We recently stayed at the San Domenico Hotel in Chelsea, London. Overall, our experience was a mix of delightful and disappointing aspects.
On the positive side, the staff were incredibly kind and welcoming, making us feel right at home. The hotel is located in a fantastic, walkable area with plenty of shops, restaurants, and things to do. We loved exploring the neighborhood and enjoying the local cuisine.
However, there were some significant drawbacks. The furniture in the rooms was extremely old, to the point where it felt like staying in a thrift store. While we understand the charm of historic decor, the visible damage and wear detracted from the boutique hotel feel. The room layout was also a bit odd, and the amenities were subpar.
Another inconvenience was the bathroom design. The bathtub was narrow and uncomfortable to stand in, especially under the ceiling shower head. It made the showering experience uncomfortable. Additionally, the shower controls were confusing with no clear labels for on/off or hot/cold, and we needed assistance from the staff to figure it out.
Lastly, the hallways and elevators were very narrow, almost claustrophobic, which added to the feeling of being in a confined space.
Despite these issues, we appreciated the warm hospitality and the lovely location. With some updates to the rooms and clearer instructions for amenities, it could offer a truly exceptional stay.