The prestigious neighbourhood of Kensington is one of London’s most affluent and a highly desirable place to live. With easy access to some great independent shops, local cafes, restaurants, museums and parks, it’s also a great place to stay.
The Victoria & Albert Museum, The Science Museum, The Natural History Museum, and The Design Museum are all within walking distance (or a short tube or taxi ride) of most hotels here. The famous Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, and Holland Park are also just a short stroll from Kensington High Street.
Kensington is also blessed with many luxurious and comfortable places to stay, from grand, historical hotels to cosy, boutique residences. They are also just a matter of minutes from the world-famous Harrods department store and the Royal Albert Hall. The latter has a prestigious and fascinating history, and continues to host incredible performances, from ballet and classical music to pop and stand-up comedy.
In this article, we’ll explore a few of the very best local hotels.
Milestone Hotel Kensington
The five-star Grade II listed Milestone Hotel overlooks Kensington Palace and Gardens and offers a selection of beautiful guest rooms, suites, and long-stay apartments, each with a unique design and plenty of character. Rooms at this 19th century hotel blend old-fashioned aesthetics with the latest modern conveniences, so expect antique furnishings and fine fabrics, alongside flatscreen TVs and en-suite bathrooms.
As well as easy access to the upmarket districts and amenities of Kensington and Knightsbridge, guests can enjoy a fitness centre, spa, and resistance pool. The onsite Cheneston’s Restaurant uses locally sourced and organic produce whenever possible and is happy to accommodate special requests, while afternoon tea is served in the Lounge.
The Adria
This Victorian townhouse offers a choice of five stylish and beautifully decorated rooms. The Adria is a potentially ideal solution for those seeking a luxurious and relaxing place to stay in Kensington. The rooms are elegantly furnished and a great place to unwind, with inclusions like an espresso machine and media hub. There are sleek design features, like marble bathrooms with underfloor heating and walk-in waterfall showers. Guests can also enjoy tasty breakfasts in the onsite morning room, while chefs are happy to accommodate requests if your preferred meal isn’t on the menu. There is also an open-air garden room, which is an ideal spot to enjoy afternoon tea.
The Ampersand Hotel
This five-star boutique hotel is set in a stunning Victorian building on Harrington Road, South Kensington. Each bedroom is uniquely decorated and boasts original Victorian features. The hotel has a Mediterranean restaurant onsite, a downstairs bar, and a well-equipped gym. The Ampersand is conveniently located just moments away from South Kensington underground station, so this is also a great base for exploring everything England’s capital city has to offer.
The Other House South Kensington
The Other House South Kensington is made up of 11 stunning townhouses. This hotel is just as impressive on the inside as the 237 rooms are chic and contemporary and designed to serve as mini apartments. Guests also have access to the hotel’s private members club, which includes a heated vitality pool, gym, sauna, steam room, wellness studio and screening room, two lounges and a varied calendar of events.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite you will be glad of the onsite The Other Kitchen, which offers breakfast, lunch, and afternoon grazing options. Meanwhile, the hotel’s Owl & Monkey bar, with decor inspired by the natural world, is the perfect place to spend an evening. Expect DJs, cosy spaces, and guest-only drinks menus. With an emphasis on exclusivity and privacy, plus luxurious features and a prime Kensington location, The Other House is a wonderful place to stay.
The Kensington Hotel
The luxurious Kensington Hotel blends contemporary comfort with traditional elegance. Set within a classic 19th-century white townhouse on the corner of the famous Queen’s Gate and Old Brompton Road, the hotel is a serene place to stay. There are 150 rooms, including 24 suites. With a menu of seasonal English dishes from chef Steve Gibbs, and stylish décor, The Town House restaurant is a wonderful place to dine. There is a welcoming hotel bar, which with its oak-panelled walls and upholstered sofas is ideal for an after-dinner drink.
This is also a great place for looking after body and mind, with an onsite spa treatment room and a state-of-the-art fitness centre, which has you covered for all your workout needs. In London for business? The hotel offers meeting and events rooms for hire, offering first class service and the ambience of a private members club.
With parks, museums, shops, cafes, restaurants and plenty of places to stay, Kensington has so much to offer visitors, making it a great base for your luxury trip to London. We hope this list of some of the neighbourhood’s best hotels proves useful and has inspired you to stay there.
