Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel Review: A Luxurious Suite Staycation in Knightsbridge, London

Having lived in London now for my entire (so far) life, it’s amazing the amount of places I’ve still never visited. I’ve never been inside half of London’s most important landmarks, only walked past some of the cities most famous hotels and my list of restaurants still to visit is so long I’ve given up ticking anything off of it. One place I’ve been meaning to explore is one that’s very close to my home – Jumeriah Carlton Tower Hotel in Knightsbridge. I walk past this hotel almost every weekend when in London and so it was about time we finally discovered what this luxury London hotel had to offer.

I really didn’t know what to expect from the Jumeriah Carlton Tower, but I was much more surprised than I’d expected to be. From the outside this large building is rather unassuming, but inside it’s drop dead gorgeous. The hotel has been a Knightsbridge establishment for over 50 years and is a hotel known by just about everyone. Enter through the main doors, drop your bags off, grab your room key, gawk at the lobby’s beauty – and relax. The fleet of staff here were some of the most welcoming I’ve experienced in London and it all felt very personal from arrival to departure.

And then it was time for the main spectacle – checking into our room! We were staying in the Chelsea Suite which is located high up on the 12th floor and offers magnificent views across London. Walking into the suite and you find yourself in a short hallway which leads into the main living area and which also passes a small guest bathroom. The lounge was absolutely stunning and incredibly cosy.

From the huge plump sofas, shades of purples and pinks, large dining area, writing-table and freshly cut flowers dotted all around the room. A well-stocked mini-bar was also offered, as well as a Nespresso machine and a handy little tablet computer for ordering room-service – which was a little temperamental at times.

But one thing in particular really put a smile on my face, the selection of complimentary patisseries waiting for us. Whoever they have lurking in the kitchens here is full of talent. Scrumptious mini caramelised apple tarts, perfectly crafted Paris-brests and oh-so chewy chestnut & white chocolate macaroons. A huge bowl of fresh fruits was also displayed on the dining table, though we didn’t quite get the chance to tuck into them.

And then you step into the bedroom which comes with its very own private terrace. A large plump bed, bevelled mirrors and raindrop chandelier were the biggest features in the room. I loved all of the textures in the room, from the soft touch wall, to silky ribbed head-board and metal studded side-tables. It was certainly on one of the best sleeps I’ve had in a while which was not in my own bed and the air-conditioning unit was incredibly efficient, especially for such a large suite.

One place that’s always an important part of any hotel stay for me is the bathroom. I always need a bath because staying in a hotel is all about relaxation and for me, a bath is an important part fo that experience. This gargantuan bathroom offered everything I was hoping for and more. Heated floors which concentrate on the metal detailed tiles, a large jacuzzi with TV, walk-in shower and double vanity unit. An incredibly cosy bathroom, complimented with Molton Brown spa products to create a full spa experience in your room.

And these were those gorgeous views from our private balcony. The whole of London opened up to us from an area which really doesn’t have many high-rise buildings. With a light wind in the air and the sun beating down on the south-facing balcony, I could have spent all day here.

For those looking for a little peace and relaxation outside of their room, but in the hotel. Head to The Peak Health Club & Spa. One of London’s premier health and beauty centres, this luxury relaxation spaces offers a mixture of modern workout gym equipment, healthy dining options, tranquil swimming pool space and stunning views of London. Read more about my relaxation afternoon here in The Peak Health Club & Spa.

While the other half took an equal helping of those delicious pastries to enjoy on the terrace and watch the sun set, I took mine to the bath and called room service. A blissful hour with the jacuzzi on full power, half bottle of buttery Chablis and my pastries, while catching up with Four Rooms (my excellent choice of course) on the TV. I was in my own personal heaven.

That evening we spent dinner in the hotels restaurant, The Rib Room Bar & Restaurant. Located in the heart of Knightsbridge, on the corner of Sloane Street and Cadogan Place – the restaurant has been feeding and entertaining customers and visitors to this part of town for over 55 years. Delicious cuts of prime steaks, expertly crafted cocktails and a soufflé to die for. Read all about my delicious evening at The Rib Room Bar & Restaurant.

Before climbing into bed, we couldn’t resist gazing out from our balcony across London once last time, watching over the streets of London which were still so alive until the early hours of the morning.

The next morning we decided to spend the last of our time in our room by ordering breakfast in bed. Fluffy pancakes, freshly squeezed juices, tea & coffee and what makes up most of this table – the Arabic breakfast. The latter was a gargantuan offering of feta cheese and olives, yoghurt dips, rich bean stew, scrambled eggs, chicken sausages and beef bacon. This was my kind of breakfast and it transported me back to my mornings in Dubai and Abu Dhabi just last year.

After breakfast we took a short stroll up Sloane Street and into Knightsbridge, before heading back to the hotel and heading home just around the corner. We had such a stunning stay at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel and after all these years I’m so glad we finally made the trip to staycation here. Impeccable service, fantastic food and with some of the capitals best shops on your doorstep. This really is the perfect place to stay in London.

NB: My stay was complimentary. All views are as always, my own. My views are not influenced by anyone other than my own palate and slightly poor eyesight.