Once considered a relatively niche option reserved for business travellers, serviced residences have rapidly evolved into one of London’s most in-demand accommodation sectors. With the rise of remote work, blended travel, and longer-term city stays, more and more people - whether on business or not - are seeking the space, comfort, and flexibility these properties offer, without compromising on location or lifestyle. Discerning visitors now expect hotel-grade comfort alongside the autonomy of a private home and, such are the impeccable standards right across this space, often the delineation between the two is hard to discern. Nowhere is this trend more appealing than in South West London: a stylish, expansive part of the capital known for its village charm, cultural richness, world-class green spaces, and superb connections to central London and Heathrow. For business travellers, relocating professionals, or longer-stay guests seeking a base that balances comfort with character, south west London’s best serviced residences deliver on all fronts. Here is our guide to the very best options.
Craven House, Kingston
For location alone, Craven House is jaw-dropping. Overlooking the rolling deer meadows of Bushy Park and mere steps from the gates of Hampton Court Palace, this is one of south west London’s most picturesque and historically vivid settings. This particular enclave of Royal Kingston, once the seat of Anglo-Saxon kings, is deeply appealing, combining riverside charm, heritage architecture, and a distinct air of refined luxury. As for Craven House itself, it’s highly exclusive, with six immaculately appointed serviced apartments, each of which merges elegant Georgian architecture with contemporary design. The Court and Park Suites span over 100m², while the Garden Suites feature private balconies with fine views of Bushy Park’s deer. Amenities include 24/7 concierge and housekeeping, private parking, in-apartment chef services, pre-arrival provisions, and EV charging. Craven House is discreet, secure, with fine access to central London.
Fraser Suites Queens Gate, South Kensington
Set in a grand 19th-century townhouse in one of London’s most desirable postcodes, Fraser Suites Queens Gate comprises 105 elegantly furnished apartments that exude historic character and modern comfort. Options encompass smart studios to spacious two-bedroom residences, and each suite combines Victorian period features — high ceilings and intricate mouldings — with sleek furnishings, high-tech kitchenettes and complimentary Wi-Fi. Within the building, there is a fitness centre, an attentive daily housekeeping service, and a luxurious business centre. Its location is a huge draw — South Kensington is a vibrant cultural and diplomatic quarter, and the Natural History Museum, the V&A, the Royal Albert Hall, and Hyde Park are just a short stroll away. Many global embassies and discreet consulates are nearby, along with prestigious academic institutions such as Imperial College London. This is a calm, cultured base.
The Harrington, South Kensington
Another hugely comfortable South Kensington offering, though The Harrington offers more of a boutique take on serviced living than the Fraser Suites. It does so with individually designed apartments that emit a sense of home; each one of them offering something different in terms of accommodation needs, and thoughtfully styled to create a personalised, characterful ambience. All details are meticulously attended, and the property successfully blends residential privacy with hotel-level service. A 24-hour concierge is on hand, while on-site amenities include a wellness studio with yoga and Pilates classes, an inviting café and bistro, and a stylish bar and lounge. The Harrington is perfect for taking informal meetings or simply unwinding after a day in central London, and there is swift and direct Underground access to the City and Heathrow.
Richmond Hill Hotel
Further out of the city, sitting atop one of London’s most scenic viewpoints, Richmond Hill Hotel offers a thrilling blend of countryside tranquillity and urban sophistication. Boasting panoramic views of the Thames Valley, with free-roaming deer and ancient woodlands below, the hotel delivers all the charm of a classic English country retreat, albeit one that is just 30 minutes from central London and Heathrow Airport. Its stately Georgian façade is instantly welcoming, and many suites at the hotel are tailored for extended stays, with generous layouts and living spaces, and a strong design aesthetic that proudly merges contemporary British interiors with heritage details. The Gate is an on-site modern British restaurant with an expertly evolving menu, while there is also a popular cocktail bar and access to a well-equipped fitness studio. Richmond Hill Hotel is a compelling choice for business travellers to London who want a sophisticated, serviced-style comfort in a sumptuous setting that feels worlds away from the city.
11 Cadogan Gardens & The Chelsea Townhouse
Traditional hotel stays struggle to compete with 11 Cadogan Gardens and its sister property, The Chelsea Townhouse. Both offer clever and intimate alternatives, providing a truly exceptional base for guests who value luxury, privacy, and residential charm. 11 Cadogan Gardens is set across four interconnected Victorian townhouses and treats the visitor to a private London residence experience. Its interiors are magnificent: lush antique furnishings, marble bathrooms, artfully curated drawing rooms. Across the leafy garden square, The Chelsea Townhouse offers a more relaxed, extended-stay atmosphere, ideal for guests seeking longer-term accommodation. Both properties deliver five-star service, boutique individuality, and the prestige of a Chelsea postcode. Sloane Square and the designer boutiques of King’s Road are just a few minutes away.
Be it the village-like charm of Richmond, the cultural elegance of South Kensington, or the discreet luxury of Chelsea, these serviced residences offer more than just a place to stay. They provide a real sense of place, premium amenities, and superb connectivity.
