This week, we look back at one of our last pre-pandemic trips, back in late 2019. It was an experience to remember, until the world shut down. While some countries are slowly reopening – and others have yet to determine when they will – we decided to finally publish the story of our incredible stay at the Draycott Hotel. Save the date for when you can travel again!

Welcome to the Draycott Hotel by Mantis: one of the finest 5-star hotels Chelsea has to offer. Whether you associate the opulent neighbourhood with flowers, football or reality TV, it is undeniably one of the most decadent and ‘British’ areas to stay in when visiting London, and the Draycott is no different.

Chelsea, the centre of affluence and fashion, offers an incredible array of delicious dining spots, designer boutique shops, exhilarating soccer (pardon me – football!), and extravagant flowers (if you haven’t visited the Chelsea Flower Show, it’s a must). Nestled in the heart of Chelsea on Cadogan Gardens, the Draycott is conveniently located a 5-minute walk from Sloane Square and 15 minutes from Hyde Park and the shopping district of Knightsbridge (hosting the iconic Harrods department store), making it the perfect spot to stay during your visit to Chelsea.

Built in 1890 and emanating all the grandeur that is associated with the 19th century, the Draycott delivers quintessential British accommodation with charm and sophistication. This Edwardian red-brick hotel has been carefully restored to provide a lavish, warm and welcoming experience that makes guests of any type feel the comforts of home.

Upon entering the Draycott, we first walked into the Library – a small and cozy room at the front of the hotel showing off an Edwardian fireplace adorned with intricate woodwork. This space would be a literary enthusiast’s dream, and we could already tell that the rooms would be even cozier.

The Library.

With 35 luxurious, tasteful and individually decorated boutique suites and rooms, our stay certainly felt like home. Unlike other luxury hotels in Chelsea, the Draycott has maintained its strong connection to history without compromising on comfort. Steeped in Edwardian magnificence, each room is theatrically themed and adorned with Victorian antiques that make you feel like you’re in a quaint and quiet home rather than a hotel in one of the most bustling cities in the world. With many of the suites boasting their own cozy fireplace and relaxing views of the hotel’s private Cadogan garden, the air of exclusivity is something that guests will quickly become accustomed to – which we surely did.

We stayed in the decadent Gilbert suite – one of the incredibly spacious and cozy rooms that boasted a private balcony overlooking Cadogan garden – and it was divine, indeed! We weren’t sure what was cozier – the inviting fireplace next to the seating area in our suite, or the adorable little Teddy Bear on the bed sporting a Draycott-branded jumper. We discovered that the rooms are all themed and styled after a prominent figure in English theater. Biographies, portraits and even a small dossier are provided to help familiarize guests with each suite’s highlighted actor or actress: a brief but delightful introduction to the world of English drama.

After our check-in, we visited the Drawing Room for a spot of afternoon tea. The Drawing Room felt like the perfect spot to unwind and read by the fire, with plush fabric sofas in floral patterns and accents of old-British décor. It was also the spot for complimentary tea and biscuits in the late afternoon, champagne and snacks in the early evening, and hot chocolate before bed.

Delivering a truly luxurious 5-star accommodation, the Draycott Hotel quickly became our very own indulgent and decadent retreat during our visit to the city. Whether you’re a family, solo business traveller, or couple, the Draycott offers a divine and tranquil experience for your visit to London.

Videography: Mark Cannataro.

Photography courtesy of the Draycott Hotel and Mark Cannataro.