’s sleep resulted from there being a soft pillows and a good quality mattress.
Shower power? The room featured a bathroom with both a bath and an oversized shower with strong pressure. Plenty of towels were supplied along with a full selection of Molton Brown toiletries. A steam iron was brought to the room on request.
Can you connect? WiFi was easy to access and is free for residents. The signal strength was perfectly adequate.
The price? Rooms start at £255 per night including breakfast at San Domenico House. In my view, this is great value for money given the location, quality of the rooms and standard of service.
San Domenico House, 29 – 31 Draycott Place, London, SW3 2SH. Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7581 5757.
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Readers have their say
7 comments
What a surprise. Many a times I’ve passed by and was unaware this little jewel existed. I wouldn’t rave over a view of the power station though!
I must agree Glenmore. I never realised this hotel existed despite passing on a daily basis. It is definitely one I will suggest to my friends when they visit London. The lesson here is to look up when you’re walking rather than constantly monitoring ones mobile phone.
Good tip to have up one’s sleeve when tourist season kicks off.
I can’t understand why people go to these monstrous hotel chains, such as that the dreadful Forte family, used to run when these delightful boutique hotels exist.
You are wrong about the Fortes. Their hotels are excellent. I like Browns very much. The restaurant is great value – especially for the Sunday lunch from the trolley. Go and try it. You will not be disappointed.
This looks like a gem will try and stay here next time in London.
I shall follow your lead Gisela. I like little hotels where there is personal service and Sloane Square is indeed the best place in the world. I shall consider it when I next come to London (I live in Florida myself).