Thursday 29 January 2015 8:20 pm

Decamp to a serviced residence: Cheval apartments are a homely alternative to long hotel stays

There’s an undeniable glamour to hotels, but staying in them for prolonged periods can leave you craving home comforts; a kitchen, a living room – something more permanent than a box with a bed. That’s where the idea of serviced apartments comes in. Whether its business or pleasure, those facing long spells away can look to companies like Cheval Residences to provide a home from home.

Cheval’s Phoenix House in Chelsea offers everything a hotel offers and much more. The 33 one and two bedroom apartments are looked after by a dedicated 24-hour concierge service who take care of everything from laundry to travel arrangements to theatre tickets. There’s air-conditioning, the latest gadgets including super-thin, super high res Samsung Smart TVs.

Canvas restaurant, run by Michelin-rated chef Michael Riemenschneider, is downstairs, and each apartment comes fitted with a perfectly-equipped kitchen, so in the unlikely event that you get bored of Riemenschneider’s gastronomic masterworks you can head upstairs and make your own.

A room at Cheval Phoenix House

When I spent the night, there was something I appreciated more than the gadgets, more than the food at Canvas and more than the concierge team waiting on me hand and foot – luxurious, goose down bedding and thick black out curtains resulted in the best night’s sleep I’ve had in London for years. This alone is worth the rather hefty price tag.

Almost as appealing as the facilities, is the location. Situated a minute’s walk away from Sloane Square station and the shops along the King’s Road, you’ll have plenty to be getting on with come the weekend. The Saatchi gallery is also just a stone’s throw away providing spiritual nourishment after the bodily comforts on offer at the residences.

At £290 a night, the Cheval serviced apartments aren’t cheap, but Phoenix House is the pinnacle of modern luxury – and far more homely than a hotel.