The Best Hotels to Book Near the Saatchi Gallery, London

The Saatchi Gallery displays some of the best contemporary art in the world
The Saatchi Gallery displays some of the best contemporary art in the world | © Hemis / Alamy Stock Photo
Alexis James

The Saatchi Gallery is among the most popular contemporary art galleries in London. Advertising mogul Charles Saatchi opened the gallery in 1985 to champion British artists like Damien Hirst and Sarah Lucas. With its SW3 postcode in Chelsea, a stay nearby guarantees a certain level of luxury. Here’s our pick of the best hotels near this pre-eminent art gallery – bookable on Culture Trip.

1. Sydney House Chelsea

Boutique Hotel

Sydney House Chelsea
Courtesy of Sydney House Chelsea / Expedia
This Georgian property in Kensington was built as two townhouses in 1829, but the Grade II-listed building was converted into a sleek hotel in the 1980s. Today, abstract art adorns the lounge walls, while rooms include Vispring beds and jet showers. The pick of the bunch is the fifth-floor room, complete with a private roof garden and views over Chelsea. The Saatchi Gallery is just a 12-minute walk away.

2. Sloane Square Hotel

Hotel

Sloane Square Hotel
Courtesy of Sloane Square Hotel / Expedia

Physician Sir Hans Sloane is credited as the driving force behind the foundation of the British Museum, British Library and Natural History Museum. Since his death in Chelsea in 1753, he is suitably honoured around these parts. While this four-star hotel opened nearly 150 years later in 1900, it nonetheless bears his name and, seemingly, his passion for collecting. Each of the 100 rooms showcases artwork that wouldn’t look out of place in the nearby Saatchi Gallery.

3. 11 Cadogan Gardens

Boutique Hotel

11 Cadogan Gardens
Courtesy of 11 Cadogan Gardens / Expedia

The Union Jack flies proudly at the entrance of this grand hotel, occupying four red-brick townhouses moments away from Sloane Square. Black and gold tones provide the opulence one might expect from a property with this postcode, accentuated by four-poster beds, marble bathrooms and oil paintings. There’s a Victorian smoking-room vibe about the Library, with its floor-to-ceiling bookcase and complimentary copies of the Financial Times, while the gold-laden Mirror Room is a sight to behold.

5. San Domenico House

Luxury

San Domenico House Hotel
Courtesy of San Domenico House / Expedia

The Italian Melpignano family has overseen this hotel since acquiring it from its previous French owner in 2005. It means there’s a cosmopolitan flourish amid the elegant Victorian styles, with its 19 individually designed rooms featuring royal gold-framed portraits, ornate rugs, sumptuous curtains and mahogany cabinets. During the summer months, tuck into a breakfast of fresh pastries and coffee on the rooftop terrace. The friendly concierge team is on hand to arrange everything from limousines to theatre tickets and restaurant bookings.

6. The Cadogan

Luxury

The Cadogan
Courtesy of The Cadogan / Expedia

The Cadogan once welcomed the likes of Oscar Wilde and Lillie Langtry. Today, it still retains its sense of bohemian spirit – especially apparent in its secret garden, exclusive to guests and area residents, where you’ll find lush lawns, hundred-year-old trees and even tennis courts. Lounge in a deck chair, play a game of chess or tuck into a gourmet picnic put together by chef Adam Handling.

7. The Beaufort Knightsbridge

Boutique Hotel

The Beaufort Hotel
Courtesy of The Beaufort Knightsbridge / Expedia

If you’re in the area to test the limits of your pocket money, then you’ll be in your element at this family-owned townhouse hotel in Knightsbridge. The likes of Tiffany & Co, Cartier, Prada, Chanel, Harvey Nichols and, of course, Harrods are but minutes away on foot. By the time you return, hotel staff will be waiting to serve you traditional English cream tea in the Italian-designed drawing room. The good news – after all that shopping – is that it’s on the house.

8. Number Sixteen

Boutique Hotel

Number Sixteen
Courtesy of Number Sixteen / Expedia

Harry Potter and Winnie the Pooh are among the collection of children’s books available for younger guests at this South Kensington hotel – it misses no trick in catering to families. Bedtime milk and cookies and even mini bathrobes keep the kids smiling, while the beautiful orangery and garden are a hit with all ages. Enjoy your breakfast here as the sleepy capital city awakens, with pastries, smoked salmon, organic porridge and a full English all on the menu.

9. The Resident Kensington

Boutique Hotel

Cosy, stylish room in tan and brown hues with faux-fur throw, framed art and blinds at the Resident Kensington, London
Courtesy of the Resident Kensington / Hotels.com
There’s a wide range of rooms to suit all budgets at this aparthotel in Kensington. Choose from smart, compact single rooms to luxurious bunk rooms with outdoor dining areas. There’s a kitchenette in each room, featuring a microwave, a Nespresso coffee machine and a sink with a Brita filter tap. Although there’s no restaurant on-site, you’re comfortably equipped for short-term self-catering – especially when the hotel will stock your fridge with your chosen supermarket groceries before you arrive.

10. The Belgrave

Boutique Hotel

The Belgrave Hotel is an unassuming, relaxed hotel
Courtesy of The Belgrave / Hotels.com

This stunning Regency property in Pimlico is superbly located for easy access to Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and the Saatchi Gallery. If you’d rather check out lesser-known spots, the concierge can arrange a Secret London tour. Inside the hotel, book a signature room for a super-king bed, a rainfall shower and French doors looking out to the Georgian terraces below. Start your day with eggs benedict from the à la carte breakfast menu.

Looking for more inspiration? We’ve also narrowed down the best cheap hotels and the best luxury hotels in London so that you can confidently find and book the perfect stay on Culture Trip. There’s plenty to keep you busy, too – from these quirky and unusual things to do in London and this delicious food and drink tour to a relaxing, chilled-out tour of London.

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