Chateau Denmark: The sirenic call of London’s historic glamour
Chateau Denmark combines hedonism and rock and roll glamour within a jigsaw of 55 Session Rooms and Apartments set across 16 buildings, which offer not only a hotel to call home, but an entire neighbourhood. With it comes one of the most unique stays in the capital. The ethos of “no half measures” seems fitting for its Denmark Street location, also known as London’s Tin Pan Alley— a hub which boasts a rich rock and roll history.
The street is positively brimming with cultural milestones, with former hangouts, rehearsal spaces, studios and shops playing host to a who’s who of musical icons, including The Rolling Stones, The Clash, Lou Reed and Jimi Hendrix. The Sex Pistols famously lived at number 6-7, and legend says David Bowie dreamed up Ziggy Stardust during his time living in a converted ambulance parked outside number 9.
The heritage-rich, gritty musical wonderland of the 1960s and ’70s might seem a stark contrast to the glossy home of Outernet London, “an immersive entertainment district” that combines content, immersive technology and experiences, but the rebellious spirit of its former occupants is alive and well at Chateau Denmark. Revelry is welcomed throughout your stay, and enabled by Chateau Denmark’s personal Butler service (BTLR for the initiated).
Having somebody waiting on you hand and foot might feel a bit archaic. However, this is a service with a difference. The BTLRs are dressed in gender-fluid attire in a violet hue Prince would have approved of; they’re armed with a “little purple book” of knowledge of where to eat, drink and be seen in the local area, as well as booking transport and mixing an array of favourite cocktails. They feel more akin to visiting (and very helpful) friends as opposed to staff members.
The party doesn’t stop there; the decor leans all the way into expression and escapism, with bold and playful interiors celebrating “a moment where times were a little faster, rules were a little looser, and folks were a little freer”. The York Apartment’s gilded ceiling, snake motif and velvet headboard all lend themselves to the luxe persona of the room, but the real star is the freestanding bathtub in the expansive marble bathroom.
Attention to detail is clear throughout, and the in-room amenities have convenience and freedom at their heart: rooms are paired with a Guest app, and fully-controlled ambience settings with a Relax and Party mode—the fully stocked maxibar (which puts the traditional hotel mini bar to shame) beckons to support either scenario. The 65-inch flatscreen and sound system, courtesy of Void and Artcoustic are a welcome touch, and guests can turn the volume up on their own setlist or enjoy one of the curated playlists on offer.
Though the captivating rooms are inviting enough to warrant staying in, it would be rude not to get out and about in the heart of London. Though the delights of Soho and Covent Garden might lure you, there’s plenty to do right on Chateau Denmark’s doorstep: live music is just a stone’s throw away at The Lower Third, and new bar Thirteen and exclusive basement club dial8 will join the line up shortly to cement themselves as future local haunts. Soho’s newest bar, Thirteen, along with underground haunt dial8 is one place on-site worth visiting. Not only are there classic and new cocktails aplenty but barbecue aficionados Cue Point is also in attendance and cooking up incredible small plates.
A word of warning: some may find a return to the “real world” after a neon-lit stay at Chateau Denmark quite jarring. Who could blame you? It’s hard to leave a rock and roll lifestyle behind.
