Reviews
Frommer's Guide 2008, 3 stars
One of London's latest hotels proves that high style doesn't always come with a high price tag in London. The independently owned bastion of deluxe comfort occupies a converted 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 inviting and dressed with the finest of Egyptian cotton, feather pillows, and merino wool blankets. Each room has a bespoke sold oak cupboard and desk. All the accommodations contain such extras as a glazed power shower and bathroom fittings by Phillipe Starck. Rooms are bright and airy with large windows and simple lines. Preferred are the garden units with their own private patios. On site is the trendy One Eight One bistro whose menu is based on English fare given a contemporary twist. Yes, they serve lavender ice cream.
Time Out London 2008
Housed in a restored Victorian terrace Rockwell isn't your average London four-star. For a start, it's independently owned, meaning no identikit furniture but rather rooms of different sizes and shapes that are all thoughtfully kitted out, with funky wall paper and Egyptian cotton bed linen. Thanks to triple glazing you would never know busy Cromwell Road is just outside. The hotel has quickly built up a reputation amongst design-savvy travellers, and has already been used as a backdrop for several major shoots. The small reception area is the epitome of understated elegance, with well stocked bookshelves, a modern fireplace and cool jazz on the stereo, while the One-Eight-One restaurant, bar and outside walled garden are worthy destinations in their own right.
Sunday Telegraph Travel, 1 April 2007
Opened last year, this is a beautifully designed, full service hotel that offers excellent value for money (worth every penny for its sense of calm sophistication), with small doubles at £150, standard ones at £160 and deluxe ones at £180. Compact, shower-only bathrooms help to account for its lower than average prices, but otherwise the rooms offer style and quality, with attractive wallpapers, oak fittings, plasma TV's and free internet. There is a laid back-courtyard garden for warmer weather, and a chic, intimate bar and dining room, plus friendly service. Very little edited luxury here a proper breakfast, elegantly presented in your room if you wish is included in the price. An oasis in the Cromwell Road usefully placed for central London, Heathrow and the West.
Grazia, 8 January 2007
This new addition to the London hotel scene only opened last summer but has quickly bagged itself a bit of a fashion following. Jade Jagger and Jasmine Guinness came to the opening party, model Tatjana Patitz booked in for her last London shoot, and the Armani team took over the whole hotel during London Fashion Week. No surprise, then, to find that the rooms are smartly contemporary and uncluttered, while the shops of Knightsbridge and Kensington are but a short cab ride away.
Evening Standard, 1 November 2006
My other suggestion for a good night away in your home town is The Rockwell, a new hotel on Cromwell Road that is excellent value and has funky mezzanine sitting areas in the rooms.
Travel and Leisure, October 2006
The intimate Rockwell comprises 40 rooms decked out with oak furniture and Neisha Crosland wallpaper, housed in an elegant Georgian manse that retains such period details as wrought-iron banisters and mosaic tile floors. Add 24-hour room service and a trendy restaurant, One-Eight-One, and you get what may be South Kensington's choicest opening in years.
AN INSPECTOR CALLS: His mission to test hotel hospitality to the limit: The Mail on Saturday
You would never guess one of London's busiest streets is a mere hop and a skip away- not when you're sitting with a glass of rose in the garden of The rockwell......' We could be in the south of France' says my brother. It's certainly hot outside but here in the hotel an airy, unstuffy, friendly atmosphere prevails. In a word, it's 'fresh'.
The Rockwell is a new hotel that has a great deal going for it. For a start its privately owned, apparently by an architect and a builder who transformed two terraced houses into one modern sleek building, which for a change can wear the boutique hotel label with a clear conscience.
Amid all this creativity, two old prints of ships hang on the wall. The selection makes me think that The rockwell does not have a modernist chip on its shoulder, and nor does it suffer from inverted cultural snobbery.
Let's hope the prices won't rise once the hotel establishes itself. At the moment, starters in the One- Eight -One restaurant are around £6.50 and main courses £14.50. We then had a bottle of excellent Les Vignes Retrouvees Blanc for £15 and raised a toast to good value....................
My room is on the lower ground floor and has its own patio, complete with tables and chairs.........Breakfast is a triumph, I opted for the continetal option after seeing a row of pots containing sesame seeds, walnuts, almonds, and various other healthy looking nuts to sprinkle on my muesli.The coffee is the best I've had all year............
The Rockwell is a calming and welcome addition to this part of the capital. It deserves to succeed.
20 Great British Hotels, Chosen By The Good Hotel Guide, The Observer 22nd October
The Pristine white exterior on this recent addition to the London scene stands out like a beacon on the dreary Cromwell Road (a short walk from Earls Court Station). The owners are architects and it shows in the bold public rooms, a glass bridge links to a courtyard garden. Our bedroom was compact but well designed with attractive light oak fittings, good storage with proper hangers; a big comfortable bed, flat screen TV, and robes in the tiny modern bathroom. The staff could not have a been more helpful a porter was down the steps to fetch our bags before we could reach the front door.
Hotel Guru, Fiona Duncan, The Telegraph 22nd October
There are three things wrong with the rockwell. The first is the infuriating use of the lower case 'r'. The second less easily fixed is the hotel's location. Though Central and extremely handy for Heathrow (and the Cromwell road opposite, should you need to visit), London's western escape route is hardly alluring. The third: no baths, only showers.
And that's it. From then on, the news about this new addition to London's mid-price hotels, which opened in May, is all good.
Even the bill is reasonable. I always thought that London hotels were scandalously overpriced, but now as I go about the country for this column, I've adjusted my opinion: many country hotels ask eye-watering prices for a night's sleep and some London hotels are beginning to seem, if not bargains in comparison, then at least fairly reasonable. The last two country places that I stayed in before The Rockwell were a creaky, seen better day’s manor house, and a glorified inn, both of which charged more than the £180 for my “Deluxe Superior” room at The Rockwell. Okay, it’s Cromwell Road but its still central London, and cutting edge: the price felt much more comfortable here than at the other two venues. There were some decent figures next to the wide ranging wine list (including six bottles under £16) and acceptable prices for the good food. And it had 24 hour room service, which neither of the country hotels would dream of offering.
The Rockwell sets out to be a design hotel, with a capital D (and a small r), but actually it’s better than that. It may be spanking new and a bit self conscious but it’s not superficial; it’s got heart and its got standards. Members of two families are closely involved: those of Michael Squire, whose firm of architects designed the hotel, and of Tony Bartlett, who transformed it from two terraced houses full of bedsits. Rather touchingly several young Eastern Europeans in Tony’s building team have stayed on as hotel staff.
Perhaps for all these reasons it’s a hotel that grows on you. A bonus is the large south facing courtyard garden with table’s chairs and parasols, reached by an elegant glass bridge. As for the bedrooms, the 40 room hotel was full so I could only judge by my own: inviting, well-equipped and calm with fine handmade oak cupboards, desk and bookshelves.
Only the bath was missing, just when I longed for a soak. Fine if you aren’t addicted to wallowing: not great if you are. Effective window insulation made Cromwell Road a distant memory.
The restaurant One-Eight-One is cosy and chic. Don’t eat out if you stay at The Rockwell and try it if you live locally.
Click Below to access The Hotel Guru website
Link text
Rock on14th May 2006The Independent on Sunday
Those in the know will be checking into London's latest bijou hotel, The Rockwell, which opens its doors near Earl's Court tomorrow. Small but perfectly formed, its 40 rooms are contained within a grand white stucco building and exude quirky English charm with a contemporary twist.
Dave Calhoun, Time Out, 7 June 2006
" A Victorian terrace beautifully restored and transformed into The Rockwell . . The mezzanine suites are the most exciting and inject a touch of New York loft style. All bedrooms are unique in design and layout. A major selling point was the restaurant, One Eight One, which has an excellent menu."
Jasmine Guinness, Little Black Book, Stella magazine (Telegraph)
"This is a very smart new hotel on the Cromwell Road. Its lovely garden is a great place to meet friends for a drink."
Rachel Foster, The Observer, Escape
"Once through the double doors it feels wonderfully secluded. The interior has an alfresco feel with its tall French windows and bold yet restrained use of green and white palm prints. It's as though someone has picked up a little piece of West Hollywood and plonked it down in Earl's Court."
Jenni Muir, Time Out
"Those in the know will be checking into London's latest bijou hotel, The Rockwell. Small but perfectly formed, its 40 rooms are contained within a grand stucco building and exude quirky English charm with a contemporary twist."
The Independent on Sunday
"a 40-room boutique hotel with high design ideals, individuality and a home from home feel . . the unique selling point is the quiet, south-facing garden to the rear."
Tripadvisor(reviews from real guests)
guest from San Francisco, California
'What really distinguishes this hotel from its competition is the service. I was greeted by name and helped by people who wanted to know what my needs were - not just what my booking confirmation said.They arranged airport pick-up with friendly drivers who knew what they were doing (this is rare in my experience in London).'
guest from Surrey
An oasis of calm, beauty and friendliness in London. A truly 5 star experience and everything from the room to the food and especially the service made this hotel incredible value for money. I cannot recommend this hotel highly enough!!
guest from Dublin
Its staff are pleasant, helpful and professional in their approach.
The decor is modern and attractive. My room was spotlessly clean.
I got a good rate which made my stay much cheaper than similar stays in comparable boutique hotels.
One of London's latest hotels proves that high style doesn't always come with a high price tag in London. The independently owned bastion of deluxe comfort occupies a converted 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 inviting and dressed with the finest of Egyptian cotton, feather pillows, and merino wool blankets. Each room has a bespoke sold oak cupboard and desk. All the accommodations contain such extras as a glazed power shower and bathroom fittings by Phillipe Starck. Rooms are bright and airy with large windows and simple lines. Preferred are the garden units with their own private patios. On site is the trendy One Eight One bistro whose menu is based on English fare given a contemporary twist. Yes, they serve lavender ice cream.
Time Out London 2008
Housed in a restored Victorian terrace Rockwell isn't your average London four-star. For a start, it's independently owned, meaning no identikit furniture but rather rooms of different sizes and shapes that are all thoughtfully kitted out, with funky wall paper and Egyptian cotton bed linen. Thanks to triple glazing you would never know busy Cromwell Road is just outside. The hotel has quickly built up a reputation amongst design-savvy travellers, and has already been used as a backdrop for several major shoots. The small reception area is the epitome of understated elegance, with well stocked bookshelves, a modern fireplace and cool jazz on the stereo, while the One-Eight-One restaurant, bar and outside walled garden are worthy destinations in their own right.
Sunday Telegraph Travel, 1 April 2007
Opened last year, this is a beautifully designed, full service hotel that offers excellent value for money (worth every penny for its sense of calm sophistication), with small doubles at £150, standard ones at £160 and deluxe ones at £180. Compact, shower-only bathrooms help to account for its lower than average prices, but otherwise the rooms offer style and quality, with attractive wallpapers, oak fittings, plasma TV's and free internet. There is a laid back-courtyard garden for warmer weather, and a chic, intimate bar and dining room, plus friendly service. Very little edited luxury here a proper breakfast, elegantly presented in your room if you wish is included in the price. An oasis in the Cromwell Road usefully placed for central London, Heathrow and the West.
Grazia, 8 January 2007
This new addition to the London hotel scene only opened last summer but has quickly bagged itself a bit of a fashion following. Jade Jagger and Jasmine Guinness came to the opening party, model Tatjana Patitz booked in for her last London shoot, and the Armani team took over the whole hotel during London Fashion Week. No surprise, then, to find that the rooms are smartly contemporary and uncluttered, while the shops of Knightsbridge and Kensington are but a short cab ride away.
Evening Standard, 1 November 2006
My other suggestion for a good night away in your home town is The Rockwell, a new hotel on Cromwell Road that is excellent value and has funky mezzanine sitting areas in the rooms.
Travel and Leisure, October 2006
The intimate Rockwell comprises 40 rooms decked out with oak furniture and Neisha Crosland wallpaper, housed in an elegant Georgian manse that retains such period details as wrought-iron banisters and mosaic tile floors. Add 24-hour room service and a trendy restaurant, One-Eight-One, and you get what may be South Kensington's choicest opening in years.
AN INSPECTOR CALLS: His mission to test hotel hospitality to the limit: The Mail on Saturday
You would never guess one of London's busiest streets is a mere hop and a skip away- not when you're sitting with a glass of rose in the garden of The rockwell......' We could be in the south of France' says my brother. It's certainly hot outside but here in the hotel an airy, unstuffy, friendly atmosphere prevails. In a word, it's 'fresh'.
The Rockwell is a new hotel that has a great deal going for it. For a start its privately owned, apparently by an architect and a builder who transformed two terraced houses into one modern sleek building, which for a change can wear the boutique hotel label with a clear conscience.
Amid all this creativity, two old prints of ships hang on the wall. The selection makes me think that The rockwell does not have a modernist chip on its shoulder, and nor does it suffer from inverted cultural snobbery.
Let's hope the prices won't rise once the hotel establishes itself. At the moment, starters in the One- Eight -One restaurant are around £6.50 and main courses £14.50. We then had a bottle of excellent Les Vignes Retrouvees Blanc for £15 and raised a toast to good value....................
My room is on the lower ground floor and has its own patio, complete with tables and chairs.........Breakfast is a triumph, I opted for the continetal option after seeing a row of pots containing sesame seeds, walnuts, almonds, and various other healthy looking nuts to sprinkle on my muesli.The coffee is the best I've had all year............
The Rockwell is a calming and welcome addition to this part of the capital. It deserves to succeed.
20 Great British Hotels, Chosen By The Good Hotel Guide, The Observer 22nd October
The Pristine white exterior on this recent addition to the London scene stands out like a beacon on the dreary Cromwell Road (a short walk from Earls Court Station). The owners are architects and it shows in the bold public rooms, a glass bridge links to a courtyard garden. Our bedroom was compact but well designed with attractive light oak fittings, good storage with proper hangers; a big comfortable bed, flat screen TV, and robes in the tiny modern bathroom. The staff could not have a been more helpful a porter was down the steps to fetch our bags before we could reach the front door.
Hotel Guru, Fiona Duncan, The Telegraph 22nd October
There are three things wrong with the rockwell. The first is the infuriating use of the lower case 'r'. The second less easily fixed is the hotel's location. Though Central and extremely handy for Heathrow (and the Cromwell road opposite, should you need to visit), London's western escape route is hardly alluring. The third: no baths, only showers.
And that's it. From then on, the news about this new addition to London's mid-price hotels, which opened in May, is all good.
Even the bill is reasonable. I always thought that London hotels were scandalously overpriced, but now as I go about the country for this column, I've adjusted my opinion: many country hotels ask eye-watering prices for a night's sleep and some London hotels are beginning to seem, if not bargains in comparison, then at least fairly reasonable. The last two country places that I stayed in before The Rockwell were a creaky, seen better day’s manor house, and a glorified inn, both of which charged more than the £180 for my “Deluxe Superior” room at The Rockwell. Okay, it’s Cromwell Road but its still central London, and cutting edge: the price felt much more comfortable here than at the other two venues. There were some decent figures next to the wide ranging wine list (including six bottles under £16) and acceptable prices for the good food. And it had 24 hour room service, which neither of the country hotels would dream of offering.
The Rockwell sets out to be a design hotel, with a capital D (and a small r), but actually it’s better than that. It may be spanking new and a bit self conscious but it’s not superficial; it’s got heart and its got standards. Members of two families are closely involved: those of Michael Squire, whose firm of architects designed the hotel, and of Tony Bartlett, who transformed it from two terraced houses full of bedsits. Rather touchingly several young Eastern Europeans in Tony’s building team have stayed on as hotel staff.
Perhaps for all these reasons it’s a hotel that grows on you. A bonus is the large south facing courtyard garden with table’s chairs and parasols, reached by an elegant glass bridge. As for the bedrooms, the 40 room hotel was full so I could only judge by my own: inviting, well-equipped and calm with fine handmade oak cupboards, desk and bookshelves.
Only the bath was missing, just when I longed for a soak. Fine if you aren’t addicted to wallowing: not great if you are. Effective window insulation made Cromwell Road a distant memory.
The restaurant One-Eight-One is cosy and chic. Don’t eat out if you stay at The Rockwell and try it if you live locally.
Click Below to access The Hotel Guru website
Link text
Rock on14th May 2006The Independent on Sunday
Those in the know will be checking into London's latest bijou hotel, The Rockwell, which opens its doors near Earl's Court tomorrow. Small but perfectly formed, its 40 rooms are contained within a grand white stucco building and exude quirky English charm with a contemporary twist.
Dave Calhoun, Time Out, 7 June 2006
" A Victorian terrace beautifully restored and transformed into The Rockwell . . The mezzanine suites are the most exciting and inject a touch of New York loft style. All bedrooms are unique in design and layout. A major selling point was the restaurant, One Eight One, which has an excellent menu."
Jasmine Guinness, Little Black Book, Stella magazine (Telegraph)
"This is a very smart new hotel on the Cromwell Road. Its lovely garden is a great place to meet friends for a drink."
Rachel Foster, The Observer, Escape
"Once through the double doors it feels wonderfully secluded. The interior has an alfresco feel with its tall French windows and bold yet restrained use of green and white palm prints. It's as though someone has picked up a little piece of West Hollywood and plonked it down in Earl's Court."
Jenni Muir, Time Out
"Those in the know will be checking into London's latest bijou hotel, The Rockwell. Small but perfectly formed, its 40 rooms are contained within a grand stucco building and exude quirky English charm with a contemporary twist."
The Independent on Sunday
"a 40-room boutique hotel with high design ideals, individuality and a home from home feel . . the unique selling point is the quiet, south-facing garden to the rear."
Tripadvisor(reviews from real guests)
guest from San Francisco, California
'What really distinguishes this hotel from its competition is the service. I was greeted by name and helped by people who wanted to know what my needs were - not just what my booking confirmation said.They arranged airport pick-up with friendly drivers who knew what they were doing (this is rare in my experience in London).'
guest from Surrey
An oasis of calm, beauty and friendliness in London. A truly 5 star experience and everything from the room to the food and especially the service made this hotel incredible value for money. I cannot recommend this hotel highly enough!!
guest from Dublin
Its staff are pleasant, helpful and professional in their approach.
The decor is modern and attractive. My room was spotlessly clean.
I got a good rate which made my stay much cheaper than similar stays in comparable boutique hotels.
