Luxury Knightsbridge apartment outside Harrods

Hotel Description

Honestly, when I first walked up to Jefferson House on Basil Street, I almost wondered if I’d gotten the address wrong – it’s one of those classic London buildings that doesn’t scream “holiday rental” from the outside, which is actually perfect if you want to feel like you’re living in Knightsbridge rather than just visiting. The location is absolutely mad good though (and I mean that in the best way). You’re literally across the street from Harrods’ back entrance, so close that you can practically smell the luxury wafting over, but far enough from the main Brompton Road chaos that you won’t hear tour groups at 7am.

The apartment itself feels properly lived-in rather than sterile hotel-ish, which I loved. The furnishings are that sweet spot between fancy and comfortable – you know, nice enough that you feel a bit posh making your morning coffee, but not so precious that you’re afraid to actually use anything. The kitchen’s surprisingly well-equipped for London standards, though honestly, with Borough Market just a tube ride away and all of Knightsbridge’s restaurants on your doorstep, you probably won’t be doing much cooking anyway. What really struck me was how quiet it gets at night, considering you’re in the heart of everything. Basil Street sort of tucks away from the main thoroughfares, so you get this lovely residential feel even though Harvey Nichols is a three-minute walk away.

The thing that really sells this place for me is the neighborhood access – and I don’t just mean the obvious stuff like Harrods (though obviously that’s brilliant if you’re into that scene). You’ve got the little Knightsbridge Green just around the corner, which hardly anyone talks about but it’s lovely for morning coffee when the weather’s decent. Plus you’re walking distance to both Hyde Park Corner and South Kensington tube stations, so getting anywhere is dead easy. I mean, the 4-star rating feels about right – it’s not trying to be the Ritz, but everything works properly, the wifi doesn’t cut out every five minutes, and the shower actually has decent pressure (you’d be surprised how rare that is in London). The only minor thing I’d mention is that the building’s a bit old-school British, so don’t expect massive rooms or loads of storage space, but honestly, when you’re staying somewhere this central, you’re probably not spending much time indoors anyway. For the money and location, it’s exactly what you want from a proper London base.

Rooms

• Deluxe Apartment with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child

Facilities