The Kensington Hotel London, located across five charming townhouses just off London’s Old Brompton Road, is a tranquil haven to escape the crowds of SW7’s museum district. Everything from luxury five-star service to the hotel’s elegant choice in furnishings oozes the glamour and class that Kensington is known for.
We spent an unforgettable weekend stay in The Kensington Hotel’s Brompton Suite and here’s what we discovered.
https://www.doylecollection.com/hotels/the-kensington-hotel
Location
The hotel is situated on Queen’s Gate in South Kensington, which is especially convenient for those wanting to explore the best of the exceptional (and free) museums in London, with the hotel being a short walk to the famous Natural History Museum as well as the Science Museum and the V&A. For those after a spot of shopping, Knightsbridge is also within walking distance where you will find some of the best shopping in London, in the form of Harrods and Harvey Nichols. Elsewhere, if you’re looking for green natural walks or a lush spot for a summer picnic then you’ll also find Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park close by.
The nearest tube station is South Kensington, which is just around the corner, as are a huge variety of incredible restaurants, cafes, and bars, not that you will want to venture too far when the hotel boasts its very own sophisticated K Bar and fantastic terrace restaurant, The Veranda.
Rooms
The Kensington Hotel, which comes under the Doyle Collection, an Irish family-owned luxury hotel group with hotels in Dublin, London, Washington DC, Cork and Bristol, is made up of 150 rooms and suites, which include Classic and Deluxe rooms (suited for solo visitors and starting at £281 and £241 per night), then there is the Studio and Luxury Suites (starting at £439 per night). At the higher and even more lavish end of the scale, you will find The Brompton Suite and Knightsbridge Suite (both starting at £1330 per night), or you can opt to connect both suites, ideal for families, to create the Kensington Suite at rates from £3200 per night.
We stayed in the Brompton Suite – a 753ft apartment – an ideal respite from the daily grind of the city, which has a certain historical romantic charm with luxurious and soft interiors. From the period four-poster bed to the free-standing Victorian roll-top bath featured in the vast marble and gold accented bathroom, as well as the Waterford crystal chandelier in the suite’s separate living area, and classical artwork throughout the apartment, there is a lot to be said for the little details throughout the suite.
There are also Nespresso machines and luxurious toiletries for those extra touches. The family rooms can accommodate a teepee for children, and the expansive Kensington Suite includes a mirror above the fireplace that conceals the television. Toiletries, manicure kits, and branded cosmetics are also provided in the bathrooms, with our bathroom even featuring its own flat-screen TV.
In-suite experiences are also available if you’ve seen enough of the city and wish to make more memories in the comfort of your home away from home – there is a mixologist experience on offer for pre-dinner drinks or an afternoon tea for two all on offer.
Dining & Drinks
The Kensington Hotel has some of the best dining and drinks in the West of London, with plenty of locals visiting the hotel’s Veranda Restaurant and K Bar every evening. You’re bound to feel like a Londoner at either of the hotel offerings.
Firstly there’s the K Bar, a swanky and sleek cocktail bar perfect for pre or post-dinner drinks. The bar boasts some of the most beautiful and elegant decor in town; oak panels, polished brass accents, and mirrored walls, with a feeling similar to that of an exclusive modern-day gentleman’s club. You’ll be able to enjoy an expansive cocktail list, spanning both classic and contemporary concoctions.
One of two dining options is The Drawing Room which is the picture of ultimate luxury yet relaxed living, with open fireplaces, vivid artwork, and exquisite objets d’art, The Drawing Room delivers the ultimate in opulent yet comfortable living – with influence from the local and chic French scene that South Kensington is known for. Throughout the day, The Drawing Room serves a tempting range of fresh, seasonal, locally sourced dishes, including a classically English Afternoon Tea.
From 12 p.m. until 9.30 p.m. daily, guests can enjoy an all-day drinking and eating experience with a signature L’Apero menu designed in collaboration with Perrier-Jouët.
Service & Facilities
Other facilities include:
- Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
- Town House Restaurant – offering afternoon tea
- The K Bar
- Town House meeting and events rooms – The Library, The White Room and The Study
- Spa treatment room – featuring different styles of massage and skincare treatments
- Fitness suite – open 24 hours a day
- Business facilities and secretarial services
- Luxury car service
- Dedicated guest services department
- In-room Dining is available from 7.00am to 10.30pm
- Fully accessible for guests with disabilities
- Currency exchange
- Laundry / dry cleaning
- Public car park nearby
109-113 Queen’s Gate,
Kensington and Chelsea,
London SW7 5LR, England.
020 7589 6300
https://www.doylecollection.com/hotels/the-kensington-hotel
KeiKei is a London-based award-winning journalist and videographer with a degree in Broadcast Media and Journalism from the University of the West of Scotland and an extensive reporting background in news, entertainment, travel, and lifestyle.
KeiKei has travelled the globe interviewing, reporting and reviewing. Her work has been published in worldwide media outlets including, The New York Post, The Guardian, The Mirror, The Daily Mail, National Geographic and Conde Nast publications.
