I love boutique hotels. The smaller they are the more personal and warmer they become. So nice not to be lost in a crowd. Hidden away, just off the beaten track, in the heart of residential Knightsbridge is Egerton House Hotel, a charming, cozy, and intimate boutique hotel. Such a splendid place to stay.
Dating from 1843 it’s part of the family-run Red Carnation Collection which, in London, comprises The Rubens at the Palace, Hotel 41; The Chesterfield; The Milestone, and The Montague on the Gardens.
Right on the hotel’s doorstep is Harrods the world-famous department store and, just beyond, Harvey Nichols and many top fashion boutiques. It’s a very short walk also to the Victoria & Albert Museum, Natural History Museum, and Science Museum. A 15-minute walk away is the Royal Albert Hall, Hyde Park, Kensington Palace (the former home of Princess Diana), and Chelsea and its famous Kings Road, a pivotal part of the swinging 60s and the home of Punk in the 80s. Having lived in London myself my favorites are the little shops on nearby Walton Street and the Bibendum restaurant in the art deco Michelin former tire building.
Outdoors flower boxes frame the windows, trim plants in boxes line the entrance, and a Union Jack proudly presides to herald a very British experience within. Described by Forbes Travel Guide as “one of the finest 5-star properties in the world” in 2022, I knew I was in for a special experience. It’s spread across two elegant and grand red-brick Victorian townhouses. Refreshingly it’s neither flashy nor showy. Rather it’s a very boutique luxury townhouse hotel. And so peaceful and tranquil.
The hotel’s interior, set over six floors, is harmonious from one room to the next with tasteful hues and tones. There are striped wallpaper and chequered carpets. It all felt exquisite and historic. The foyer has jars of sweets and a divine floral bouquet. The rooms are adorned with original lithographs by Toulouse-Lautrec in the lobby, Picasso in a couple of the bedrooms, and Charles M. Schulz (‘Peanuts’ cartoon creator) in the bar.
Each of the 28 rooms and suites (whose rates start from $400 per night) are decorated differently. My room had a wonderful tented canopy with snooping views out over residential rooftops.
The details were scrumptious with gold brocaded fabric and framed pictures, heavy drapes, and eclectic antique furniture. I loved my Savoir bed. There were Floris products in my bathroom where a candle was thoughtfully lit at turndown to assist my watching television from my bath.
There’s no formal dining restaurant as such. I ate in the Drawing Room from my mini-Chesterfield chair in front of a roaring fire amongst plants in elegant vessels and traditional British portraits. It’s exquisite with earthy colors, browns and golds, chandeliers, velvets and leathers. No corners are cut. Even the curtains are double-lined.
The inexpensive menu offered generous helpings and there’s a special selection for vegans and children. The kitchens are committed to sustainability and use locally sourced produce. I loved my courgette soup (mercifully free of cream) and my main: my Chicken Pot Pie which came with a fine array of seasonal vegetables followed by a dollop of Honeycomb Ice cream and paired with wine from the hotel owners’ South African
Bouchard Finlayson Vineyard
The cute small bar has a gallery of framed cartoons for the delectation of the drinking guests. It’s famous for its martinis offered alongside some cheese on toast. The dining room on the lower ground floor is where I had my breakfast. It’s comfortable and homely. With earthy tones of mushroom and taupe, I sat on my leather banquette beneath a hand-painted ceiling, surrounded by dark wood, drapes rich in swags, palm plants, and silver vintage Venetian mirrors. Everywhere the finishing and detail are special. Silver is here while gold is used in the bedrooms. I recommend the ‘shakshuka’ course comprising tomato ragu, roasted peppers, Cannellini beans, baby spinach, avocado, feta, and eggs.
The dining room is also used for private functions and for Afternoon Tea. This is a hugely indulgent quintessentially British traditional fayre. A three-part performance consisting of silver pots of tea with sandwiches, cakes, and then hot scones with strawberry jam.
Those guests needing a daily workout or swim are afforded access to a nearby gym and pool. There are thoughtful touches throughout that include children having Edwin the bear placed on their pillow at turndown and there’s even a special Doggy Afternoon Tea.
As the hotel’s promotional video declares “You arrive as a guest, you leave as a friend and you come back as family”. So cozy and private. So intimate and so like home.
