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Travel Editor, David Powell reviews The Capital Hotel, in London …

It’s A Capital Break!



Now is a good time to plan a short break to the UK and London. There’s so much to see and do in London and a visit can be perfect for all sorts of reasons ... sightseeing, shopping, visiting the museums and attractions, perhaps a West End show, to celebrate a special occasion or simply to get away and relax. For whatever reason your choice of hotel needs to be spot on and well situated. I stayed at the luxurious five star Capital Hotel in Knightsbridge, just one minute to Harrod’s and two to Harvey Nichols!

THE CAPITAL

Elegant and English throughout. The Capital is a unique hotel offering a luxury stay and personalised service. The Capital is one of the last remaining family owned and managed five star hotels in London. Opened by its Scottish proprietor David Levin in 1971 it still is today a family-run hotel managed by David’s daughter Kate. My wife and I received a warm welcome from Kate on our arrival and from the start of our stay it was clear that exemplary service and comfort are of paramount importance to her and The Capital team.

HOTEL FACILITIES

After checking in, we headed for the Sitting Room for a very welcome and reasonably priced Afternoon Tea. Delicate sandwiches, homemade pastries, scones and delicious jams with a choice of teas or fresh coffee. Afternoon tea is understandably very popular and the hotel strongly recommends pre-booking to avoid disappointment. Now time to quickly unpack. We were shown to our room by the Concierge and it did not disappoint. A lovely, elegant Classic King room overlooking the main street. There are 49 guest rooms in total including eight junior suites, seven deluxe doubles and both Classic Queen and double classic rooms. Next-door The Apartments are also available for longer stays.

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Each uniquely decorated room has Nina Campbell fabrics along with English antiques and art from David Levin’s private collection. Hand-stitched mattresses, indulgent linen and oversized bathrobes along with complimentary Wi-Fi and the personal touches make all the difference. As you would expect from a hotel of this calibre all the services and facilities available in each room ensures a very comfortable stay.

THE CAPITAL BAR

Cosy and inviting, The Capital Bar is managed by Cesar Da Silva. Under Cesar, who has been granted the honour of Keeper of the Quaich, (an exclusive International Society formed with the purpose of promoting the heritage and quality of Scotch whisky by leading Scotch whisky distillers) the bar has amassed an almost unrivalled whisky collection. There’s a great selection of cocktails and light bar meals are also available throughout most of the day and evening. Cesar regularly hosts whisky and cheese pairing events, where an impressive range of whisky is expertly matched with a selection of British cheese.

DINING AT THE CAPITAL

The Michelin starred Outlaw’s at The Capital is masterminded by Nathan Outlaw, arguably Britain’s best seafood chef. The Capital gives Cornish based Nathan a London outpost for the first time in his celebrated career, focusing on simply prepared and ecologically sound British seafood. Head Chef, Pete Biggs, sources the freshest and best seafood producing a wonderful menu accompanied by a great selection of wines. We had been looking forward to our dinner reservation and after drinks in the bar we were shown to our table in the light, airy and elegant restaurant. The quality of the food was outstanding and service by the restaurant team first class.

THE METRO WINE BAR AND BISTRO

An additional dining option with classic favourite dishes can be found next door at The Metro Wine Bar and Bistro. Here there’s an impressive selection of wines, including those from David Levin’s own organic winery in the Loire Valley, the Levin Vineyard

CONCLUSION

This is a truly luxurious five star London hotel with a distinct advantage of being family owned and managed. During my stay all the staff I came across were friendly, polite and professional. My wife and I were referred to by name and we felt valued guests. It was a real pleasure to stay here where nothing was too much trouble. It’s in a great location just a short distance from Hyde Park and a few minutes from Harrod’s and the fashionable shopping areas of Knightsbridge. This well run hotel sets a very high standard. The Capital is situated at 22 - 24 Basil Street, Knightsbridge, London SW3 1AT For reservations: 020 7591 1200 Email: reservations@capitalhotel.co.uk Website: MORE INFORMATION: The Capital, Knightsbridge is a perfect location for a city break. The Capital offers a Shop Till You Drop Package from £225 per person per night (based on two sharing) including a £50 Harrods’ voucher, Continental breakfast, afternoon tea and a cocktail in the bar. The price is valid, subject to availability throughout 2015. If you want to treat the family, then consider The Capital’s fabulous new two-night Family City Break priced at £950 (less than £120 per person per night) for a family of four. The price includes two nights’ accommodation (sharing a double and interconnecting room on selected dates during school holidays), a generous Continental breakfast each morning, a guided tour to the V&A museum with a London Blue Badge Guide and fish ‘n chips at the Metro Bistro (next door to the Capital) on return. For whisky aficionados, Head Barman, Cesar Da Silva, offers tempting Scotch Whisky and English Cheese Tastings for just £40 per person in the convivial Capital Bar. The price includes three pairings and a whisky-based cocktail (advance booking essential and minimum of two people). All prices are subject to availability, include VAT, and based on two sharing a room.


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David Powell -- Bio and Archives

David Powell – Travel Editor

David has been a travel editor for over 18 years and he writes and edits regular travel sections for regional papers and magazines in the south east England. David covers a wide range of destinations, both in the UK, Europe and further afield that he considers will appeal to his readers.


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