Riverside
development in swanky Chelsea neighborhood 10 minutes' walk
from Kings Road
One block from
Imperial Wharf train station
Welcome chocolate
chip cookie
Particularly
comfortable beds and modern decor in guest rooms
On-site
restaurant and bar/lounge
Free Wi-Fi
throughout
Bit away from the
city center
Some
soundproofing issues between rooms
No health or spa facilities
The DoubleTree by
Hilton London Chelsea is an upper-middle-range, 172-room hotel set in a swanky
southwest London neighborhood close to the river. Although the immediate
surrounds aren't particularly attractive, there's plenty of upmarket shopping
and dining within walking distance -- though central London is a bit of a trek.
Rooms are smart and comfortable with flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges, though thin walls can be a problem. Hotel
facilities are also on the sparse side, however eating and drinking are covered
perfectly well with a sleek bar/lounge and grill restaurant. All in all, it's a perfectly good option for guests who have business or
leisure in the area, otherwise look elsewhere.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Businesslike chain hotel vibe with dash of ritz and warm-cookie welcome
Opened in 2004 as
the Jurys Inn London Chelsea, this hotel was renovated, re-branded, and
relaunched as a DoubleTree by Hilton in 2014. The architecture of curved metal
paneling mixed with glass and concrete is unmistakably millennium in style, and
very much in step with its surrounding riverside developments. Stepping inside,
the low-ceilinged, open-plan lobby is a relaxing space with polished marble
floors and a long, mirrored reception desk reflecting light from hanging
chandeliers and large floor-to-ceiling windows. The vibe is mostly professional
and businesslike with a dash of ritz, attracting largely corporate customers --
though the presence of the signature DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie on
arrival also provides a warm welcoming touch.
Location
Modern riverside development in swanky Chelsea 10 minutes' walk from Kings Road
The hotel is
located in Chelsea’s Imperial Wharf -- a riverside development in one of
London's most upmarket neighborhoods in the southwest of the city. Although the
immediate surrounds aren't particularly attractive, swanky Kings Road, with its
luxury boutiques and fancy restaurants, is a 10-minute walk away while the
deluxe Chelsea Harbour development is just over five (where guests can catch a
River Bus along the Thames). The nearest public transport is Imperial Wharf
Overground station, which connects directly to the major transport hub of
Clapham Junction just south of the river, and to other destinations in the south
of England. Central London is about a 20 minute cab without traffic, or around
half an hour to 40 minutes by public transport.
Rooms
Smart rooms with an emphasis on comfort, though thin walls an issue
The hotel has 172
rooms, all of which are air-conditioned and decorated in smart, neutral tones
with sleek, wooden furnishings and chrome accents. Standard rooms are accented with cityscape photographic prints, while Deluxe rooms and suites have Laura Ashley-designed, nature-inspired wall art and accessories. Wi-Fi is free of charge, while 26-inch flat-screen TVs, safes, and mini-fridges come as standard. A particular
emphasis is placed on comfort with bespoke "Sweet Dreams" beds and
ergonomic desk chairs. However, although clean and perfectly adequate with free toiletries,
bathrooms feel a little dated, outfitted with simple shower/tub combos. Soundproofing between rooms can also be an issue. Most top-level
rooms have impressive city views.
Features
Eating and drinking options -- though little else
For a property of
this caliber, hotel facilities are certainly on the thin side. A full buffet
breakfast is served each morning in the pleasant, modern restaurant (though is
extra), which also offers lunch and dinner menus emphasizing grilled steaks. There is also a fairly plush
bar/lounge area, which also serves breakfast on-the-go as well as coffee and drinks
throughout the day. The business center comprises a printer and a couple of terminals. There's no parking on-site (though it's available nearby) and
nothing in the way of health or spa facilities. Wi-Fi is free throughout, as are the warm chocolate chip cookies on arrival.
