The Capital Hotel, Apartments & Townhouse

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about The Capital? It’s actually three different experiences rolled into one property, which sounds gimmicky but somehow really works. Walking up to the main hotel entrance on Basil Street, you’re hit with this old-school London elegance – I mean, we’re talking proper Knightsbridge here, where the doormen still wear actual uniforms and know your name by the second day.

The location is honestly ridiculous in the best way possible. You’re literally a two-minute walk from Harrods (dangerous for the credit card), and Harvey Nichols is right there too. But here’s the thing locals know – duck down Hans Crescent and you’ll find some brilliant little cafés that tourists completely miss. The townhouse section feels more residential, tucked away enough that you’re not dealing with the constant Knightsbridge foot traffic, but close enough that you can still pop out for those late-night Whole Foods runs on Gloucester Road.

What I really appreciated was how different each accommodation type feels. The main hotel rooms have that classic British luxury thing going on – thick carpets, heavy curtains, the kind of bathroom fixtures that make satisfying clicks when you turn them. The apartments are more modern, actually functional if you’re staying longer than a few days, with proper kitchens and living spaces. Honestly, after a week of London restaurant prices, having a kitchen starts to feel pretty essential. The townhouse units are sort of the sweet spot – they’ve got character but don’t feel stuffy, and the extra space means you’re not living out of a suitcase.

Service-wise, they’ve got that British hospitality down pat. Not overly chatty, but genuinely helpful when you need something. The concierge actually knew about a jazz club in Soho I’d been trying to track down, which impressed me more than the usual restaurant recommendations everyone gives. Check-in was smooth even when I arrived stupidly early after a red-eye flight – they sorted out early access to my room without making me feel like I was asking for the moon.

The 8.4 rating feels about right, maybe even conservative. It’s not perfect – the WiFi can be spotty in some of the townhouse units (though honestly, where isn’t it?), and if you’re in one of the Basil Street facing rooms, you’ll hear some traffic noise. But that’s London for you. The area gets properly quiet after about 11 PM, which is more than you can say for most central London spots.

What really sells it for me is the neighborhood feel despite being in the heart of everything. You’ve got Hyde Park literally across the street for morning runs, the V&A and Natural History museums are a pleasant walk through South Ken, and the tube connections are brilliant – Knightsbridge station is right there, and you can walk to South Kensington if the Piccadilly line is acting up. It’s the kind of place where you feel like you’re actually living in London for a bit, not just passing through as a tourist.

Rooms

• Junior Suite with 1 large double bed for 4 adults
• Classic Double with 1 double bed for 2 adults
• Deluxe King Room with 1 large double bed for 2 adults
• Superior King Room with 1 large double bed for 2 adults
• One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 2 adults
• Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 double bed for 4 adults
• Capital Townhouse Classic Room with 1 large double bed for 2 adults
• Capital Townhouse Superior King with 1 large double bed for 2 adults
• Capital Townhouse Deluxe King with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults
• Capital Town house Junior Suite with sofa bed with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 2 adults
• Studio with 1 large double bed for 2 adults
• Penthouse Apartment with 2 × 1 double bed and 1 large double bed for 6 adults
• Hyde Park Suite with 1 large double bed, 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults

Facilities