In the heart of the affluent London borough of South Kensington, the opulent 100 Queen’s Gate Hotel enjoys one of the most privileged locations in the capital, and has a sought-after postcode that instantly makes it one of the city’s most desirable places to stay. Formerly the 1870s home of renowned and well-travelled aristocrat William Alexander, today, it is a luxury hotel that still holds all of its original Victorian charm, exquisitely fusing classic architecture with modern design and exceptional hospitality, too – so it’s just as much about substance at it is style.
Part of Hilton’s plush Curio Collection, the hotel sits amongst rows of pristine white Victorian townhouses and is home to world-class rooms and suites, scrumptious dining options and several other excellent high-end facilities to enjoy during your stay. And, it blends seamlessly into its surroundings whilst still succeeding at making quite the statement once you head inside and check in for your luxury stay.
Just a stone’s throw from South Kensington Underground Station, which is reachable in just five minutes on foot, if you’re hoping to visit some of London’s top cultural attractions as well as soaking up some of the charm of the local area, then here’s why 100 Queen’s Gate is the place to rest your head while you enjoy a fulfilling break in the city.
The hotel
Although it has had something of a modern makeover, the hotel still retains all of its original charm, and remains committed to its sophisticated Victorian roots. The building exudes an air of refinement from the off. Step foot inside the lobby, and you’re greeted with chic and colourful decor that fuses Victoriana accents with some more contemporary (and truly Instagram-worthy) features – think plush velvet armchairs, chintzy fabrics and pretty pink pouf cushions, with grand chandeliers hanging overhead and making a dramatic statement that sets the tone for what else is to come.
The lobby is filled with interesting trinkets and ornaments that were collected by Alexander over the years, and are housed in glass display cabinets, while behind the reception desk, two oversized Chinese vases offer a nod to his penchant for collecting Eastern antiques and inject an additional dose of the ‘wow’ factor.
The small but cosy lounge area features some similarly intriguing accents. Origami displays made from law book pages – in reference to Alexander’s lawyer career – are suspended from the ceiling, and are quite unlike anything I’ve ever seen before.
The tasteful incorporation of period details, which sit harmoniously alongside modern amenities, is no easy feat, but the 100 Queen’s Gate Hotel has managed to achieve the perfect synergy between the two, showcasing a seamless blend of old-world charm and contemporary convenience without ever compromising on any element of luxury.
Rooms and suites
The hotel offers 229 elegant rooms and suites ranging from Superior to Deluxe and Luxury. But the piece-de-resistance is the impressive Queen’s Gate Suite, a sprawling space boasting its own private street-level entrance, where guests can gain access via videophone.
This generously sized suite features a spacious master king bedroom and a separate living room, all of which is beautifully decorated and kitted out with plenty of exclusive luxuries. If you’re travelling as a family or in a small group then you can also opt to add a further three bedrooms, making the Queen’s Gate Suite the epitome of private opulence.
If you opt to stay in the Queen’s Gate Suite then you also get £150 of credit to use in the hotel’s bar or restaurant, as well as complimentary breakfast and a private, in-room afternoon tea experience. Plus, there are extra touches like the vintage Marshall bluetooth speakers so that you can relax, unwind and enjoy your entertainment of choice in the lap of luxury, away from the hustle and bustle of the city below.
Rooms in the Luxury category, as well as all suites, are named after a famous resident of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea – for example, renowned mystery novelist Agatha Christie and esteemed writer Henry James.
I stayed in a duplex suite on the sixth floor, at the very top of the hotel. The room was full of character and colour and was split over two floors, comprising an elegantly decorated lounge built around a beautiful statement fireplace and accented with retro-inspired furniture in oranges, browns and greens to add texture and gold touches to create a real sense of all-round opulence and sophistication.
A short stroll up the stairs took me up to a mezzanine landing where a decent sized bedroom and bathroom awaited. The bed was enormous and scandalously comfortable, with the autumnal hues of the leather headboard and gold-yellow curtains adding a sense of warmth.
The bathroom was spacious and well appointed with a large shower and free-standing bath tub, with plenty of luxury toiletries to use throughout my stay.
The duplex suite also features a skylight, which brings plenty of natural light into the space. Extras like the 49” flat screen smart TV with Chromecast, Bose/Dab radio, complimentary WiFi and Nespresso coffee machine are all on hand to ensure guests have everything they need for a comfortable stay.
Food and drink
Culinary enthusiasts are well catered to at the 100 Queen’s Gate Hotel, with two restaurants to choose from and a separate bar to relax and unwind in, too.
Cento is the hotel’s main restaurant and showcases the very best of traditional Italian cuisine, taking guests on a culinary journey through Italy as they dine on a mouth-watering menu that celebrates the country’s diverse regional cuisine, created by the hotel’s all-Italian team of chefs. Highlights include chicken Milanese, lobster ravioli and various varieties of Pinsa Romana, all of which can be enjoyed in a warm and welcoming atmosphere and a space that truly captures the essence of the country amidst sophisticated and elegant surroundings.
A buffet style breakfast is also served here each morning and includes a plentiful spread of homemade granola, yogurts, mueslis, meats and cheeses, sliders and breads, in addition to the usual fried or scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages, mushrooms, hash browns and baked beans – so there’s plenty of choice depending on whether you’re in the mood for something light or to refuel more substantially for a busy day out exploring the capital.
The Botanica restaurant is set in an elegant double-height atrium that blends contemporary design with natural elements, with plants and foliage cascading from the ceiling to create a calming and serene setting in which to enjoy the hotel’s signature botanical-themed afternoon tea. Finger sandwiches, pastries and tartlets are paired with a selection of fine teas from Newby. Currently, it’s on a special offer that prices it at just £38 per person with 20 percent off, making it excellent value for a hotel afternoon tea in this exclusive and upmarket part of London. And of course, there’s the option to wash it all down with a glass of champagne, which will bump the price up slightly to £50 per head.
For pre-dinner drinks or a nightcap, you can head to ESQ, which is located on the lower ground floor and provides the perfect atmosphere in which to unwind and disconnect from the outside world. ESQ specialises in homemade infused spirits exclusively created by the resident mixologists. The Clock O’59, made from sloe gin and dry gin, is a must try, and should you get peckish then there’s also a menu of bar bites such as olives, arancini and padron peppers, as well as some sharing boards like the veggie mezze or the ploughman’s platter, that are perfect for a spot of social grazing.
To do
100 Queen’s Gate offers guests access to a small gym which can be found in its basement, with an array of machines and free weights available so that you can easily keep up with your fitness regime during your stay.
The hotel’s beautiful garden offers a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, where you can escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy a moment of tranquility.
And there’s also a range of additional private facilities for guests to take advantage of, including event spaces and a private dining room which are perfect for hosting intimate meetings, larger conferences, weddings, and other special events.
And beyond the confines of the hotel’s elegant interiors, guests of 100 Queen’s Gate Hotel can explore a myriad of experiences that South Kensington has to offer, from visiting the nearby Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum, to enjoying an immersive musical performance at the Royal Albert Hall. The venue hosts a diverse range of performances, from classical concerts to contemporary shows, ensuring there’s something for every taste – so you’re certain to find something to enjoy even if you’re visiting the city on a whim.
The streets of South Kensington are lined with stylish boutiques, trendy cafes and galleries, so there’s plenty to explore right on the hotel’s doorstep. And the expansive green space of Hyde Park is also just a short stroll away, and is a great place to enjoy a picnic or even take a relaxing boat ride across the Serpentine Lake.
In a nutshell
If you’re looking for a sophisticated place to stay in the capital then the 100 Queen’s Gate Hotel in South Kensington offers the perfect blend of modern luxury and traditional Victorian charm – and with lavish rooms and suites, decadent dining options, friendly and attentive service and plenty to see and do closeby, it’s an excellent choice whether you’re visiting the capital for business or pleasure.
Factbox
Double rooms from £189, year-round. Buffet breakfast £20; à la carte items from £9. Free Wi-Fi.
Address: 100 Queen’s Gate, South Kensington, London SW7 5AG
Phone: 020 7373 7878
Website: hilton.com/en/hotels/lonlkqq-100-queens-gate-hotel-london/
All imagery unless stated otherwise credit: 100 Queen’s Gate Hotel
