The End:
Cranley Hotel: 39 charming rooms and suites meticulously restored in 3 combined Victorian townhouses, located on a private tree-lined residential street in South Kensington. Although every room is unique, most offer high ceilings, bay windows and garden Chelsea views. Furnishings lean toward elegant Bennison fabrics, warm brass lamps and antique mahogany furniture against soft mustard, plum and stone colored walls that mirror the original 19th century floor tiles of the entrance hall. It felt wonderfully safe for women travelers. Check their website for a variety of well-priced packages.
Hotel Perks:
Spoil yourself by indulging in breakfast in bed- particularly when it’s their handmade four poster beds dressed in hand stitched Irish linen. 
Afternoon tea is complimentary as is the flute of champagne, available from 7 to 8. Staff is attentive and anxious to please.
Location Pluses:
Located in the heart of the London Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, The Cranley is a perfect choice for museum goers since it’s only a 5 minute walk to the Victoria and Albert Museum, The Natural History Museum and the Science Museum. Close by, Old Brompton Road is the perfect “shop and stroll ” avenue while lovely little Bini Park sits across the street from the hotel.
Three Things we loved:
* Visiting the Brompton Cemetery. Housing tenants since 1840 this atmospheric
resting place is open to the public who often bike, picnic, read and dog-walk here
while enjoying the quiet peace. Sunday afternoon guided tours are offered via the Friends of Brompton Cemetery.
*Dinner at Maroush which RULES for Lebanese cuisine. The big DIY salad bowl is overflowing with whole carrots, radishes, romaine, tomatoes and green onions. Top picks include the smooth, smoky babaganoush, baby lambs tongue, and garlicky chicken wings.
*Easy one stop shopping for prezzies at V and A’s top notch gift store. From “antique” woodblocks to children’s books to a fantastic array of original jewelry at all pricepoints,I was able to cross off everyone on my gift list.
I am a designer and travel to London two times a year to scout out
what is going on. I usually travel with one member of my team. We
are not against taking the tube, but I like convenience as well. Do
you think these hotels, the Cranley and the Draycott (they look
fairly close to one another on my London city map) are good for
shopping at Selfrige, Harrods, Harvey Nicols etc. are a bit too far out?
Thank you.
Irene
Hi Irene,
Either one is just minutes from the tube, or well within walking distance to the above stores. I think you’ll be very happy with either choice. Don’t miss the complimentary champagne hour;-)