From London To Dubai: Cheval Collection Evolves Its Chic City Lifestyle Offering

From the wall of windows, Tower Bridge – one of London’s most iconic sights – feels like it is almost in touching distance. Meanwhile, The Tower of London – perhaps an even more famous building – feels even closer. If the inside of Cheval Three Quays is not impressive enough, the sweeping views along the River Thames, and over London’s famous landmarks, will have you at ‘hello’.

Cheval Three Quays is perhaps the glitziest property belonging to Cheval Collection, a luxury hospitality group which has spearheaded the growth of serviced apartments in the capital. Having celebrated its 40th anniversary last year, the brand presides over a curated collection of properties in London and Edinburgh. Since it launched its first property, Cheval Place in Knightsbridge, in 1982, the trend for apartment living (whether it is short or long-term) has exploded, particularly in recent years.

The appeal of privacy, flexibility and space, that comes with having your own private apartment, is among the reasons why apartment rentals have grown in popularity in recent times. What’s more, with Cheval’s luxury offering, guests can also factor in desirable add-ons (such as in-apartment chefs, delivered meals, shopping and spa treatments) so that a stay here can compete with the usual amenities that come with a hotel booking.

These days, Cheval Collection has now expanded to 12 properties in London and Edinburgh, and encompasses a boutique brand – Cheval Maison (which opened its first property, Lexham Gardens in Kensington, in 2021) as well as a third brand, MY Locanda (which launched last month, with its first property slated to open in Glasgow in 2024).

One of its flagship addresses, Cheval Three Quays places you in the heart of London. It is made up of 159 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, plus a deluxe penthouse. Its name gives a nod to the three quays that originally stood here in the 17^th century, and which were used to house tobacco, rum and sugar arriving into the city from the West Indies.While you might look out over the city’s centuries-old buildings, inside it is all about contemporary 21^st-century living. Silver and taupe tones give a sleek harmony to the décor. Thick rugs, textured wallpaper and fine bed linens add a luxury feel. Bedrooms have a minimalist aesthetic – with padded leather wall accents, super-comfortable beds and cream-on-cream bathrooms complete with walk-in showers and Arran Aromatics products.

The design was conceived by architectural interiors group, Forme Design, who took inspiration from the historic riverside location and the proximity to the cutting-edge architecture of the City. Modern London is also in view with HMS Belfast and City Hall located opposite. Floor-to-ceiling Kestrel windows make this landscape around the river your focus, while the outside terrace is the ideal space to watch the constant movement below – riverboats, tug-boats and row-boats are continuously sailing past.

The light-filled, open-plan living space encompasses a sleek kitchen, stocked with upscale appliances, such as a Nespresso coffee machine and Dualit toaster. Pre-arranged welcome amenities can be arranged, including a well-stocked breakfast hamper, and there’s a round-the-clock concierge service for any extra needs. Daily housekeeping, turn-down service and same-day laundry and dry-cleaning can also be arranged.

Downstairs, there’s an in-house gym for guests to use. It is found adjacent to the show-stopping lobby, which features butter-soft leather chairs, statement chandeliers and a central leather check-in desk. From here, you can access the restaurants along the riverside, such as Coppa Club and its waterside igloos, or – opposite on the south bank – Butler’s Wharf and eateries, such as Chop House.

While the group has a solid presence in the UK, Cheval is now setting its sights further afield with the launch of the new Cheval Maison, The Palm Dubai, due to open in the Middle East in April.

This new foray abroad is an all-apartment boutique property located on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, and will offer 131 contemporary apartments. It will consist of a combination of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, plus a three-bedroom penthouse. All will have fully-equipped kitchens, terraces or balconies, plus there’s a 24-hour gym and a rooftop pool. The apartments are part of the Golden Mile residential complex, situated on the western trunk of Palm Jumeirah and ideally located to explore the city. The Palm Monorail, just a one minute walk from the apartments, connects the key landmarks of the Palm Jumeirah. The location is also easy for those wanting to access the metro system to connect with the rest of the city.

With the group expanding internationally, it’s a further signal that home-style living in truly here to stay. Private luxury apartments are leading the way when it comes to visitors truly maximising their stay in a new location, allowing them to fully capture the essence of a city.