Milestone Hotel Kensington

Hotel Description

You know those hotels that somehow manage to feel both grand and intimate at the same time? That’s exactly what hit me when I first walked into the Milestone Hotel Kensington. It’s tucked right across from Kensington Palace on this quiet court that feels worlds away from the tourist chaos of High Street Ken, even though you’re literally a two-minute walk from the tube station.

The thing about this place – and I mean this in the best way – is that it actually feels like staying in someone’s incredibly posh London townhouse rather than a typical five-star hotel. The lobby has this warm, residential vibe with proper antiques (not the fake stuff) and fireplaces that are actually lit during winter months. I’ve stayed here three times now, and honestly, the staff remembers your name and your coffee order, which sounds cheesy but is genuinely lovely when you’re dealing with London’s usual indifference. The rooms are all different – some have those massive bay windows overlooking the palace gardens, others are more cozy with original Victorian features. My last room had this incredible roll-top bath that I definitely spent too much time in after trudging around Hyde Park in the rain.

What really sets it apart is the location, though. You’re right there on Kensington Palace Gardens (locals just call it “the palace”), so morning runs through Hyde Park are a given, and you can actually cut through the palace grounds to get to Notting Hill – something most visitors never figure out. The nearby streets are properly residential, so it’s quiet at night, but you’ve got Whole Foods around the corner for snacks and that excellent gastropub, The Scarsdale, is maybe fifty meters away if you want something more casual than the hotel’s restaurant. Speaking of which – their afternoon tea is genuinely good, not just Instagram-pretty, and they’ll serve it in the conservatory if the weather’s decent. The only minor downside? Parking is typically London nightmare-ish, but honestly, you don’t need a car here anyway. Everything’s walkable or a quick tube ride, and there’s something quite nice about settling into this little pocket of Kensington and exploring outward from there. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’re living in London rather than just visiting it.

Rooms

• Deluxe King Room with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Superior Queen Room with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Deluxe Studio with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 2 children
• Junior Suite with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 2 children
• Master Suite with 1 large double bed for 3 adults, 2 children

Facilities