The 26th September 2016 marks the 140th anniversary of The Bailey’s Hotel London, a stunning Victorian-era boutique townhouse hotel in the heart of Kensington that houses 212 luxury guest rooms, Olives Restaurant and Bar and a host of original historic features including the world’s first ‘ascending room’, or as we now know it, a lift.
To celebrate this momentous year, the hotel is offering guests a special 140th Anniversary Package, which includes a two-night stay in one of the hotel’s elegantly designed rooms, complimentary breakfast, a complimentary lunch for two from the 140th Anniversary menu, a limited-edition 140th Anniversary gift bag, a bottle of Prosecco in-room on arrival and free Wi-Fi for the whole stay for £187.60 per night, based on two people sharing.
Built and opened in 1876 by Sir James Bailey, a butler turned hotelier who came to London in the early 1800s, the hotel has survived two World Wars and the threat of demolition. Its stands today much as it did when it was opened with an iconic red brick exterior and white dressings of Bath Stone, the first building to have this design feature in the Kensington area at the time.
Following an extensive £7.5m refurbishment the interior of the hotel has been rejuvenated and its Victorian heritage brought back to life, providing British style and contemporary character. Guests are invited by a doorman into the light and bright reception area that has been sympathetically restored to accent the original cornicing and decoration. From here one can climb the impressive winding staircase at the heart of the building to the five floors above, each with their own unique historical theme that links back to the hotel’s London ancestry: City Gent, Henley Regatta & The Thames, Kensington & The Great Exhibition, and Kew Gardens.
The guest rooms, which were described by a tourist guide in 1891 as having a “cosy homelike atmosphere”, still boast this home-from-home feel with special interior touches such as family-style photo frames filled with Victorian characters including none other than Sir James Bailey, warm tartan fabrics and crisp white sheets. Each room also benefits from 24-hour room service.
The 13 suites in the hotel amplify the homelike feel with comfortable lounge furniture for guests to settle into after a busy day in the capital. The two exclusive signature suites boast views over Kensington and have a number of unique features, including a private staircase, a freestanding bath and a 55-inch flat screen television.
Olives Restaurant and Bar offers classic Italian cuisine in a warm and charming atmosphere. The sophisticated neighborhood eatery is headed up by head chef Davide di Croce who cooks authentically Italian dishes such as Lasagna Di Manzo, Tagliatelle with Lobster, Garlic & Chili, Saffron Risotto with Braised Veal & Bone Marrow, a Mixed Fish Grill and Lamb Rump served with Vegetable Caponata and Red Wine Jus, created with fresh and seasonal produce. The pasta and gnocchi is hand-made by the Italian kitchen team. The restaurant also offers a range of quick and delicious menus including the lunch menu that is available all week, priced at £9.50 for two courses and £13.50 for three courses, and the Pre-Theatre menu that is also available throughout the week, priced at £16 for two courses and £19 for three courses.
The Olives bar offers a selection of premium drinks, cocktails and snacks. A special Grappa menu is also available in the restaurant and bar, creating the perfect authentic Italian end to a meal.
Located on the corner of Gloucester Road, guests are within easy reach of Oxford Street and Knightsbridge and the West End. The Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, and Royal Albert Hall are all within walking distance of the hotel.
A true Kensington icon, The Bailey’s Hotel London masters the art of being timeless, offering guests a unique combination of fascinating history and legendary hospitality.
The 140th Anniversary Package will be available to book through the Millennium Hotels & Resorts website and is valid when booking for a minimum of two nights, further terms and conditions apply.
