Boutique hotels in Kensington and Knightsbridge
From world-famous shopping to internationally renowned museums, Kensington and Knightsbridge each bring their own unique character to London’s vibrant landscape. Kensington—encompassing South Kensington and West Kensington—is home to iconic cultural landmarks such as the Natural History Museum and the V&A, as well as the serene beauty of Kensington Gardens. Knightsbridge, synonymous with luxury, offers exclusive shopping at Harrods and Harvey Nichols alongside elegant dining experiences. Despite their bustling attractions, these areas also provide unexpectedly peaceful retreats with easy access to the Royal Parks. With an abundance of high-quality restaurants, bars, and boutique hotels of exceptional calibre, Kensington and Knightsbridge offer the perfect base to explore the very best of London. Here are some of boutiquehotels.co.uk’s favourites:
Egerton House
17-19 Egerton Terrace
Knightsbridge, London, SW3 2BX
Available Room Types:
- Double
- Suite
Knightsbridge Hotel, Firmdale Hotels
10 Beaufort Gardens
London, SW3 1PT
Available Room Types:
- Double
- Single
- Suite
The Ampersand Hotel - Small Luxury Hotels of the World
10 Harrington Road
London, SW7 3ER
Available Room Types:
- Double
- Studio
- Suite
- Twin/Double
Number Sixteen, Firmdale Hotels
16 Sumner Place
London, SW7 3EG
Available Room Types:
- Double
- Single
- Triple
The Other House South Kensington
15-17 Harrington Gardens
London, SW7 4JJ
Available Room Types:
- Apartment
- Double
- Studio
- Suite
The Kensington Hotel
109-113 Queen's Gate
London, SW7 5LR
Available Room Types:
- Double
- Family
- Single
- Suite
- Triple
The Exhibitionist Hotel
8-10 Queensberry Place
London, SW7 2EA
Available Room Types:
- Double
- Suite
Hux Hotel, Kensington
7-9 High Street Kensington
London, W8 5NP
Available Room Types:
- Double
- Suite
The Franklin London - Starhotels Collezione
24 Egerton Gardens
London, SW3 2DB
Available Room Types:
- Double
- Single
- Suite
- Triple
Ellen Kensington
18-26 Barkston Gardens
London, SW5 0EN
Available Room Types:
- Double
- Single
- Suite
- Twin
A bedroom at the The Milestone Hotel
The Milestone Hotel (*****) is frequently voted London’s best boutique hotel. The glass of champagne served to guests by a butler upon arrival indicates the absolute best of British experience offered here. This Grade II listed building overlooks Kensington Gardens and each of the 45 bedrooms, 12 suites and six apartments has a different theme, ranging from the glamour of the Ascot room to the traditional sumptuousness of the Tudor suite. The hotel’s gym, resistance pool and spa treatment room, as well as the twice-daily housekeeping visits indicate the excellent attention to detail provided by the hotel.
Kit Kemp’s colourful use of florals and patterns gives the décor of The Knightsbridge Hotel (*****) a very modern English look. The whole hotel has a relaxed feel, with a well-stocked loyalty bar in its gorgeous library, rather than a formal dining or drinking area. Although this hotel is so close to the attractions of Knightsbridge you can see the famous Harrods chimney from some rooms, it is tucked away on a peaceful tree-lined street. The Knightsbridge is owned by Firmdale, who also operate the nearby – and recommended – Number 16 boutique hotel.
For a taste of New York cool in Kensington, Belgraves (****) is the first UK branch of Thompson Hotels. The styling oozes city chic, from its bare brick walls to the grand fireplaces in the suites. The charms of American hospitality are evident throughout, including an ice cream sundae station for those with a sweet tooth. Contemporary artworks from the likes of Tracey Emin and Mario Testino complete the up-to-the-minute feel. Spend an evening enjoying the Mark Hix restaurant or taking in the stunning views available from the top floors.
Five star The Exhibitionist (*****) in South Kensington has been created in a wonderfully restored 18 century townhouse. There are 37 individually-designed rooms and suites, with memorable bold and brash aesthetics. The vivid colour schemes are complimented by a striking array of pieces of art throughout the hotel and its eight galleries. This is a boutique hotel which hasn’t just been designed, it’s been curated and the end result is akin to staying in a high end gallery.
The Exhibitionist in South Kensington
Hotels mentioned in this article
Author: Frances Ambler