Hotel
The Savoy
A landmark luxury hotel on the Strand, open since 1889, with Thames views, the American Bar and the Gordon Ramsay Savoy Grill.
A ten-bedroom boutique townhouse hotel on a quiet Pimlico street, with an all-day neighbourhood restaurant and a cocktail bar.
Good to know
Artist Residence London is a ten-bedroom boutique hotel in a Victorian townhouse on Cambridge Street, a quiet residential road in Pimlico. It is part of the small Artist Residence group of characterful hotels. The London hotel combines a relaxed, homely atmosphere with eclectic interiors, mixing vintage furniture, reclaimed materials and contemporary art.
The bedrooms are individually designed, with comfortable beds, bathrobes and well-equipped bathrooms, and the larger rooms and suites include living areas. Downstairs, an all-day neighbourhood restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and a cocktail bar offers a cosy setting for drinks in the evening. The restaurant and bar are popular with locals as well as guests, so the hotel feels part of the neighbourhood rather than a closed-off space. The hotel has been recognised with a Michelin One Key.
Artist Residence suits couples, solo travellers and anyone who prefers a small, characterful hotel over a large international brand. Pimlico is a calm, residential area, yet it is within walking distance of Victoria, Westminster and Chelsea, so it works well as a base for sightseeing. With only ten bedrooms, the hotel has an intimate feel and the staff can offer personal attention.
Reservations can be made through the official website or by phone. Because there are so few rooms, booking ahead is wise, particularly at weekends and during busy periods. The hotel also hosts events and offers gift vouchers, and special offers are published on its website. As with many Victorian townhouses, there may be stairs between floors, so mention any mobility needs when booking. Booking a table in the restaurant for dinner on your first evening is a relaxed way to settle in after travelling, and the cocktail bar is a pleasant place to end the day without leaving the building.
Cambridge Street is a short walk from Victoria station, served by the Victoria, Circle and District lines and mainline trains, including the Gatwick Express, and Pimlico station on the Victoria line is also nearby. Tate Britain and the Thames are a short walk east, Westminster Cathedral and Buckingham Palace are within reach on foot, and the shops and restaurants of Chelsea and Belgravia are close by.
Ten bedrooms.
Yes, an all-day neighbourhood restaurant, plus a cocktail bar.
At 52 Cambridge Street in Pimlico, a quiet residential street.
Victoria and Pimlico are both within walking distance.
Yes, Victoria station has trains to Gatwick, including the Gatwick Express.
Eclectic interiors with vintage furniture, reclaimed materials and contemporary art.
Yes, with only ten rooms it is wise to book early, especially at weekends.
Tate Britain, Westminster Cathedral, Buckingham Palace and Chelsea.
Thing to do
London's celebrated food market beside London Bridge station, with traders selling produce, cheese, bread, street food and specialist groceries.
Attraction
Britain's great museum of world history and culture in Bloomsbury, with free entry to a permanent collection spanning two million years of human civilisation.
Tour operator
A long-running London walking tour company offering guided walks every day, from Jack the Ripper and Beatles routes to village London and pub walks.
Café
A specialty coffee shop and roaster's outlet at Borough Market, serving filter and espresso coffee and selling beans that can be sampled in store.