Buckingham & Lloyds

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Buckingham & Lloyds? It’s tucked away on Hyde Park Gate in this gorgeous row of white Victorian townhouses that honestly look like they should be in a period drama – which, let’s be real, half of them probably have been. I mean, you’re literally a two-minute walk from Hyde Park Corner, and Harrods is basically around the corner, but the street itself feels surprisingly quiet for being in the heart of Kensington.

The whole place has this intimate boutique feel that’s actually refreshing after staying in those massive chain hotels where you feel like cattle being herded around. When I walked in, there was this lovely smell of fresh flowers mixed with that subtle scent of expensive wood polish – you know the kind that screams “we actually care about details.” The staff genuinely seemed to know guests by name, which either means they’re really good at their jobs or the place is small enough that it’s actually possible (probably both). Check-in was smooth, though I’d recommend arriving after 3 PM because I noticed they were still prepping rooms when I got there early once.

What really sets this place apart is the location knowledge the concierge team has – they pointed me toward this little path through Hyde Park that cuts your walk to the Victoria and Albert Museum in half, something I never would have figured out on my own. The rooms themselves feel more like staying in an upscale London flat than a hotel room, with these big windows that actually open (thank god, because so many places have those sealed ones) and honestly some of the most comfortable beds I’ve encountered. The bathrooms are properly spacious too, not those cramped affairs where you’re bumping into the sink every time you turn around.

One thing I’ll mention – if you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room facing the back because Hyde Park Gate can get a bit busy with taxis during evening hours, especially on weekends. It’s not terrible, but worth knowing. The neighborhood itself is perfect for that quintessential London experience – you’ve got the park right there for morning runs, you can walk to the Royal Albert Hall in about ten minutes, and South Kensington tube station is close enough that you don’t need to plan your whole day around transport. Plus, there’s this fantastic little Italian place called Osteria 60 just down the street that the hotel staff recommended – definitely worth trying if you don’t feel like venturing far for dinner.

Honestly, with a 9.2 rating, I was expecting it to be good, but this place actually exceeded those expectations. It’s one of those hotels where you feel like you’re staying somewhere special without all the pretentious nonsense that sometimes comes with five-star properties. The price point reflects the location and quality, sure, but if you’re looking for that authentic London experience in one of the city’s most desirable neighborhoods, it’s actually worth the splurge.

Rooms

• The Kensington Gardens Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• The Royal Albert Memorial Apartment with 1 double bed and 1 large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• The Buckingham & Lloyds Apartment with 1 large double bed, 1 double bed and 1 extra-large double bed for 6 adults, 3 children
• The Pug Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed for 4 adults, 2 children
• The Garden Apartment with 1 double bed and 2 × 1 large double bed for 6 adults, 3 children
• The Chic Apartment with 1 single bed and 2 × 1 large double bed for 5 adults, 3 children
• The Serpentine Apartment with 1 single bed and 2 × 1 large double bed for 5 adults, 3 children
• The Hyde Park Terrace Apartment with 1 single bed and 2 × 1 large double bed for 5 adults, 3 children
• The Theodore Suite Apartment with 1 single bed and 2 × 1 large double bed for 5 adults, 3 children
• The Four Bedroom Loft with 3 × 1 double bed and 1 large double bed for 8 adults, 4 children
• Penthouse Apartment with 1 large double bed, 1 single bed and 1 extra-large double bed for 5 adults, 3 children

Facilities