Set along a quiet street of red-bricked homes in London’s posh Chelsea neighborhood, the historic Draycott Hotel offers a luxury experience hard to surpass. I was met upon arrival by the hotel’s day manager, who ushered me to a private desk off the entrance hall to check-in, then escorted me to the Vivian Leigh Suite overlooking the hotel’s Cadogan gardens — one of 35 individually decorated, theatrically-themed guestrooms and suites set within one of three interconnected Edwardian-era buildings. Waiting in the room as a welcome gift was a package of handcrafted shortbread baked by the wife of the hotel’s managing director, a truly special amenity enjoyed by all guests at the Draycott.

Like many of the other suites at the Draycott, my room included a fully fitted kitchen, a gas fireplace and a large sitting area with a desk, table, dressing table, sofa and comfortable easy chairs. The beautifully glowing wood of antique Victorian furnishings, plush fabrics and gorgeous drapes framing the enormous windows blended perfectly with modern, high-tech features. The property prides itself on quietly providing a superior luxury experience with a number of complimentary amenities including WiFi, 24-hour room service, tea and homemade treats in the drawing room each afternoon at 4 p.m., a glass of Champagne served at 6 p.m. each evening, and even a delicious pre-bed cup of rich hot chocolate each night beginning at 9:30 p.m.

After a beautifully prepared breakfast in the downstairs dining space in the morning, I wandered around the property to admire the collection of antiques, theater posters and memorabilia on display in halls and public spaces. The hotel buildings date to 1890, and the surrounding neighborhood has a fascinating history including its status as the former haunt of the Sloane Rangers, or “Sloanies” — a group of well-heeled young people who roamed the cafés and shops in the 1970s. Often identifiable by their dress, these fashionable members of high society became the subject of several books by Peter York and Ann Barr including The Official Sloane Ranger Handbook (Edbury Press, 1982), featuring a young Lady Diana Spencer — viewed as the quintessential Sloanie — on the cover, prior to her princess status. And, though you may never be able to call yourself a true Sloane Ranger, you can at least immerse yourself in their world with a stay at the Draycott.