OUT OF MAYFAIR | REVIEW: BUCKINGHAM AND LLOYDS, KENSINGTON
Disclaimer: I was invited for a press stay in exchange for an honest review.
Living room at 35 Hyde Park Gate
Last week, I checked into a luxury apartment by Buckingham and Lloyds at 35 Hyde Park Gate, overlooking Kensington Palace Gardens. Buckingham and Lloyds offer high-end apart hotels in London (6 and 35 Hyde Park Gate) and luxurious villas in Ibiza, with plans to open a further 40 properties across the globe by the end of the year (I thought I was busy).
I walked over from Mayfair, where I had been enjoying a Jubilee themed afternoon tea on Park Lane. After a 30 minute walk through leafy Hyde Park, narrowly dodging footballs and the Household Cavalry, I arrived at 35 Hyde Park Gate. I was greeted by friendly staff who helped me with my luggage and speedily checked me in. Although exercise was the last thing on my mind, I was told about the fully equipped gym on the lower ground floor - perfect for those wishing to maintain their fitness away from home (or burn off the calories from that enormous Spaghetti alle Vongole).
A fully equipped kitchen
I was shown into a bright and spacious apartment on the first floor of the building, boasting two double bedrooms including a master with an en suite. I was given a tour of the apartment and discovered a shower room, a fully equipped kitchen and a large lounge / dining room with sliding doors opening onto a furnished terrace - I made a mental note to dine alfresco, whatever the weather.
I had an invitation to a party the Fenton Whelan spring party at Kensington Palace the evening of my stay, so I made a tea, showered, ironed my dress and blow dried my hair as I would have done at home. It's comforting to know that the Buckingham and Lloyds team are on hand to assist with almost anything, should you require a Fairy Godmother. I was seeking a carriage to the ball, but the team are also ready to help with dry cleaning, breakfast orders, personal chefs, nannies, PTs and more - if you have enormously packed schedule or you are suffering from an organisation allergy, this is the place for you.
Master bedroom with ensuite at 35 Hyde Park Gate
Highlights: The personalised, embroidered towel for my little girl; beautiful fresh flowers and a hamper in the living room (provided for 3 day + stays) and the vegetarian breakfast hamper in partnership with the Baglioni Hotel - freshly squeezed orange juice, the best cheese selection i’ve had in weeks, Greek yoghurt, granola, fresh fruit and pastries.
The Buckingham and Lloyds apartments are ideal for business travellers, couples and families who are seeking the high quality, personalised service of a five-star hotel with the privacy, space and independence you’d enjoy at home. As much as I love staying in hotels, there is something to be said for cooking facilities and a comfortable lounge area - sometimes you just want to cook your trusty Aubergine Parmigiana and kick back to watch Bridget Jones Diary in your pyjamas with a glass of English sparkling (Rathfinny, please).
Master ensuite
Local Recommendations:
The Royal Albert Hall, ‘the nation’s village hall’. Why not visit for a tour, a Laurent Perrier Afternoon Tea, or a Royal Philharmonic Orchestra performance?
How have we changed the planet? Does it matter? Let Natural History Museum scientists walk you through the facts and explore millions of incredible objects, from dinosaurs to meteorites.
Discover the home of the young royals at Kensington Palace, including the King and Queen’s State Apartments and the rooms where Queen Victoria was born and raised.
The V&A, the world’s leading museum of art and design. Visit for Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature and Fashioning Masculinities: The Art of Menswear.
PJs, Chucs Kensington, No.50 Cheyne, Daphne’s and Clause Bosi for food.
