Molly Miller discovers a stylish new pied à terre in town that’s already proving to be very popular with visitors thanks to its laid back luxe appeal
Tunbridge Wells’ newest aparthotel has opened its doors, but reservations are already booking up fast thanks to its elegant, design-led aesthetic, luxury amenities and privileged location on Cumberland Walk in the thick of The Pantiles’ boutique shops, vibrant bars, and foodie scene…
The latest opening from One Warwick Park (part of Elite Leisure Collection), the new self-catering apartment is the boutique hotel’s second aparthotel venture since the staycation travel trend boomed in the UK post-COVID—19.
After launching the hotel in 2016 and opening its first self-catering property, The House last year, One Warwick Park has invested in another short stay option to ensure it stays at the heart of the local staycation scene. And it’s easy to see why it has so quickly become the talk of the town…
With its lavish, contemporary interiors and host of excellent dining options and facilities, it’s the perfect hideaway for a relaxing stay in the heart of Tunbridge Wells.
A stone’s throw from the well that gave the town its name — and the fine Georgian colonnade known as The Pantiles, the new double-bedroom apartment has been exquisitely renovated to give its guests a luxury home away from home experience.
Named ‘The Apartment’, the one-bedroom property is just steps away from the main hotel and has been designed to suit both business and leisure travel. A night’s stay will cost you from £225 per night costing an extra £25 if you’d like to bring your pet pooch.
Once the basement of The House, One Warwick Park has completely reimagined the empty space which now boasts a free-flowing floor plan.
This highly sought-after property certainly has a lot to offer its guests, and features a super comfortable double bed fit for two which seamlessly flows into the main living space.
“Elegant, design-led aesthetic and with luxury amenities, The Apartment boasts something for everybody to enjoy”
Here you can expect to find a plush seating area (which has a pull-out bed making The Apartment fit for small families), a large flat-screen TV and high-speed Wi-Fi throughout, and whilst the entire floor is open-plan, the clever design using ‘invisible walls’ gives guests a snug and homey feel.
Whether you’re staying just for the night, a long weekend or even a month, there’s everything you could need for a relaxing, self-catered stay as the spacious marble kitchen and dining space are fully equipped making cooking at your new home a breeze.
There’s also a charming yet luxurious bathroom and your very own private courtyard, beautifully decorated with hanging baskets, garden mirrors and a picnic bench.
The interiors throughout The Apartment mirror One Warwick Park’s concept of ‘contemporary elegance’ – a luxury the hotel has become renowned for.
‘Whilst The Apartment has everything you need for a relaxing self-catered stay, guests can still enjoy the benefits of the main hotel,’ Operations Director Nick Moore told SO magazine.
Only a short walk away, those staying at The Apartment can take advantage of One Warwick Park’s chic breakfast restaurant and opulent bar.
The restaurant, named The Brasserie, opened towards the end of last year and has quickly become a much-loved meeting place for locals and guests seeking morning coffee and delicious breakfast eats.
The Brasserie features a stunning atrium and contemporary décor, and its menu is packed full of favourites including tasty American pancakes, eggs royale and veggie and vegan options too.
On weekends The Brasserie also offers bottomless brunch which is available from 11 am – 2 pm. Whether you’re a hotel guest, staying at The Apartment or are visiting The Pantiles to sample its famous food scene, you can enjoy brunch at The Brasserie for just £34 per person. It includes bottomless prosecco, Bellinis, Bloody Marys and mimosas plus one hearty dish from the menu.
If you’re after something a little lighter, afternoon tea is also available and costs from £25 per person where you can indulge in a delicious selection of classic sweet and savoury treats plus hot tea or a glass of bubbles.
“Whether you’re staying just for the night, a long weekend or even a month, there’s everything you could need for a relaxing, self-catered stay”
Afternoon tea at The Brasserie is served in the restaurant’s stunning atrium or the art deco-inspired bar – another popular destination in Royal Tunbridge Wells which can be enjoyed by guests.
Providing the perfect setting for pre-dinner cocktails or after-work drinks, The Bar serves the best in British spirits, liqueurs, brews, and wines.
As well as eating and drinking at One Warwick Park Hotel, guests staying in The Apartment have 24-hour access to the front desk and can choose to use or not to use housekeeping – ideal for those looking for flexible long-term options.
Described as the ‘future’ of hospitality, aparthotels are a trend the industry has seen explode since the pandemic, and One Warwick Park says it has evolved quickly.
Nick Moore added: “People are staying in one place longer – perhaps to work first and then relax on holiday. Guests are therefore choosing accommodation they can live in, not just stay.”
The travel trend became apparent following COVID-19 which crippled the hospitality industry and whilst hotels worldwide suffered, Airbnb remained profitable generating billions in commissions. The company even increased the number of active listings to 7.9 million during the height of the pandemic – a statistic that accelerated the growth in extended-stay and serviced-apartment accommodation.
“The demand is there and rising,” Nick said. “Both business and leisure travelers are looking for apartments with hotel-like experiences: premium amenities, complimentary toiletries, in-room entertainment, and facilities like bars and restaurants.
“The Apartment at One Warwick Park appeals to both groups for this reason – the property gives people the flexibility to cherry-pick between the benefits of both hotels and self-catering accommodation.”
The new aparthotel will predominantly be a quiet, ‘home-from-home’ space for professionals relocating for short to medium periods in town, and at weekends will provide a relaxing space for families, friends and couples wanting to soak up the growing number of activities Tunbridge Wells has to offer.
Home to a pleasing variety of specialist independent shops, art galleries and restaurants and bars, the location of The Apartment boasts something for everybody to enjoy, and with a mainline train station only a short walk away, guests are truly at the heart of it all.
Enjoy 20% off your first staycation of 2023
For those wanting to stay at the luxury four-star hotel, One Warwick Park is offering up to 20% off hotel bedrooms, The Apartment and The House when booking direct in January, February, and March 2023.
The offer includes priority check-in and free bedroom upgrades (subject to availability). Reservations should be made by booking online (OneWarwickPark.co.uk) or by calling reception on 01892 520 587. To redeem, quote ‘BOOK20’.
Salomons Estate & One Warwick Park Hotel are owned by the Elite Leisure Collection who also own SO Magazine
