Statement

In light of recent, inaccurate media reports, Chelsea Cloisters would like to issue the following statement:

Chelsea Cloisters in no way condones or tolerates prostitution being conducted from its premises. Following the initial media reports in November 2018 that some of its serviced apartments were being used for this purpose, Chelsea Cloisters identified the small number of apartments in question and terminated the guests’ stays immediately. Legal letters have also been sent out to any privately owned apartments in Chelsea Cloisters at which there has been any suggestion of inappropriate activity.

Chelsea Cloisters operates a large serviced apartment business. As such it follows the standard aparthotel industry procedures in which anyone can reserve an apartment through online travel agencies assuming a valid credit card and identification. Like all comparable prestigious buildings in central London, Chelsea Cloisters faces an ongoing challenge to prevent escorts from targeting its premises, not least through booking on these online channels. As such we have refused a number of guests the opportunity to re-book or extend their stays. While it is not possible to completely eradicate the risk of serviced apartments occasionally being misused, Chelsea Cloisters is constantly improving its procedures to meet this challenge in keeping with its zero tolerance approach. Chelsea Cloisters also recognises, however, that it would be completely improper to reject guests at the point of check-in based on their ethnicity or appearance, and there is no question of us ever doing so.

Contrary to the grossly misleading media reports, Chelsea Cloisters is a safe and reputable complex, which continues to operate an outstanding serviced apartment business where our guests are ensured of a comfortable and secure stay.