Breaking Travel News review: Wyndham Grand London Chelsea Harbour

7 November 2013

While you might expect quite a stuffy affair from an all-suite, luxury hotel on the River Thames in Chelsea, the Wyndham Grand has the charm of a smaller, boutique property.

With long-term guests joining bustling business travellers – and one guest actually living there full time – the hotel can seem surprisingly cozy.

There are just 158 suites, including four stunning penthouses, most of which have spectacular views over Chelsea Harbour, the Thames and the London skyline.

Guests mingle in the Chelsea Riverside Brasserie - which offers quality, seasonal produce to create classic British dishes with a modern twist – or sip Taittinger at Harbour Bar, whiling away the hours in the naturally lit interiors.

Just around the corner the exclusive shops of Sloane Square and Knightsbridge await, making the hotel the perfect spot to set up camp for a shopping trip, but inside it is very much a case of relaxation first.

The refurbished Blue Harbour Health Club & Spa, with its large pool, six treatment rooms, nail bar and hair salon, is open to guests and offers a wide range of treatments and therapies, with a signature treatment - a relaxing essential oil candle massage - costing £90. The spa works with Susan Molyneux, Aromatherapy Associates and Voya.

Marina views at the Wyndham Grand London Chelsea Harbour

Each of the suites is spacious, airy and contemporary in style, reflecting the hotel’s emphasis on a sense of place and sophistication. All include a separate living room area and many have private balconies overlooking the marina.

With so much on offer, the Wyndham Grand is quite a draw for UK visitors.

General manager Xavier Montembault explained to Breaking Travel News: “We largely look after UK business, with half our guests traveling domestically. The rest come from Europe, the Middle East, and the occasional American visitor.

“There are a lot of repeat visitors. The advantage of this property is that it is unique – we are the only all suite, five star hotel in London. The setting, on the river, the quiet atmosphere, they give us a real advantage.

“Once you visit, you will certainly come back.”

Chelsea Riverside Brasserie

Suite Deal

On the top floor, a recent refurbishment saw the launch of four new suites, each individually-designed. These are themed after London fashion styles and come complete with views over London.

The King’s Suite embraces truly British design using an eclectic mix of fabrics, flamboyant velvets and furnishings, and includes a vibrant Union Jack headboard, while the Savile Suite takes inspiration from the timeless gentlemen’s tailoring of Savile Row.

Next door the Kensington Suite offers guests old world charm using subtle pinstripes and Paul Smith fabrics. The living area, leading onto the balcony, has stained timber panelling and has soft seating. Finally, the Abingdon Suite carefully combines Art Deco and London’s iconic Biba style with striking polka dot fabrics and stained oak-lacquered furniture.

A private chef, personal butler and chauffeur can be added to all suites on request. Prices start at £1,500.

Teamwork

Back at work, the property offers over 12,000 sq ft of meeting and events facilities with six meeting rooms, all with natural light and fabulous views over the harbour.

Situated on the ground floor, with a spectacular glass-fronted setting, the Grand Ballroom offers views over the harbour and is ideal for large-scale conference events and private engagements including weddings.

Upstairs three meeting rooms - Albert, Battersea and a private boardroom - are all suited to smaller meetings.

A well kept secret, the Wyndham Grand London Chelsea Harbour combines the sophistication of a small, boutique property with the amenities and location of a larger property. Well worth a visit.