For those of you who know me, you know I’m a sucker for a good hotel stay. Even a short overnight trip fills me with joy. Maybe it’s true what they say, “a change is as good as a rest.” I find it re-energizes me and makes me feel like I’ve had a mini break. And I love sharing my hotel experiences! A London hotel review can be invaluable if you’re planning a trip to the capital, and I have an entire section on my blog dedicated to them if you need a little inspiration.
Finding the Perfect Stay
When I choose a hotel, I have a specific checklist. I love a hotel with character and a warm, welcoming interior. I prefer a place with history and a story to tell. Boutique hotels are my favorite, with their unique individuality. It’s also a plus if the hotel is located near my evening plans. Rooms with distinct styles and decor add a touch of novelty, making each return feel like a fresh experience. The Gore in South Kensington ticked all these boxes.
A Night in South Kensington
The reason for our London trip was a fabulous treat: my parents gifted us tickets to Cirque du Soleil at the Royal Albert Hall for Christmas. We had seen a Cirque du Soleil show years ago in Las Vegas and were eager to experience it again. We had tried to get tickets to shows at the Royal Albert Hall in the past, but they always sold out before we could. Our parents, bless them, knew the assignment and passed with flying colors!
The Gore: A Historic Gem in South Kensington
The Gore hotel, part of the Italian hotel chain Starhotels Collezione, is situated in one of my favorite parts of London: South Kensington. The nearest tube station, South Kensington, is conveniently located on the District, Circle, and Piccadilly lines. This London hotel sits on The Queens Gate Road, within the beautiful and leafy area of South Kensington. Known for its stunning white townhouses, this location offers easy access to so many things to do in London. Step out the hotel’s front door and a short walk to the right will lead you to Hyde Park, while a quick left will take you to The Royal Albert Hall. Despite its central location, the street is surprisingly quiet, with no traffic noise reaching the hotel. As with any London hotel review I write, I can’t resist sharing a few stories.
Stories of Stars and Suites
The Gore Hotel, which has welcomed guests since 1892, has a rich history, filled with captivating stories. It’s only natural that many of these stories involve the theatre stars of bygone eras. Its location in the shadow of The Royal Albert Hall has made it a popular destination for both theatregoers and actors alike.
One story that I didn’t know before arriving (and wish I had!) involves the legendary Judy Garland. Any of my friends and family will tell you that I was obsessed with Judy Garland as a child. The film “The Wizard of Oz” has held me in its spell for as long as I can remember. Even now, it fills me with joy to watch it. The incredible Ms. Judy Garland stayed at The Gore during her performances at the Royal Albert Hall. In fact, they have a suite named in her honor, with… are you ready for this… her actual bed frame! Yes, you can sleep in Judy Garland’s original bed frame. The story goes that she gifted the bed frame to the hotel as a thank you for her wonderful stay. She had it shipped from America, and it’s still there today. Oh, how I wish I had known that before I booked. I would have loved to stay in that room.
Other notable guests who have graced The Gore’s guest book include Victorian Opera singer Dame Nellie Melba, famous conductor Sir Malcolm Sargent, and actor Tony Hancock. And, in the 1960s, The Rolling Stones celebrated their album going gold with a party at the hotel. If only those walls could talk…
Opulence and Individuality in Every Room
The Gore’s 50 guest rooms are spread across 6 floors. There are various room types to choose from, depending on your needs (and budget). Rooms start at around £280 for the Classic. We stayed in a Superior Double, and it was perfect. Due to the building’s unique history and age, every room is different in both size and shape. The decor is equally individual, featuring beautiful wallpapers and luxurious fabrics. However, a common theme you’ll find is that all rooms have antique bed frames and furniture, creating an opulent and high-end ambiance. Each room feels like a beautiful country manor house. All rooms come equipped with tea/coffee making facilities, en-suite bathrooms, Penhalligan’s toiletries, and dressing gowns.
Our room had a small balcony. Despite the chilly temperatures, I braved the cold to stand on the balcony for a few moments and watch the world go by. As I stood there with my cup of tea, I pretended, just for a moment, that I lived in this beautiful building and standing on my London balcony was my normal life. It was fascinating to watch the people who actually live in the white townhouses emerging from their front doors and going about their day. Mothers rushing their children to school, people walking their dogs, couples heading to work – I enjoyed watching them until my fingers turned blue from the cold and I had to come back inside.
A Warm Welcome Awaits
In my role as a travel agent, I’m often asked to recommend London hotels, especially for theatre breaks. With that in mind, I was very kindly given a tour of the hotel and its various room types by the Manager, Andrea. Every room I saw was beautiful, so I have no doubt that you would be delighted with any of the room choices. Of course, the suites are absolutely gorgeous, and I could have happily stayed in the Tudor Suite for the rest of my life… The hotel’s style is quintessentially English, cosy and inviting, with a luxurious feel to every room.
An Intimate Bar for Late-Night Drinks
As you know, I always have to check out the hotel bar. A drink at the bar is always a highlight of my evening. Bar 190 at The Gore is not a large bar, but I loved that about it. The luxurious ambiance of the hotel extends into the bar. Beautiful antique furnishings, Cinderella booths, and cozy corners create an intimate and relaxed atmosphere. Nik and I were lucky enough to snag the Cinderella booth for our late-night drinks, and it was perfect for a relaxed nightcap after the show. The drink selection is extensive, and the service is excellent. In fact, I must say that the service throughout the entire hotel was amazing. Every staff member we encountered was welcoming and friendly.
A Decadent Breakfast and a Cozy Library
We decided to start our next day off in a relaxed manner and didn’t book breakfast at the hotel. There’s something quite decadent about sitting in bed, drinking tea, and reading. I’m up at 5:30 am every morning at home during the week, so having a slow morning felt like a pampered princess treatment. It was blissful. The breakfast menu features the usual offerings – cooked or continental – and given the hotel’s reputation for fine dining, I’m confident it would be excellent.
You probably guessed which public room I liked best at the hotel… Yes, the library. I adore libraries. An entire wall of this room is packed with books, and the plush velvet furniture invites you to settle in. It’s a bright and airy room, the perfect spot to enjoy a tray of tea while you plan your day. I loved it in here, and we spent a little time here before checking out.
A Boutique Hotel with Charm and Character
If you, too, prefer a boutique-style hotel, then I highly recommend The Gore. I can’t fault it. From its beautiful antique furnishings, original art works, and many nooks and crannies, it feels like a truly unique place to stay. The hotel is undergoing some redecorating in certain areas, but these areas are completely closed off, so you won’t encounter any construction. The hotel restaurant, 190 Queens Gate, is being refurbished and is due to be completed in February. While the work is ongoing, breakfast is served downstairs in one of the lovely function rooms, so it won’t impact your stay in any way. When it reopens, there will be a pre-theatre dinner menu available, as well as the return of their themed afternoon teas. You can probably guess who will be putting their name down to try that… My afternoon tea section on the blog is a testament to my love of high tea.
A Stay Like Home, But Fancier
As I mentioned, a stay here feels like staying in someone’s very fancy home. It’s intimate and personal, and the location adds to that “residential” feel. We took a leisurely stroll through the park as the sun began to set. It was a beautiful time to be in the park. The winter light was perfect and made The Albert Memorial, one of my favorite memorials in London, glow beautifully. Strolling back along Queens Gate to the hotel, we warmed up with tea in the library before heading to our room to get ready for our evening.
Our stay at The Gore certainly made our theatre trip even more special. Are you a fan of this style of hotel? I would love to hear your thoughts.
Please feel free to get in touch if you need any advice or help in booking your own London theatre trip. I’m always happy to help!
