BACKGROUND
London luxury apartment provider Cheval Residences opened the Cheval Three Quays next to the Tower of London in March.
A mixture of serviced residences available for overnight stays and extended-stay units, it’s the seventh property for the group, which also operates sites in Knightsbridge, Chelsea, Kensington, Hyde Park Gate and near Bank station.
WHAT’S IT LIKE?
Stepping through sliding glass doors into the nine-floor property feels more like entering an upmarket hotel than your average apartment complex.
The burnt-orange leather reception desk ahead is reminiscent in shape to the hull of a boat – the first of a series of design touches that reference the property’s riverside location.
Either side of the entrance are water features by William Pye and hand-painted murals of medieval Thames scenes by Barnaby Gorton, while leather seating creates a hotel lobby vibe. Lifts to the serviced apartments are to the left, and the corridors feature large black-and-white reproductions of old Tower, bridge and dock scenes.
WHERE IS IT?
The property is excellently located next to the Tower on Lower Thames Street, overlooking the river. It’s a few minutes’ walk from Tower Hill and Tower Gateway stations for Underground and DLR links.
APARTMENT FACILITIES
The 97 serviced apartments are a mixture of one- two- and three-bedroom units, the smallest being 46 sqm. About two-thirds provide views of the Tower and Thames, and most of these have balconies.
Each is attractively furnished with oak-finished floors, sleek Dada kitchens with integrated Siemens appliances, and stylish bathrooms. They also come with free wifi, Samsung Smart LED TVs, desks, Revo/Bose iPod docks, safes, robes, adjustable air conditioning and five times-weekly maid service.
A dry cleaning and laundry service is offered, and turndown and DVD players are available on request.
My River View Deluxe two-bedroom apartment had a spacious entrance foyer with a desk area, built-in wardrobe, and utility cupboards containing a washing machine and tumble dryer, vacuum cleaner, iron and ironing board.
Leading off from the hallway were the bedrooms (one with an en suite shower room), a living room/kitchen and bathroom. (One-bedroom units have sliding doors separating the bedroom and lounge.)
The living area was roomy with a big corner sofa, wall-mounted TV and full-height windows offering two aspects on to the Thames – one to the Tower, Tower Bridge and City Hall, the tops of Canary Wharf’s skyscrapers just visible; the other across to the Shard, with the London Eye to the far right.
A glass dining table by the window was a lovely place to eat in the evening, watching Tower Bridge light up as night fell. Armchairs and footstools were strategically placed facing the landmarks. Balconies off the living room and bedrooms also offered bird’s-eye views.
The large luxury kitchen featured all the appliances and crockery one would need. It included an oven, microwave, dishwasher and Nespresso machine.
Milk and butter was waiting in the fridge, and a hamper was provided including a loaf, Dorset Cereals porridge, Tower of London marmalade and biscuits, Kettle Chips, fresh fruit, mineral water and tea bags. A game of Monopoly was another nice touch.
The master bedroom had a good king bed and the second bedroom had twins. Décor was neutral with gold and burnt orange throws and cushions adding colour.
Both had hairdryers and well-placed plug sockets. The bathroom had a large tub with a rainshower overhead, and Hermès Eau d’Orange Vert amenities (Arran Aromatics in lower categories).
OTHER FACILITIES
The property has a 24-hour concierge and a round-the-clock ground-floor gym with Precor machines. A restaurant is due to open this summer.
While there are no event facilities, the Tower Penthouses can be hired for receptions for 100 people.
VERDICT
An excellent choice for either short or long stays. The location is great for the City, the apartments are very well equipped, and the views from river-facing ones are glorious.
FACT FILE
- HOW MANY APARTMENTS? 97 serviced – a mixture of Urban View Superior one- and two-bedrooms, Urban View Executive one-bedrooms, River View Deluxe one-, two- and three-bedrooms, Tower View Luxury one- and two-bedrooms, River View Luxury one- and two-bedrooms, and two Tower Penthouses – and 62 extended-stay units.
- HIGHLIGHTS The views from river-facing apartments, the modern, comfortable design and luxury kitchens.
- PRICE A flexible midweek stay in June started from £282 for an Urban View Superior one-bedroom apartment.
- CONTACT Cheval Three Quays, 40 Lower Thames Street; tel +44 (0)20 3725 5333; cheval residences.com
Michelle Harbi
