Hotel Review: Cheval Gloucester Park, London – Scotland on Sunday Travel

Did I already mention that I’ve treated myself to a posh pied-à-terre in London’s Kensington, which is full of chic but comfortable furnishings – and makes a great base for whenever I’m in town? Sadly, such a property will only ever be in my dreams (or more precisely, in my illusions), but thanks to Cheval Gloucester Park, I can at least pretend during a stay that sees me adopting its concept of luxurious and very comfortable apartments. .

The property includes just under 100 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, plus three five-bedroom penthouses — and I can’t see any guest category that wouldn’t be a good fit for its offering. Solo travelers, couples, families, and groups of friends would all appreciate having a kitchen and living room in their listing, enjoying the privacy, comfort, and living space of an Airbnb as well as the luxury, sense of occasion and security of a hotel. It’s also more relaxing than the forced formality of the latter where you’re restricted by, say, breakfast serving times.

Cheval Gloucester Park, near Gloucester Road tube station, has undergone a multi-million pound revamp, including an interior remodel with a focus on 1920s London, evident as I enter the marble-floored reception area filled with works of art.

This is one of Cheval Collection’s expanding portfolio of luxury properties in London where apartments are available for both short and long term stays, with options from just one night (all pet friendly) , while the band also have a presence in Edinburgh with the likes of Cheval Old Town Chambers on the Royal Mile.

The word “bedroom” does not do justice to my accommodation – a sprawling two-bedroom apartment with a state-of-the-art kitchen including a dishwasher and washing machine, a living room with a dining table that seats four, a coffee table with several books including one on Frida Kahlo, plus a balcony with seating. The master bedroom is decorated in shades of cream, turquoise and black, with a navy blue copy of The Tower by WB Yeats by the bed. Speaking of towers, this room also has a balcony with views of the turrets of the nearby Natural History Museum, and the city’s skyscrapers, with The Shard in the distance. The bathroom is a gray marble extravaganza, fitted with ARRAN Sense of Scotland toiletries, and with the bedroom can be closed off. The second bedroom has two single beds and its own bathroom with bathtub. The overall vibe is the kind of apartment that Miranda or Carrie of Sex & The City would have been comfortable in – upscale luxury but warm.

Worth getting out of bed for

We also discover some of the group’s other properties, namely Cheval Thorney Court (with a spacious apartment fit for a president) and Cheval Three Quays, where the decoration is more modern (I am thinking of Samantha from Sex & The Ville). . The latter is right next to the Tower of London, and a starting point for the Thames Rockets – and we set off on one of its red speedboats for a white-knuckled ride along the river. We then have lunch on Sunday at the Blacklock chophouse, on the site of London’s premier meat market in the city, where I have a 55 day aged rump roast beef, pink centered meat accompanied by a Yorkshire pudding from the size of a canteloupe.

We eat an exemplary dinner, cooked by a private chef, at Cheval Hyde Park Gate, a truly sprawling apartment like a cross between a stately home and a New York Park Avenue apartment – classic Charlotte from Sex & The City territory – and available longer stays.

Certainly boutique, for example, there are handy hatches accessible both inside and outside the apartments, meaning staff can drop off blankets or food deliveries without disturbing occupants.

Cheval Gloucester Park also has a luxury 12-seat cinema and gymnasium.

The comfortable glamor of the upscale Kensington apartment with the benefits of a London base without the huge expense. Although if I could find someone who would fund my permanent move, that would be fine with me.