LONDON - England 2012 and the Best of Wales - page 191

26 Cadogan Gardens, London SW3 2RP. www.draycotthotel.com. & 800/747-4942 in the U.S. or
020/7730-6466. Fax [phone] units. £312-£430 double. AE, DC, MC, V. Tube: Sloane Sq.
Amenities: Bar; access to nearby health club & spa; room service. In room: A/C, TV/DVD, CD player,
minibar, Wi-Fi (free).
San Domenico House Reclining in a four-poster bed, antiques scattered
around the room, it's hard to believe that you're technically in a B&B. A redbrick Victorian
townhouse that has been tastefully renovated in recent years, San Domenico House is in
the heart of Chelsea near the shops of Sloane Square and the King's Road. Bedrooms
come in varying sizes, ranging from small to spacious, but all are opulently furnished with
flouncy draperies, tasteful fabrics, and sumptuous beds. Our favorite spot is the rooftop
terrace; with views opening onto Chelsea, it's ideal for a relaxing breakfast or drink.
29 Draycott Place, London SW3 2SH. www.sandomenicohouse.com. & 020/7581-5757 or 800/324-
9960 in the U.S. Fax [phone] units. £235-£255 double. AE, DC, MC, V. Tube: Sloane Sq.
Amenities: Babysitting; room service; Wi-Fi (free in lobby). In room: A/C, TV, hair dryer, minibar, Inter-
net (£9 per day).
SOUTH KENSINGTON & EARL'S COURT
Expensive
The Rockwell Proof that London high style doesn't always come with a
high price tag. This independently owned bastion of deluxe comfort occupies a con-
verted Georgian manse in South Kensington. Its bedrooms are tricked out with oak
furnishings and Neisha Crosland wallpaper, each crafted to combine traditional
English aesthetics with modern design. The bedrooms themselves are large and invit-
ing and dressed with the finest of Egyptian cotton, feather pillows, and merino wool
blankets. All are bright and airy with large windows and simple lines, but we prefer
the garden units with their own private patios.
181 Cromwell Rd., London SW5 OSF. www.therockwell.com. & 020/7244-2000. Fax [phone].
40 units. £160-£180 double. AE, DC, MC, V. Tube: Earl's Court or Gloucester Rd. Amenities: Restaurant;
bar; access to nearby gym; room service. In room: A/C, TV, minibar, Internet (free).
Moderate
Base2Stay Visitors who value their independence, and bang for their buck, wel-
comed the opening of Base2Stay—no-frills apartment accommodation with no hidden
extras. What you get are stylish, comfortably furnished rooms with small kitchenettes.
The cheapest rooms contain bunkbeds for two, and suites can be made by way of inter-
connecting rooms. Living may be stripped to the basics, but this is no hostel, as there is
a 24-hour reception as well as daily maid service. Its green credentials are impeccable too.
25 Courtfield Gardens, London SW5 OPG. www.base2stay.com. & 020/7244-2255 or 800/511-9821 in
the U.S. Fax: [phone] units. £122 bunk beds for 2; £135-£190 double. AE, MC, V. Tube: Earl's
Court. Amenities: Wi-Fi (free). In room: A/C, TV, kitchenette.
Inexpensive
Henley House This B&B stands out from the pack around Earl's Court—
and it's better value than most. The redbrick Victorian row house is on a communal
fenced-in garden that you can enter by borrowing a key from the reception desk. The
decor is bright and contemporary; a typical room has warmly patterned wallpaper,
chintz fabrics, and solid-brass lighting fixtures. The staff members take a keen inter-
est in the welfare of their guests and are happy to take bewildered newcomers under
their wing, so this is an ideal place for London first-timers.

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