The Capital Hotel Rating: 4.0 Pearls

Knightsbridge, London, England

Lobby of the Capital Hotel

Founded in 1969 by the same family who still runs it today, this luxury hotel has a swanky feel with a homey twist -- from the lovely fireplace in the lobby to the Egyptian cotton sheets on the beds. Classically elegant interiors (think oil paintings and gilded mirrors) complement the luxe feel.

The hotel's surroundings are equally upscale, as The Capital has an exclusive location in the tony Knightsbridge neighborhood. The famed Harrods department store and other high-end shops are less than a five-minute walk away.

Guest rooms, however, are somewhat disappointing. Though spacious, they feature dated, generic furnishings that fall far short of the intended look of classic English charm.

View on a Larger Map

The Capital Hotel is located on a quiet street in the upscale Knightsbridge neighborhood. It is within walking distance of the area's famous shopping district that includes the iconic Harrods department store. Other nearby attractions include Hyde Park and the Natural History Museum, which can both be reached on foot in less than 15 minutes.

Knightsbridge is an affluent shopping and residential area populated by well-heeled locals. This neighborhood is home to some of London's wealthiest residents, including Chelsea football club owner Roman Abramovich. High-end sports cars can often be spied on the streets in the warmer months, as vacationing billionaires have their vehicles flown in for the summer.

This area of South Kensington is also known for its French cafes, bookshops, culture institute, and a French secondary school. The neighborhood is filled with French expatriates and Francophiles, and French is often spoken in this part of London

• 3-minute walk to Knightsbridge shopping district, including designer boutiques and Harrods department store
• 6-minute walk to Beauchamp Place for local dining and shopping
• 6-minute walk to Hyde Park
• 12-minute walk to the Victoria and Albert Museum
• 13-minute walk to the Natural History Museum
• 13-minute walk to the Sloane Square shopping district
• 13-minute walk to the Saatchi Gallery that features contemporary art
• 15-minute walk to the Science Museum
• 14-minute tube ride to Piccadilly Circus and the theatre district
• 17-minute tube ride to Covent Garden
• 20-minute bus ride to Notting Hill Gate and Portobello Market
• 20-minute tube ride to Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, London Eye, and scenic walks along the Thames
• 22-minute tube ride to Trafalgar Square, National Portrait Gallery, the Institute of Contemporary Arts, Tate Modern, and the South Bank

Living Room of the Junior Suite

Rooms and suites feature a fusion of classic adornments such as gilded mirrors and oil paintings with high-tech amenities that include flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi. However, the combination of patterned wallpaper, wall-to-wall carpeting, and heavy wood furniture used to create a classic English feel comes off as dowdy and dated.

The hotel's apartments have a much more modern feel, with parquet floors, paper lamps, and contemporary art prints throughout. The plain, light wood furnishings almost feel Ikea-esque, though, which may not be to everyone's taste.

• Free Wi-Fi
• Flat-screen TVs with satellite channels and email feature
• Hand-stitched mattresses and Egyptian cotton sheets
• 24-hour room service
• Coffee/tea makers available upon request
• Rooms and suites have luxe marble bathrooms with Kiehl’s toiletries
• Antique adornments and oil paintings in rooms and suites
• Dowdy mix of patterned wallpaper, wall-to-wall carpeting, and heavy wood furniture in rooms and suites
• Apartments have a contemporary vibe, with parquet floors and paper lamps
• Plain wood furnishings in apartments have a generic look

The Cadogan Suite meeting room

• Free Wi-Fi
• Three meeting rooms with elegant decor
• Pricey fees to park in private hotel garage
• Babysitting services available
• View full list of amenities

The Capital Bar

• The Capital Restaurant serves innovative New French cuisine in an elegant, oak-paneled dining room.
• The Capital Bar offers a fine selection of cocktails and spirits in a sophisticated setting.
• 24-hour room service