Background Portuguese group Pestana manages about 40 properties under the Pestana Hotels and Resorts brand in Europe, Africa and South America, along with another 45 “historic hotels” under the Pousadas de Portugal brand. This four-star London property, which opened in February 2010, is the first European Pestana hotel outside of Portugal, and is being marketed as the new flagship for the group. Pestana also has hotels under development in Berlin, Casablanca, Angola, Miami and Buenos Aires.
What’s it like? Built on previously derelict land adjacent to Battersea Power Station, the hotel forms part of the Chelsea Bridge Wharf, a mixed-use development including offices and residential space. The area – referred to as Nine Elms – is slowly undergoing regeneration, with several other residential schemes, the planned redevelopment of the power station, and a possible new site for the US Embassy also in the pipeline. The 12-floor property has 216 rooms and suites and features a modern lobby with a brightly lit reception desk, red leather chairs and artwork on the walls by Portuguese artist Artur Bual.
Where it is? On the south side of Chelsea Bridge, overlooking Battersea Park to the west and the power station to the east. The closest rail stations are Battersea Park and Queenstown Road, both about five minutes’ walk from the property and with direct links to London termini. Like the new Hotel Verta, the location is not going to be to everyone’s liking, but its proximity to the Thames and Sloane Square (about 15 minutes’ walk over the bridge) will attract travellers looking to base themselves outside the bustle of central London.
Room facilities Rooms start from 30 sqm and have a modern, minimalist look, with white the predominant colour – white leather sofas and armchairs feature in the suites. This calm is punctuated by bright, tourist-friendly prints of red phone boxes, London buses and British bulldogs on the walls. Standard rooms and Executive Club/Junior suites feature queen or twin beds, while one- and two-bedroom suites have kings. All rooms have a separate bath and shower, along with slightly strange neon mood lighting.
Facilities that come as standard include a flatscreen TV with movies on demand, wifi charged at £15 per 24 hours (it’s free in the public areas), an iPod dock, air conditioning, a safe, minibar, tea and coffee-making facilities, hairdryer and an iron/ironing board. Keep-fit fans can opt for a room with an exercise bike, and one- and two-bedroom suites have splash-proof TVs in the bathrooms. Executive suites and above are on the dedicated Club floor, offering free wifi, espresso machines and access to the Club lounge. This provides a free hot breakfast, tea and coffee throughout the day, evening snacks and an honesty bar.
Restaurants and bars Just off the lobby, the Atlantico restaurant and lounge serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with an emphasis on Portuguese dishes. Options include a charcuterie starter, with meat sliced to order from a display (£9.50), and mains such as Bacalhau fritters (salt cod cakes) with wilted spinach and tomato salsa (£14.50), and Franguinho Piri Piri (spatchcock poussin in a piri piri sauce, £14.50). There is also a bar in the lobby that serves light snacks – it has a small outdoor seating area by the main entrance (mainly to accommodate smokers).
Business and meeting facilities There are six meeting rooms across the first and lower ground floors (the latter having a dedicated entrance), all with natural daylight and free wifi. The largest space – a combination of the Lisbon A and B suites on the lower ground floor – can accommodate up to 500 delegates for a reception, and includes a pre-function space, while the four rooms on the first floor have capacities starting at 18 delegates boardroom-style, and can be combined in pairs. There is a modest business centre in the lobby with a couple of computers and free internet.
Leisure facilities One of the advantages of a non-central location is the increased amount of space available, as seen with the separate bath and showers in every room, and the spa facilities are another example of this. Situated on the basement level, the spa has a 13-metre pool, steam room, sauna, relaxation area, gym, and two treatment rooms. It’s open from 7am to 10pm Monday to Saturday (7pm on Sunday).
Verdict The location will not suit everyone but guests who are happy to be based outside central London will find good in-room and public facilities, particularly the well-equipped spa and fitness centre.
Fact file
How many rooms? There are 213 bedrooms in total, including 150 Standard and 16 Standard Executive rooms, 22 Executive Club suites, eight Junior suites, 15 one-bedroom and two two-bedroom suites.
Room highlights The separate bath and shower in all rooms, and espresso machines in the suites.
Price Internet rates for a midweek stay in February started from £189 for a Standard room.
Contact Pestana Chelsea Bridge Hotel and Spa, 354 Queenstown Road; tel +44 (0)20 7062 8000; pestana.com
Mark Caswell
