It’s probably not fair to give a hotel a good review in the midst of the one time in the year when you will never so much as sniff a reservation or its luxurious rooms. But, you can always dream.
The Cannizaro House is one of the prime hotels in Wimbledon. A short cab ride from the local train station and the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, the Cannizaro provides a home away from home from well-off attendees of the world’s most famous tennis tournament. Its walls hold signed artifacts from some of the game’s biggest names alongside works from local artists.
Since the Cannizaro serves as an “away from the courts” HQ during Wimbledon fortnight, I booked a couple nights in its suites this past spring – well before the big event. I could get a flavor for the venue without the constant frenzy that must descend upon the property during the region’s most popular event.
The stately building was once a private house and was transformed into a boutique luxury hotel in the 1980s. It sits well back on the expansive public park that is Wimbledon Common. Built in the 1800s, the building’s history is too wild and too full of bizarre characters to re-create in a brief review like this. You owe yourself the favor of researching the Cannizaro’s past before you enjoy its accommodations.
Even though the Cannizaro stands in a well-populated area, it holds an atmosphere of remoteness and exclusivity because of its arrangement on the Common. Up a long hill and separated from the village by the park, only one road leads to the hotel. Also, lush green grounds spread out behind the building to a small woodland. That means – no matter how busy Wimbledon might be on a given day – there’s an aura of peace around Cannizaro House.
Wimbledon itself offers a lot more than the world’s most famous tennis tournament. It combines all the facilities of upscale UK living with the atmosphere of a small village. There are quaint local shops unique the area and big name retail outlets. Situated at the end of the Underground’s District Line in southwest London, Wimbledon also offers a reasonable train ride into the British capital.
Its home turf is the most appealing aspect of Cannizaro House. Close enough to offer easy access to London, the hotel retains the look and feel of a quiet country estate worlds away from the big city’s noise and haste. Thought it might off London’s radar, the Cannizaro House should be very much on yours if you’re headed Wimbledon’s way.
