Capital, London, United Kingdom
Capital 5 Stars
Around the corner from Harrods is this luxuriously intimate address, with a great restaurant and friendly, efficient staff.
The Press Say
"The Capital provides an unfogettable dining experience in its two-Michelin-starred restaurant." Conde Nast Johansens 07
"The intimate, privately owned Capital is just steps from Harrods, with all the lavishness and service of a much larger five-star establishment." The Telegraph 07
Hotel Overview
Review of Capital, by Ramsey Qubein
Just steps from Harrod's main entrance, The Capital provides boutique elegance in a luxury hotel that sits in the heart of trendy Knightsbridge. Country club chic is the general theme throughout beginning with the intimate, fireplace-lit foyer to the individually designed residential guest rooms. Owned and operated by the Levin family, guests can expect owner sightings since he lives at the hotel, executing on the details that make this lodging perfect in every way. From the sherry proffered at check-in to the by-name recognition from staff, guests will feel right at home.
A swanky bar is just off the lobby where master bartenders shake and stir with as much fervent drama as a Royal Opera House performance. The Michelin-starred restaurant is posh, yet unpretentious with a dynamic chef that prepares creations inspired by his French background and British surroundings. A full breakfast is served each morning, and no meal is served without crisp white linens, fine china and perfected service. Alternatively, guests can nosh at Le Metro, the neighbourhood bistro situated on the ground floor of sister hotel the Levin.
Private gatherings take place in the second-floor dining room or meeting space. Business guests can take advantage of wireless internet access throughout the building or the free computer terminal near reception.
All 49 rooms are air conditioned and luxuriously appointed, but that is the only similarity between them. The architectural complexity of the townhouse means that rooms are tucked in corners and around hallways providing privacy. Ranging in size, some rooms feature sitting areas and writing nooks while others have walk-in closets and wood-panelled baths stocked with Molton Brown toiletries. Decorative books, fine art, and fresh flowers are among the cherished artefacts that make this luxury hotel feel like a home. Turndown service arrives nightly, and housekeeping does a phenomenal job overseeing the details. Imagine red ribbons wrapped around the bath mats and hairdryers, and one begins to understand the effort made to impress here.
Beds are wrapped in crisp Egyptian cotton linens, and their hand-stitched mattresses are coated with plump duvets. Flat-screen TVs, robes, slippers, and minibars add to the luxury. Shoes can be shined and clothing ironed at the touch of a button and without charge. Room service is always available. Shoppers delight at its location, but it is the personalised service that wins the hearts of all who stay here.
Facilities
Hotel Policies
Rooms
49Awards
"Best Hotel for Food", Conde Nast (UK) Gold List 06Who stays here?
With London's only two-Michelin-starred restaurant, the Capital naturally attracts foodie pilgrims from around the world. It's also good for well-heeled European businessmen and and anyone in search of a discreet, traditional and slightly eccentric stay. It has eclectic international appeal, as a roll-call of famous names shows: Archbishop Tutu, Michael Winner, the Queen of Norway and Prince Edward have all stayed here.
Come for...
- Traditional Nina Campbell style
- Shop 'til you drop location
Not Suitable for...
- Space: small rooms, some awkwardly shaped
Children
The hotel offers an extra cot for children under 12 years old. There are also interconnecting rooms at the Executive Double size for families. A babysitter can be arranged, for an additional, hourly fee. For young children, they will place a complimentary teddy bear in the room as a welcoming gift.
Eating in
Two-Michelin-starred chef Eric Chavot's kitchen serves delicious modern French cuisine.
Reviews
Review of Capital Hotel, by Fiona Duncan
I think The Capital might be my favourite luxury hotel in London. Its grand style, combined with economy of scale, suits me perfectly. This is a luxury hotel I know well and I'd say that it has never been on better form, better run or provided a more conducive option for a luxurious yet intimate place to stay in London.
The Capital, with its cosy sitting room and bar and its deeply comfortable, ever so English bedrooms, is like coming home, only better.
You are enveloped the moment the doorman ushers you in. "I've forgotten my room number," I told the concierge on duty. "It's 504, Mrs Duncan." How he managed that, I don't know, as he'd never seen me till that moment. This is Clive, the head concierge, who is so practised in his dark art that he is said to be London's finest. He'll even take you jogging. Put him to the test.
And then there's the barman, Cesar, who holds regular cocktail master classes for enthusiastic guests, tasting included. As I can vouch, by the time Cesar has shaken the final concoction, it's a much livelier group than the shy bunch that first gathered.
And then there's The Capital's secret weapon, double-Michelin-starred chef Eric Chavot, passionate about what he cooks in a way that's entirely French and entirely captivating. Lucky me: I have sampled a celebration lunch he whipped up on a yacht in Cannes and now I have glided my way through his wonderful six-course tasting menu here. The foie gras notwithstanding, I was transported to foodie heaven.
Review of The Capital Hotel, by Jenny Pidgeon
The Capital is a small but perfectly formed example of elegant English luxury. This boutique hotel retains an intimate atmosphere and feels like home because of the courteous and smiling staff.
The service that staff provides is faultless - from the moment the doorman greets you as you round the corner from Harrods after another busy day shopping at Harvey Nicks and Sloane Street. The Concierge will wangle you tables at top restaurants and tickets at sold-out shows; nothing is too much trouble. They will even find you a jogging partner should the need arise. This boutique hotel is geared to those seeking a gracious and opulent refuge from the 'rigours' of Knightsbridge life.
The Capital boasts a two-Michelin-starred restaurant. Book well ahead for dinner here as the word has spread that it is one of the best places to eat in London, small and relaxed but retaining the elegant formality seen throughout. The furniture is by David Linley, the room decorated by Nina Campbell (look out for the intriguing turned-wooden pieces on the large mirrors which face each other across the room), the fantastic food by the famed Eric Crouillere-Chavot and the wine chosen by Sommelier of the Year 2002 Matt Wilkin.
Dinner costs around £50 excluding wine, which is produced on the family vineyard in the Loire. The Capital also makes its own preserves which can be purchased at exorbitant prices from the lobby. Although you can order prompt and delicious food on room service, eating in the dining room is well worth it for the chance to watch the chefs at work, your morning croissants aptly accompanied by subdued French chatter from the kitchen.
As you enter the small, wooden-floored lobby, your shopping bags will be whisked away, leaving you to choose between relaxing with a cup of tea and the paper in the cosy sitting room or heading up to your room and collapsing on the fantastically comfortable super-kingsize beds. The 48 rooms are all thoughtfully designed, with fabric from Ralph Lauren and personally chosen original paintings and antique furniture. Some of the rooms at this boutique hotel feature cool blue and cream stripes, whilst others are rather overwhelmingly floral - with chairs, curtains and bed covers all competing for ones attention. The rooms sport handmade mattress on the bed, enclosed in pure Egyptian cotton sheets. The bathrooms are lavishly marble-clad and glistening, featuring Swedish toiletries and plump bathrobes.
Attention to detail is clear in the little touches such as the complimentary umbrella that you will find tucked away in one of the many cupboards in the bedrooms. If you can, reserve one of the six rooms in the older Edwardian wing with its lovely oval staircase which creaks reassuringly as you climb and is decorated with wooden carvings. The newer wing is not quite so full of character, but similar designs and the same luxurious feel in the rooms serve to unify the two parts.