Aparthotels have long been the choice of business people looking for somewhere to stay in the city since they boast all of the advantages of an apartment with the added benefits that you’d normally expect from a hotel. The Chronicle by Supercity recently opened just off Chancery Lane, London and Vincenzo Ferrara was one of the first to try a room.
The Chronicle, a two-minute walk from Chancery Lane tube station, nine-minutes from City Thameslink and twelve-minutes from Holborn station, is in the heart of an area renowned for being the base of many international law firms.
The aparthotel itself is based along Norwich Street, just a moment off the main road, near multiple bars and restaurants, two mini supermarkets and several high-end tailors and seamstresses.
The Chronicle building at ground level blends into a sea of glass-fronted reception halls, keeping it inconspicuous for the area, yet easy to find. Upon first arriving, you will need to be buzzed in by the 24-hour receptionist. However, your room key will double as a key to the main building.
First impressions of the apartment: clean, well-equipped and spacious, my instant reaction was that I could see myself living here.
I entered the door from the third-floor lobby into the bedroom. The king-sized bed took my attention at first, surrounded with twin bedside tables, one with a plug socket and lamp, the other with a wall mounted room control panel and a wireless docking station holding a fully-loaded ‘Handy’ phone, perfect for helping find your way around the city. Opposite the foot of the bed was a desk, with ethernet connectivity, a DAB radio and desk lamp. The desk was plenty big enough to fit a laptop and printed work documents on the top, with storage for items underneath. The Wifi was fast, ideal for work or those looking to stream and download films.
Fitted wardrobes opposite the front door provided most of the storage space in the room, large enough to store clothing, bags and spare bedding. They also contained an iron, ironing board and a safe.
A small washroom was situated on the right of the bed, filled with standard bathroom amenities. A fitted shower and LED illuminated beauty mirror gave the sense of a well-designed room that made use of the space. Even though the washroom was small, it didn’t feel claustrophobic and could easily fit two in at a time.
The far side of the room held the main living quarters; an open plan kitchen, dining and living room area. It featured a dining table big enough for two with seating, a comfortable sofa and coffee table, making it perfect for hosting a guest.
The kitchen space was filled with all of the usual utensils and gadgets including: a microwave-over, fridge and a dishwasher. On the top were two electric hobs and a Nespresso coffee machine which completed the stylish yet practical kitchen.
The location of the apartment means going out to entertain is easy. With Covent Garden, just a stone’s throw away while for those that want to stay local to the apartment, 26 Furnival Street, the bar next door serves good food and drinks for a reasonable price. However, if you are out to impress, the Rosewood Hotel is down the road, perfect for hosting clients in a luxury environment.
The room itself didn’t feel like it was among the central London streets, but rather in the peace and quiet of somewhere like the Lake District. While I was inside the room, I couldn’t hear the buzz of local traffic and even the noise from renovations taking place at a building nearby weren’t noticeable until I later left the Supercity building.
If you work long London hours and don’t want to commute in and out of the city every day, then this is the perfect aparthotel for you. Cleaners are available daily and the location is perfect for anyone wanting to experience a cosmopolitan lifestyle. Whether you need a place to stay for a night, a week or longer, The Chronicle is the place for you.
