Is This The Best Hotel In London For Art-Lovers?

The Egerton House Hotel can boast about a number of things: its plum location by the V&A, its well-regarded martini bar, and its original art collection. But its highest achievement is nonetheless its homely atmosphere and exceptional standard of hospitality. Tessa Dunthorne gives her verdict.

Review: Egerton House Hotel

My mum has joined me for a midweek stay at the Egerton house hotel, a red-brick Victorian townhouse tucked on the doorstep of the V&A. She knows a lot about art; I don’t. But even I recognise the sketches of Henri Toulouse-Lautrec in the trim cocktail bar. ‘Nice choice of prints,’ my mother says. 

Not prints, originals – the barman corrects, overhearing. 

Art is a particular highlight at the Egerton House Hotel

That quiet quality sums up the Egerton. No boasting. The townhouse holds an exceptional art collection thanks to its owners (a family) – so exceptional that pieces are regularly lent out to major exhibitors. These unexpected discoveries mark your stay with real joy. 

The Egerton dates back to 1843 and is one of six London hotels in the Red Carnation collection. It has a Forbes five-star rating and a colourful history: the land was once owned by Henry Smith, Alderman of the City of London, in 1627; by the 19th century it had become the party pad of Benny Jutsman, companion to George IV. The townhouses were hotels by 1890, and in 1992 they merged into the Egerton House we know today. 

A deluxe Queen room

For all that history, the hotel is fully up to date. The interiors are modern yet unmistakably British, with a nod to the world-famous galleries nearby (the V&A suite makes the connection explicit). Rooms have generous (extraordinarily comfy) beds in crisp linens, walk-in showers have serious water pressure, and there are thoughtful details like monogrammed towels and slippers. For business travellers, there are proper desks and reliable Wi-Fi. And the minibar is well-stocked, with appealing jars of nuts, brown bag crisps, and neat chocolate bars. Coffee can be enjoyed two-ways: a nespresso machine for pod-lovers or, for purists, a cafetière with pre-measured grounds. The tea is by Jing. 

The service and hospitality is excellent; think white glove service paired with a genuine dose of warmth. When I prepare my coffee, I request hot milk from reception, and it’s there within minutes, properly frothy. It’s worth noting that there’s no restaurant for those wandering off the street, but guests can either order up a hearty British classic – fish and chips, elevated sarnies, chicken pot pies – to their rooms or eat in the lounge and bar. Breakfast, by contrast, is served downstairs in the drawing room, and has been hailed one of the best among British hotels. Think indulgent hollandaise eggs, perfect morning cappuccinos, and continental pastry offerings.

It’s almost impossible to move here without finding something to nibble on. There’s your minibar, but there’s also a sweetie bar stacked with pastel-coloured bon-bons and mints galore. You can pop it in a small paper cone, as you head to the hotel bar. 

The hotel bar is a mishmash of regular visitors – who return to the hotel for its country club familiarity and central London location – and evening guests. This latter group come seeking a martini because the Egerton is renowned for serving one of the best in London. 

The Egerton recently tapped Sardinian mixologist Gianfranco Spada – Cecconi’s, Quo Vadis, W London – to be the new head bartender. His martini masterclass, complete with rolling trolley and snack pairings (think elevated cheese on toast), is a highlight. He’ll talk you through the history and core components of any martini, for those unfamiliar, how to order one, and hacks the seasoned home-bartender might not know. (This is how I personally found out I ought to refrigerate my vermouth). 

Guests can also access experiences across the Red Carnation group, from Old Clink tours to bespoke tea tastings. But the ace is the V&A: reception can provide two passes, with queue-jump, to even sold-out exhibitions at no extra cost. Combine that with the hotel’s own Toulouse-Lautrecs, and this is a veritable art-lovers paradise.

Sustainability

Single-use toiletries are absent, food waste is tracked with AI, and the hotel runs ‘Experiences With Purpose’: forage with a guide, shop Borough Market with a chef before cooking a plant-based feast, or explore London’s biodiversity.

Final Word

Perfectly situated in the heart of Knightsbridge, opening up London as a walkable experience. With old school hospitality and values, and yet strikingly modern amenities, the Egerton will no doubt charm you. And, to boot, it has an exceptional art collection and access into even sold-out V&A shows. Nightly rates at The Egerton House Hotel start at £424.00 per night for a classic double.

Address: 17-19 Egerton Terrace, London SW3 2BX.

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