The Milestone Hotel

Cheery, Maximalist, Quintessentially English

1 Kensington Court, London W8 5DL

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Indagare Adored

At a Glance

Free of any stuffy formalities, this boutique Kensington stay—formerly home to aristocrats, statesmen and ambassadors—makes guests feel like early 20th century nobility visiting their very favorite glamorous aunt.

Indagare Loves

  • The unique personalities and thoughtful décor in each of the suites (standouts are The Kensington Garden Suite, The Hermès, The Noel Coward and The Royal Kensington)
  • The dedicated team who cares for guests with the hospitality of a family in an English story book
  • The Kensington Garden views and proximity to artistic attractions such as The Royal Albert Hall

Review

At first glance, The Milestone Hotel’s classic red-and-white brick façade blends seamlessly with the rest of the Victorian residences that neighbor Kensington Gardens. Hidden inside, however, is a world of plush decor, priceless antiques, rich furnishings and bright patterns. With his gracious welcome, Steve, the doorman, is an exemplary hint of the warmth to come.

The lobby itself is compact, and leads into The Stable Bar and The Park Lounge—in true Victorian style, each room is separated from the next in what seems like a labyrinth of a layout. The Stable Bar, named and decorated as an homage to the original use of this section of the building, has an informal, cozy gentleman’s club ambience sporting a mix of equestrian collectibles and paintings from Belgian artist Elie Lambert. Cheneston’s, the property's fine dining restaurant, reminds guests that this building really used to be someone’s home, and it's easy to imagine a family spending their years here. Both Cheneston’s and The Park Lounge offer the hotel’s award-winning afternoon tea service.

The ground level communal spaces are cozy to the point of feeling a bit tight, but this is not the case for the guest rooms and suites. The property features 43 deluxe rooms, 13 individually designed suites and six residences, each with its own inspiration. The decoration is elaborate, with a selection of sumptuous fabrics, patterned carpets, cushions and artwork.

Four suites in particular stand out as Indagare favorites, all of which have enviable views of Kensington palace and gardens: The Noel Coward suite will be a particular delight for leopard print defenders with a 1960s flair; the split-level Kensington Garden Suite features floor-to-ceiling bay windows, a plush sofa, Roberto Cavalli bed linens and an antique writing desk; The Hermès Suite is green, and ideal for fashion lovers who are all about a pop of color (including a collection of vintage Hermès scarves adorning the upholstered white walls and a private balcony overlooking Kensington Palace and the surrounding gardens); and the Royal Kensington blends the Hermès Suite and the Kensington Garden Suite into one, ideal for larger groups who want the best of both worlds. At almost 1,000 square feet, this configuration holds two double bedrooms, additional space for two children, two marble bathrooms and three balconies.

On the lower floors, guests interested in wellness will find a full gym, spa, resistance pool and personal training. The Milestone also arranges in-room yoga and pilates instructors for the larger suites.

The Milestone Hotel is located in one of the most culturally rich parts of London, directly opposite Hyde Park and Kensington Palace, and with museums, galleries and luxury boutiques all within walking distance. It is still a quieter part of London and ideal for guests wanting to enjoy all that London has to offer, while being tucked further from the tourist and nightlife centers.

Who Should Stay

Lovers of theater, extravagance and bold designs; Seekers of smaller boutique hotels; Travelers who love getting to know their hotel staff

Who Should Not Stay

Travelers expecting modern and sleek luxury, with the most up to date appliances; Guests with tighter budgets who may not want to spend as much for the suites; Families with younger children may find navigating the compact spaces a bit difficult

Note: Since the design and views really vary depending on the room, it is possible some may not fully suit personal tastes, and we recommend consulting with one of our Trip Designers to find the best fit for you.

Written by Ruchi Kirtikar

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