The Pelham is the sort of hotel you’d see in an American Christmas rom-com when the main character visits England during winter vacation. The hotel itself is comprised of two townhouses, developed together to create an intimate home away from home. Common areas for guests include the library room and drawing room; both dimly lit and wood-laden with traditional twentieth-century furnishings, toasty enough to curl up under a blanket next to the fire.
All of the rooms are an acceptable size, with the junior suite being bigger than most flats in London. The decor is slightly kitsch, at times, given that each room has a bright colour scheme. That’s all forgiven by the sweet, festive feeling of the place (we’d recommend going during the holiday season for the real cosy experience). And while The Pelham is definitely upmarket, evident in its plush, tranquilising beds and beautiful bathrooms in each room, it still has a clumsy English charm; the floors in the hallway creek as you walk and the lift is absolutely tiny. Yet, it all adds to the undeniable, comforting appeal of the place.
The Neighbourhood:
Situated in the heart of South Kensington, opposite the Tube station and up the road from Exhibition Road, where you’ll find the V&A, Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and rows of boutique restaurants and cafes on the way. It’s convenient for people looking to explore the city’s cultural, upmarket side. There are also direct connections to central London via the Underground and bus routes.
Nearby:
1. The V&A: for exhibitions on art, history and fashion galore
2. Bibendum Oyster Bar: for seafood dinner at Time Out’s best restaurant in South Kensington
3. The Royal Albert Hall: for a concert experience like nothing you’ve experienced before
Time Out tip:
Don’t visit the Gail’s opposite for breakfast and make sure to opt in for the in-house breakfast menu, which serves up a wide range of morning treats and of course, a full English Breakfast.