Kensington Hotels
Whether it be for a romantic weekend break, enjoying an elegant social occasion or taking in the delights the capital has to offer, luxury hotels in Kensington provide the perfect base and retreat for tourists and visitors alike.
The Milestone - 1 Kensington Court
This luxury Grade II listed boutique hotel with its 24-hour butler service is situated opposite Kensington Palace. Offering 57 guest rooms as well as six splendid long-stay apartments, it has been named ‘Best Hotel in the World for Service’ by Travel and Leisure magazine 2008. Formerly a private residence, this striking late nineteenth-century building with its Victorian facade not only boasts excellent views of Kensington Gardens but also occupies a convenient location close to the shopping Mecca of Knightsbridge. Resplendent with beautiful antique furniture, every room is individually decorated with several of the spectacular split-level suites offering king-size four-poster beds. The Milestone has undergone a meticulous restoration programme in accordance to English Heritage standards and thereby retaining all original features such as original fireplaces, carved wood panelling and large ornate windows. The hotel’s restaurant Cheneston, which is an early spelling of Kensington offers an eclectic and modern European menu in a setting very much that of a Victorian country house with the addition of a small private alcove off the main dining room. Aperitifs can be enjoyed in the sumptuous book-lined drawing room with its majestic baronial-style fireplace.
Baglioni’s - 60 Hyde Park Gate
A prestigious 5-star hotel with its commitment to Italian heritage boasts a combination of culture, distinction and luxury. The 68 rooms, 50 of which are suite-rooms are themed around art, history and music and thereby of particular attraction and interest to those who have a passion for culture. As well as a personal butler service available on all floors, there are freshly cut flowers, bottled water and seasonal fruits present in all of the guest rooms along with luxury bathrobes and an evening turndown service. With a backdrop of bamboo, natural stone and Italian mosaic the hotel’s Rejuvenation Spa and fitness centre provides an unforgettable spa experience in a setting of complete tranquillity. The atmospheric Brunello restaurant, named ‘Best Newcomer’ in 2005 by the magazine Tatler is the epitome of Italian culture with its huge black Venetian glass chandeliers, gold velvet padded walls, black drapes and large high-backed comfortable armchairs. The menu offers a cuisine of comforting Italian classics along with a vast wine list of 500 or more selections, the Cantina Terlano Pinot Grigio D.O.C. being a highly recommended little number.
The Royal Garden Hotel - 2-24 Kensington High Street
With its splendid views of Kensington Palace, Hyde Park and the Royal Albert Hall, this luxury hotel was claimed as the official location for the FIFA World Cup in 1966, going on to play host to the Euro 96 Championships, the Cricket World Cup in 1999 and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2004. Even today the Royal Garden still remains the first choice of London hotels for sportspersons of international repute. Situated over 10 floors, the hotel offers 396 splendidly appointed bedrooms and suites of impeccable quality many of which are interconnecting and smoking-free areas. The decor is understandably English with elegant finishes of pale creams and natural wood furnishing, punctuated with the classic accents of reds and blues. Adorning the walls are detailed botanical and architectural drawings. The Soma Centre is one of the leading holistic health centres in London and features a vast range of facilities including modern cardiovascular machines and free weights as well as studio-based teaching in Yoga, Pilates, kickboxing and aerobics with personal trainers available on request. The Royal Garden underwent a complete renovation between 1994 and 1996, thereby maintaining its distinction as a major luxury 5 star hotel. It still remains privately owned, with two sister properties in Singapore, The Goodwood Park Hotel and York Hotel.
London Marriott Hotel - 147 Cromwell Road
This International luxury four star hotel located in the heart of Kensington features a spectacular seven-storey glass atrium. Opened in July 2003, the London Marriott is considered to be the most contemporary of hotels in London providing a diverse mix of superb and stunning facilities. Each of the 216 guest rooms provide luxury bedding such as down pillows and mattress toppers teamed with superior Egyptian cotton linen and all are equipped with On-Command TV, phones with voice mail and multiple data ports for high speed internet access. The London Marriott features its own leisure club with indoor swimming pool and gym that provides cardiovascular equipment and free weights along with spa facilities that include a sauna, Jacuzzi and steam room, all of which guests can enjoy complimentary of the hotel.
