Why Go?
Experience the true meaning of a boutique hotel, with exceptional service in the heart of London. Egerton House feels more akin to stepping into a private townhouse than checking into a five-star hotel – no need for swankiness here, understated glamour is the order of the day.
Honeymoon Style
The ideal bolthole for art and culture-loving honeymooners who prefer their luxury quiet. Perfectly suited for the discreet couple.
Set the Scene
Newlyweds can settle straight into the Egerton pace of life with a welcome drink in the lounge and bar area. Once you sink into the plush, chocolate-brown sofas, a glass of perfectly chilled Lanson Champagne in hand, it’s easy to forget the bustling city lies outside.
This cosy space is the beating heart of the property, exuding old-school British charm at every turn. Think antique furniture, thickly carpeted floors and a bartender dressed, quite aptly, in a formal dinner jacket – it all feels like a throwback to bygone days with a lingering sense of romantic nostalgia. Locals mix with tourists and the mood shifts effortlessly from the sedate afternoon-tea crowd through to something more spirited, though never rowdy, come evening when martinis take centre stage.
Art-loving couples will be captivated by the impressive works adorning the walls. The more formal Victorian portraits sit in the lounge, while the likes of Renoir hang alongside the fun and playful caricatures of Ludwig Bemelmans and Sem, creating a wonderfully eclectic mix. An unexpected gem for Snoopy devotees is an original Charles Schulz sketch – an endearing little detail that adds to the property’s whimsical personality.
Intimacy is rare in London but Egerton House achieves exactly that.
Rooms
Each room is full of character thanks to clever, individual styling with bespoke furnishings. Remarkably, all of them are generous and spacious – no mean feat for a London hotel. Think oversized bedside lamps, chandeliers, fabric-clad walls and heavy draped curtains, paired with unique pieces of artwork and a bronze drinks trolley couples will want to wheel home. The result lends a sense of opulence without a hint of ostentation. Most rooms are decorated in calming hues of brown, cream and beige, with pops of duck-egg green adding a little colour.
The beds are seriously comfortable, dressed in crisp white linen, and couples can take their pick from the pillow menu for a particularly blissful night’s sleep. Marble bathrooms feature handy his-and-hers basins, while the rain showers are gloriously powerful. Modern comforts are intentionally integrated; the kettle and coffee maker are tucked away in the cupboard and plug sockets and flatscreen TV manage not to detract from period features.
For honeymooners, the crowning jewel is the Victoria & Albert Suite, complete with its own separate living area, terrace and pièce de résistance, a Picasso no less. It provides a true romantic haven in the heart of London.
Thoughtful touches make for a meaningful stay, from a handwritten welcome note and fruit basket to delicious homemade brown-butter and sea-salt chocolate chunk cookies and shortbread.
Food and Drink
There’s no formal restaurant here, which only adds to the Egerton’s refreshing charm. Guests are encouraged to dine wherever they feel most comfortable, including in-room – giving newlyweds the perfect excuse to kick off their shoes and relax in their own private honeymoon bubble.
In keeping with the Egerton style, the ‘best of British’ is on offer – from the crispiest fish and chips to the comforting chicken pot pie. Classic and traditional but nothing is too much to ask, specific requests are welcomed to provide the most bespoke service.
Deserving of its ‘best in the UK’ accolade, breakfast is a highlight and warrants a trip in its own right. If not opting for room service, breakfast is served in the dining room downstairs alongside an original Mucha artwork. A few pastries are offered alongside newspapers but this is not a buffet affair. If opting for the Continental breakfast, little pots of goodies like overnight oats, seasonal fruit salad and homemade banana loaf are brought direct to the table. A much more enjoyable breakfast experience. Plus, hot food actually arrives hot – no sign of a lukewarm omelette here. And for the sweet-toothed, short stacked pancakes or French toast are on offer.
Star of the show is the expertly crafted martini, filled to the very brim, requiring honeymooners to experience the aptly named ‘Egerton slurp’ – the only way to sample those first few sips.
And should couples fancy a nibble throughout the day, the lobby always has plentiful glass jars filled with goodies, from brightly coloured bonbon sweeties to moreish nuts and buttery homemade shortbread.
The Story
The home-from-home feel of Egerton House is no coincidence. And neither is the name. Dating back to 1843, Egerton House was originally constructed from two adjoining Victorian houses; the rooms and proportions remain the same as a London townhouse, albeit a wonderfully large and very inviting one. The interiors and furnishings are designed to reflect a beautiful home rather than an imposing hotel. Now sitting under the Red Carnation Hotel umbrella, this intimate atmosphere is maintained, ensuring guests feel at ease from the moment they check in.
The real standout is Egerton House’s partnership with its famous neighbour, the Victoria & Albert Museum. Guests bypass the crowds for exclusive access to the latest exhibitions – even when they’re sold out. A real treat for honeymooners, and a chance to experience the VIP life.
Family-Friendly
Little city explorers will be thrilled with their warm welcome – staff will conduct a special children’s check-in so they feel part of the experience, while age-appropriate games can be provided. Teepees will be set up in the suites and Edwin the Teddy Bear will be lovingly placed on their bed during turndown.
Four-legged members of the family are treated like royalty, with their very own ‘dogtini’ and doggy afternoon tea ensuring perfectly pampered pooches.
Spa
In keeping with the homely feel, there’s no spa on-site. However, for honeymooners craving a bit of post-sightseeing pampering, there’s no need to stray too far from the hotel – treatments can be arranged in advance in the privacy of your room. Alternatively, guests can enjoy complimentary access to the Wellness Club at sister property, The Milestone, a short stroll away.
Eco Friendly
Head chef David Macdonald leads the sustainability team and is serious about his commitment to using local, British produce. Vegetables such as asparagus will only feature on the menu in season and he endeavours to use London suppliers where possible. The drinks menu also champions English wines.
Unsurprisingly, there’s zero plastic in sight – it’s strictly glass water bottles only and no single -use toiletries.
But deeper than this is the way Egerton House introduces its guests to the local people and producers in the neighbourhood through the property’s cultural programme, the salon series. It’s a thoughtful way of encouraging guests to discover the people and places that make this little corner of London so interesting, while supporting the local community along the way.
Location
Arguably one of the most desirable locations in London, Egerton House is tucked away on a residential street of Knightsbridge, home to some of the capital’s most iconic museums, including the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum. Most notably for art enthusiasts, the Victoria & Albert is a mere stone’s throw away. Couples with a penchant for a little retail therapy will be delighted with the short walk to Harrods and Harvey Nichols, alongside the many boutiques to browse on Sloane Street. For a change of scene and a post-afternoon tea stroll, Hyde Park is also within walking distance.
Nightly rates at The Egerton House Hotel start at £505 for a Classic Double Room on a B&B basis.
Discover more: egertonhousehotel.com
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