What’s it like?
A tiny boutique hotel of 12 rooms, sister to the Capital Hotel which is larger (with 49 rooms) almost next door. In between the two properties are some apartments, also managed by the hotel and available for rent. (The Apartments at 26 Basil Street is their official name) Both hotels were recently sold to Warwick Hotels & Resorts
The Levin’s entrance is very discreet, and once up the stairs into the lobby it’s obvious that there is a certain eclectic stylishness to the property. The style is art-deco (designer fabrics, lighting features) and there is a long line of Penguin paperbacks on the shelf in reception. This isn’t an indication of how long it takes to be seen to on checking-in – service is swift, in fact all the rooms have paperbacks included, and this adds to the friendly, slightly informal, residential feel of the property. The Levin also has the advantage of having facilities and services you wouldn’t normally get in such a small property by virtue of having the larger (but still small) luxury hotel – The Capital – next door.
Where is it?
On Basil Street, with Harrods only a few metres away and Knightsbridge underground station less than two minutes away (with access to Heathrow via the Piccadilly Line).
Room facilities:
There are only 12, and all of them are different, though they come in three broad categories: Classic, Deluxe and Junior Suite (pictured below).
All are accessible via the central staircase or by the lift, and range from the first floor to the fifth. All rooms are air-conditioned, have Savoir beds, Egyptian cotton bedding, marble bathrooms with under-floor heating, complimentary Nespresso and Birchall Tea making facilities, slippers, bath robes, 24-hour room service, complimentary wifi.
Restaurant and bar:
Guests at the Levin can use the bar and restaurant at the neighbouring Capital, but there is also the Metro basement bar, which has recently (2016) been renovated and has an inexpensive menu – it is open to the public from a street entrance. It serves food all day, and in the evening is a good place for a drink (worth knowing about if you are simply in Knightsbridge and fancy a break). I only ate breakfast there, but there’s a buffet option and also a la carte. The photo below doesn’t do it justice – the decoration isn’t so garish but is bright enough to counter the fact that’s it s basement location.
Business facilities:
There is free wifi throughout and the use of a computer in the lobby area.
Leisure facilities:
None, though the hotel can arrange day membership at a nearby gym.
Verdict:
The Levin feels like a secret hotel, yet one with the use of the larger facilities of its big sister The Capital hotel next door. Now it has joined a bigger group it will deservedly get better known.
The Levin Hotel – 28 Basil Street, Knightsbridge, SW3 1AS
020 7589 6286; http://www.thelevinhotel.co.uk/
