This year, I promised myself that I would travel more. I’d get out there and see the world – the promise I make to myself yearly and then for whatever reason, life gets in the way and I end up visiting Paris for the 80th time instead of somewhere new.
But I seem to have my ducks in a row travel wise because each month this year so far – we’re off somewhere new. And in between that…? There’s something else I’m really keen on doing more of, staycations in London. Like visiting Supercity’s aparthotels.
Every time I come up to London from Southampton, I’ll be totally honest with you… it’s a bit draining. The train is about an hour and a bit journey, not terrible or anything. But it can feel tiring and time consuming. People who commute to London daily, I salute you – BIG TIME.
Because I’m frequently in London for work or to see friends, I want to spend 2019 making the most of my London days and nights with staycations. That means getting up to London, checking in somewhere, being able to get my work done and then have the luxury of a bonus second day in the city. Having a full next day to have meetings, go to events and see friends is a lifesaver. It’s that 2 for 1 special that I need for my London life.
So for this year, I’m here for those London staycations. Because in actuality, London still feels like my home. I know the streets, my favourite spots to eat and the tube routes like the back of my hand.
I’ve actually talked a lot about this with my friend Jaye who lives down south as well – we relish the time we get to spend back in London and having that overnight really makes it feel all the more special.
So the opportunity to review Supercity’s newest opening, The Chronicle was PERFECT. I had an early start the next day at an event – something I wouldn’t have the luxury of attending if I’d woken up that morning in Southampton.
The Chronicle opened at the end of 2018 and you can tell – in a good way. The aparthotel is beautiful, modern and accessible. And the room, well actually, apartment, feels more like our own little home right in the centre of London. It’s such a lovely feeling. The Chronicle itself is home to 53 luxury apartments, two floors of offices and an onsite bar/restaurant to kick back and relax in.
Upon our arrival and a speedy check in, we headed up to our 1 bedroom suite, dropped off our things and ventured out and about. I had a catch up scheduled with my friend Katy for a few hours while Joe was off filming in the studio.
Now the good part. Joe and I had originally said, let’s go out for dinner somewhere and then for drinks. We left it all kind of last minute though. I should have thought about a new place I wanted to try out… but en route back to meet at The Chronicle, we decided to make other plans entirely. Bring on the takeaway burritos and a bottle of wine!
Because sometimes, it’s nice to have a home away from home where you can have your usual night in, especially right in the centre of London.
So we happily ate burritos, sipped on a cool Chardonnay and chilled out in the living room area watching Harry Potter (that was playing on ITV). Honestly, it was the perfect recipe for a night in.
And it was especially great as I had an early start the next day. We went to bed early. The curtains across the windows come down to completely black out the room. Which means you don’t see any of London’s lights shining in. It’s such a handy little bonus.
Plus we had snacks in the room too! Supercity leaves you a little goodie bag of treats, crisps, popcorn and cereal for the morning. Along with milk, water and there was both a bottle of wine and Prosecco in there. Not sure if it was included within the stay or not. But we’d brought our own so just tucked into that.
If you’re looking for a super accommodating stay and experience in London that feels like a home away from home, Supercity’s The Chronicle is the perfect find. Also, I can definitely see it as the perfect space for a large group coming into London. Whether that’s a girls night or even a hen-do.
I always like when rooms have space for some entertaining or moving about – it was definitely a fun stay for us! And it meant I didn’t have to get up crazy early to get into London for my event – YAY.
Have you stayed at an Aparthotel before? What did you think? Or alternatively, do you ever do staycations where you live?
Kelly xox
PS. This post is in collaboration with Supercity Aparthotels who kindly invited me to stay over for a review visit. Rooms start at around £185 per night and are located in London, Manchester and soon to be in Brighton. And of course, all opinions are of course, as always, my own.