LONDON
DISCOVER A GRAND TOWNHOUSE MADE FOR FAMILY STAYS …
THE KENSINGTON HOTEL, LONDON
BY SAMANTHA READY
There is something rather lovely about arriving at a London hotel where the children are considered every bit as much as the grown-ups, but that stills feels like an adult-focused stay. At The Kensington, our welcome came in two distinct forms. For the kids, a basket filled with colouring, stickers, London Top Trumps, fruit and sweets. For us, a half bottle of Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve NV sat chilling on ice, ready to be poured. Everybody, it seemed, had been accounted for.
Set on Queen’ s Gate in South Kensington, The Kensington Hotel is part of The Doyle Collection, the Irish family-owned luxury hospitality group whose hotels span London, Dublin, Cork, Bristol and Washington DC. The hotel itself occupies a handsome collection of period townhouses, their white stucco façades providing exactly the sort of grand London arrival this part of the capital does so well. Inside, high ceilings, open fires, chandeliers, rich fabrics, artwork and beautifully layered drawing rooms create the atmosphere of a particularly well-appointed private home rather than a conventional city hotel.
For families( we had Jaxon, 9, and Lyla, 11, in tow), its position is difficult to better. The Natural History Museum, Science Museum and V & A are all within easy walking distance, which meant we could explore some of London’ s greatest collections without negotiating taxis or repeatedly disappearing underground. Kensington Gardens, the Royal Albert Hall and Harrods are close too, giving a mini-break here an enviable amount of London within strolling distance.
Upstairs, the hotel’ s rooms and suites continue the townhouse character. No two are quite identical, with layouts dictated by the original architecture, while statement wallpaper, sumptuous fabric, characterful furniture and marble bathrooms blend Victorian influence with contemporary comfort. The Kensington has everything from cosy and classic rooms through to family accommodation, studio suites and three statement signature suites, making it particularly adaptable for longer stays or families wanting more space.
Our room, complete with two queen-size beds, table, desk and city views became a welcome retreat between museum visits and meals, but much of the appeal of The Kensington lies downstairs.
Afternoon tea is something of an institution here, served among the drawing rooms where sofas, armchairs and low tables encourage you to settle in properly. The hotel’ s seasonal afternoon tea takes the quintessential British ritual seriously, with delicate savouries, freshly baked plain and fruit scones, and beautifully crafted patisserie arriving alongside welcome
142 • www. insidekent. co. uk