Sometimes, we crave the convenient services of a luxury hotel yet we also want to experience that cozy settled feeling of being at home.
We want to put our feet up after a long day, switch on the TV and watch a good film with a large glass of wine and a few naughty snacks.
We want to invite a fun friend or a scandalous lover over for tantalising conversation over hearty steaks cooked by ourselves in a swanky kitchen with all the mod cons.
Sometimes we yearn for our own stylish apartment within the hustle and bustle of the city to hibernate in with a good book and our favourite person, or our trusty laptop and a ludicrous amount of work.
This is when we book a stay at the chic, yet homely Staybridge Suites in Vauxhall – a luxury hotel offering apartment-style accommodation suited for longer stays within the capital.
Once you enter the welcoming lobby area, you’ll be greeted by warm natured staff who will bend over backwards to ensure your stay is a pleasant one. If you’re lucky enough to be Guest of the Day, a photo of the hotel’s happy dog adorned with your name will welcome you at the reception area before you discover a hamper in your suite – packed with exciting snacks and a bottle of fine vino.
I was lucky enough to experience such kind treatment during my happy two day stay in a plush suite and even found a handwritten card from the hotel’s general manager – complete with a poetic quote about the importance of loving life.
My home from home had a fully fitted kitchen stocked with all the necessary pots and pans, a stylish dining table, elegant sofa bed in the lounge with a flat screen TV, a bedroom complete with comfy king sized bed facing another flat screen TV and a glamorous bathroom boasting a power shower to get you ready for the day.
Breakfasts are included in the suite rates and are served in a bright dining room with walls adorned with comforting life quotes and relaxation-inducing armchairs.
The plentiful buffet features traditional English breakfast goodies such as scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, tomatoes, mushrooms and shamelessly plump sausages, but the most thrilling feature by far has to be the swish pancake making machine.
All I had to do was press a button and before my very eyes, as if watching a mini factory, I could see my fluffy American style pancakes being made before dropping out of the other side and landing on a waiting plate – ready to top with lashings of syrup or fruit compote.
Whilst this nifty machine was the highlight of my stay, I enjoyed every moment spent at Staybridge suites, with it’s exceptional service, chic suites and ‘handy convenience store’ filled with oodles of essential snacks and tempting tipples.
I will return, and most certainly outstay my welcome yet again…
Staybridge Suites, Vauxhall, 100 Vauxhall Walk, Lambeth, London SE11 5EL