South Kensington is a must-visit for any visitor to London. This upscale neighborhood is a mix of beautiful townhouses, charming streets, and world-class museums. It’s the perfect place for those who enjoy the finer things in life. Let’s explore how to make the most of your time in this elegant London neighborhood.
The Kensington Hotel: Your Luxurious Haven
Tucked away on Queen’s Gate, The Kensington Hotel is South Kensington’s premier place to stay. This elegant hotel is part of the Doyle Collection, which also includes The Marylebone and The Bloomsbury. The Kensington itself is made up of four beautifully restored Victorian townhouses that radiate refined charm.
The hotel’s exceptional location is just one of its many advantages. While it has a quaint neighborhood feel, it’s also conveniently close to many must-see attractions, including the Victoria & Albert Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gardens, and Hyde Park. It’s also right on the border of Knightsbridge, home to luxurious shopping destinations like Harrods.
Elegant Design and Exquisite Details
The Kensington is a visual delight, from its exterior to its interior. High ceilings adorned with chandeliers and crown molding, plush furniture inviting you to relax, and stunning herringbone parquet floors all contribute to the grand ambiance. It feels like a private royal residence.
The guest rooms are equally beautiful, especially the newly redesigned suites. Recognizing the growing demand for longer stays, Bernie Gallagher, Chairman of The Doyle Collection, collaborated with London design studio Timothy Matter to create suites that are not only gorgeous but also functional and comfortable.
A Symphony of Opulence and Style
The suites are a luxurious feast for the senses. Maximalist Thibaut wallpaper and opulent curtains enhance the impressive scale of the rooms. The bathrooms are spa-like havens decked in Calcutta marble and gold, featuring freestanding roll-top baths, vintage smoked mirrors, and high-quality Malin+Goetz amenities.
Art plays a prominent role throughout the hotel. Each piece has been carefully selected from the Doyle family’s private collection. The curated furniture has been refurbished or upcycled for a glamorous new life.
Culinary Delights in South Kensington
The Kensington Hotel offers a quintessential British breakfast, lunch, dinner, and the famous London Landmarks Afternoon Tea at The Drawing Room, its in-house restaurant. The stylish K Bar is the perfect spot for enjoying drinks. For summer, the hotel has introduced The Veranda at The Kensington, an al fresco dining and drinking experience in partnership with Perrier-Jouët.
Beyond the hotel, South Kensington is brimming with glamorous dining options: Launceston Place, a former favorite of Princess Diana, serves modern British cuisine in an 1839 townhouse. Maitre Choux South Kensington offers high-design French desserts. For a truly special occasion, indulge in the two Michelin-starred Claude Bosi at Bibendum.
Immerse Yourself in Culture and Royalty
South Kensington is home to some of London’s finest museums. For an extravagant cultural experience, visit the Fabergé in London: Romance to Revolution exhibition at the V&A museum. Be sure to explore the museum’s permanent collection of over 3,000 jewels.
A visit to Kensington Palace, the residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, is always a must-do. While you won’t have access to their private 20-room apartment, you can marvel at Princess Diana’s wedding gown, which is on display this summer as part of the Royal Style in the Making exhibition.
South Kensington is a truly captivating neighborhood with something for everyone. From luxury accommodations and gourmet dining to world-class museums and royal history, it’s a destination that will leave a lasting impression.
