Rydges Kensington is the perfect spot for a mum-about-town. This super-central London pied-a-terre makes for an effortlessly comfortable night away from home. You’ll hardly miss the kids…
Whether you’re in the city for work or a well-deserved night out with friends, the newly-refurbished Rydges Kensington London hotel ticks every box. A design-inspired boutique hotel right in the heart of Kensington and Chelsea, it couldn’t be easier to get to as it’s just across the street from the Gloucester Road tube station.
That said, the Georgian building is so discretely tucked away on its tree-lined street that you feel away from the hubbub as soon as you step over the threshold. And because the refurbishments have cleverly combined the Georgian style of the building with contemporary works of art, the result is an airy, modern feel to the hotel.
Fans of interior design will love the London skyline artwork in each room, created by Richard Farrent from House of Frames. And – perfect for this Jubilee year – Union Jack cushions by Jan Constantine can be found in all of the suites. No style stone is left unturned – even the bespoke ‘do not disturb’ and ‘please clean my room’ signs were made exclusively for the hotel by Gee Tee Signs.
Rydges is all about the little touches: the ‘Get Flirty’ toiletry range has cute names for all the (delicious) products, a post-it on the hand-towel offers a free drink in the bar, and the ‘dream bed’ (apparently involving a deep layer of pressure relieving latex!) means a good night’s sleep is finally on the cards. There’s an almost spa-like level of comfort to the rooms – even the bathrobes and slippers make you feel indulged.
The Polo Bar is perfect for a pre-dinner drink, created in the style of a classic English pub lounge with an open fire and dark wood furniture. Rydges is mere minutes away from the best eateries in the city, but you could choose to dine in the hotel at the Jam Cupboard Restaurant, one of Kensington’s newest restaurants, with a fabulous New York-style central bar that’s perfect for an early-evening cocktail.
Next morning, you won’t want to leave your gorgeous room, which is fine, as you don’t have to check out until 11am. Wander down for a delicious breakfast (and superb coffee) and chat to the super-friendly staff. You might have missed the kids but you’ll leave feeling more refreshed than you have done in years…
Need To Know:
Rooms: 81
Rates: Prices start from £102 per night. We stayed in an Executive King room which features a Rydges Dream king size bed, from £150 per night.
Facilities: Four-star deluxe, interior designed and fully refurbished accommodation, high-speed wireless and wired Internet access, in-room laptop-size safe, fully-stocked mini bar, tea and coffee making facilities, Freeview and pay-per-view movies, individual air conditioning and heat control, 24 hour in-room dining, crib and rollaway bed upon request.
Check out time: 11am
How to get there: Rydges Kensington is at 61 Gloucester Road. Turn left out of the Gloucester Road tube station, cross Cromwell Road and the hotel is on the right.
For more information and prices, visit www.rydges.co.uk.