The Draycott: peaceful privacy in Chelsea

The lounge in the Draycott Hotel, Chelsea. Photo courtesy of the Draycott Hotel.

Fit for royalty

If I were a Belgian princess looking for a weekend away from paparazzi and urban fatigue, I would choose the Draycott Hotel in the famous London neighborhood of Chelsea. This is why.

A personality unfolds

A short walk from Harrods in London, three connected Edwardian townhouses make up the delightfully and purposefully understated Draycott Hotel. During my recent night’s stay, I had the chance to explore the charming and traditional elegance of the hotel. I discovered that if you ask the right questions, the hotel’s personality unfolds.

An unassuming entry. Photo courtesy of the Draycott Hotel.

Just a couple of weeks ago, we nearly passed the hotel altogether thinking Apple Maps had let us astray. My husband was the one who noticed the subtle brass placard next to the door announcing the hotel’s presence on this beautiful shady street. I could already tell this wasn’t going to be a typical hotel. Its atypical nature ended up being what I loved best about the Draycott.

In true 1890 English fashion, the staircases inside are almost random in both direction and length. Walking through the maze-like hallways was an adventure — I found I was almost hoping to get lost on my way to the room. A huge portrait of a woman with a slight smile looks down on those in the reception area — no one knows who she is as she came with the townhouse, but she is welcoming and a little mysterious, just like the hotel.

A guest bedroom. Photo courtesy of the Draycott Hotel.

Each with a name

Our room, a deluxe double with a view of the block’s private garden to which all guests have access, was named after Joyce Grenfell, a beloved British actress. All of the hotel’s 35 rooms have a name, not a number, and all are named for the country’s theatrical or literary best. In each room is a framed biography and the antiques and décor reflect that person’s taste per the genius of interior designer Rupert Lord. Of course this means each and every room is completely unique, although they all have the same adorable teddy bear perched on the bed. As a treat, I was taken to see the room of the world’s most fascinating author, Agatha Christie. It was resplendent in a deep shade of green, her favorite color. Most rooms have working fireplaces in front of squishy sofas which makes for a cozy spot on a chilly evening. In reception, you’ll find a board with every room name displayed for guests to mark whether they’ll be in or out for the day or evening.

The details

Fantastic little details that set the hotel up and apart from others are:

1. Homemade shortbread waiting in the room to surprise guests, made from a family recipe by one of the owners.
2. Tea served at 4 PM, Champagne at 6 PM and hot chocolate at 9:30 PM, all compliments of the hotel.
3. Books available to borrow both in the rooms and in the library.
4. A quintessentially British breakfast served in the dining room each morning.
5. An honor bar for guest use.
6. Staff dedicated to guest privacy, both famous and of the regular sort.
7. Beautiful antiques throughout.
8. An unmatched location for privacy, but with quick access to London.

All of the above combine to make the Draycott Hotel London the perfect choice for those wanting five-star service in a hotel that feels more like home.

Thank you

Many thanks to Lizzie Carr and May Rebekina for their assistance in arranging my stay.