When a hotel you’ve never heard of in a slightly insalubrious area suddenly gets voted ‘Best in London’, a visit is de rigeur. And The Eccleston Square Hotel doesn’t disappoint.
In our chic little sleep space, there was a place for everything (if not much elbow room) from clothes to bedside treats; it is this ingenious high design and technological innovation which have won those top votes from 300,000 readers of Conde Nast Traveler.
Cutting-edge modernity - and, indeed, Parisian-style chic - is unexpected within a pair of listed Georgian townhouses behind Victoria Coach Station. Not nearly so smart as the Pimlico side of this mixed neighbourhood, it’s surely due for a massively regentrifying upgrade over the coming year.
And the French brother and sister who took what was a budget hotel and converted it into luxury lodgings have rightly won young entrepreneur awards along with coveted membership of the Design Hotels group; director Olivia Byrne is not yet 30.
No expense has been spared. Guests sleep in top of the range Hastens massage beds, the built-in televisions have huge HD screens and concierge and butler service are available at the touch of an in-room iPad.
Our bathroom was smart if slightly disconcerting given the amount of mirroring, while a lovely touch in central London was a balcony overlooking the square with table and chairs at which to enjoy a beer from the minibar, complimentary for everyone booking direct via the website.
Breakfast options include beautifully-made eggs Florentine as well as Benedict or with soldiers, all very reasonably-priced, as is the salmon bagel. Service is friendly, and for this high-tech quality in such a central London location, the room rates can’t be beat.
Rates: Rooms from £138.60 per night
