OUT OF MAYFAIR | REVIEW: 100 QUEEN'S GATE HOTEL, KENSINGTON
This month I checked into 100 Queen’s Gate, a Curio Collection by Hilton Hotel in Kensington and the former home of Victorian aristocrat William Alexander. The hotel boasts an eclectic collection of curiosities - as you explore the hotel, references to the life of William Alexander and his extensive travels can be found, from artwork and Asia-inspired cocktails to W/A Kensington and Bar, named after the man himself.
The luxury hotel honours the building’s heritage whilst paying homage to the Curio brand - plenty of inspiration has been taken from the hotel’s former life as a Victorian mansion. I was delighted to find out that hotel suites have been named after famous Kensington and Chelsea residents including Dame Agatha Christie, Alfred Hitchcock and Lord Baden Powell - their names are on blue plaques outside each door.
After a quick and friendly check-in, I was shown to the Henry James Suite, an opulent, spacious suite named after Henry James, the famed American author best known for his novels The Portrait of a Lady, The Ambassadors, and The Wings of the Dove. James relocated from the United States to the United Kingdom, where he lived until his death in 1916.
The Henry James suite boasts a large bedroom and separate living area with a 49” flat screen smart TV, Nespresso machine, complimentary mini bar and Bose/Dab radio. Molton Brown toiletries can be found in the bathroom. Ideal for family and friend groups, this suite can sleep four with a sofa bed and rollaway. Suites at 100 Queen’s Gate offer a complimentary buffet breakfast and a £50 credit per stay to spend in the restaurant or bar.
ESQ
When it’s time for a tipple or two, the hotel bar, ESQ provides a welcoming escape from the world outside. ESQ specialises in homemade infused spirits crafted by the resident mixologists. Cocktails include The Exotic Bliss, with Haku Japanese Vodka, Chambord, Raspberry and Cranberry Purée and Lime Juice; and The ESQ Traveller, with Everleaf Forest, Non-alcoholic Sparkling Wine and Elderflower Cordial. Tempting Asian small plates include Salmon Tataki, Tofu Katsu Sando and Chicken Karaage.
W/A Kensington and Bar
I had dinner in W/A Kensington and Bar on the evening of my stay, the hotel's Belgian restaurant inspired by William Alexander’s penchant for Belgian beers. This elegant, design-led restaurant has a members’ club feel and offers plenty of natural light. The concise menu is comprised of classic Belgium dishes with a modern twist. I chose the Burrata with tomato and a grapefruit dressing; Grilled Salmon with pea purée, tenderstem broccoli and grilled lemon; and Café Liégeois - coffee and vanilla ice-cream espresso shot, Chantilly cream and biscuit. Dishes were light, flavoursome and well presented and the service was excellent - I left feeling perfectly satisfied.
Favourite Discovery: Looking for a luxurious home-from-home in the heart of South Kensington? The Queen’s Gate Suite (above) is the hotel’s most lavish suite, boasting a private entrance with direct street access, a video entry phone, a king-size master bedroom and a separate living area, with the option to add a further 3 bedrooms. We’d happily move in immediately.
The Verdict: 100 Queen’s Gate boasts plenty of charm and character, a friendly and professional team and an extremely enviable location in the heart of Kensington. I can recommend the hotel for family staycations, business trips and social lunches. If you live locally, definitely pop in to try the Grilled Salmon - it’s the best I’ve have locally in a very long time!
Reservations: +44 (0) 20 7373 7878 | info@100queensgate.com
100 Queen's Gate, Kensington, London, SW7 5AG
