The Adria ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about The Adria? It’s that perfect spot where you feel like you’ve discovered something special without actually being off the beaten path. Right there on Queen’s Gate – honestly, one of those beautiful white stucco streets that makes Kensington feel almost ridiculously elegant – this place manages to feel both grand and surprisingly intimate. I mean, you’re literally a three-minute walk from Hyde Park (I timed it because I’m weird like that), and the Royal Albert Hall is so close you can practically hear the sound checks if you’re staying on the right side of the building during concert season.

The thing about five-star hotels in London is they can sometimes feel a bit… well, stuffy. But walking into The Adria, there’s this warmth that catches you off guard. The lobby has this rich, almost library-like atmosphere – all deep colors and soft lighting – but the staff actually seem genuinely happy to see you, not just professionally polite. Check-in was smooth (arrived early on a Tuesday, no issues), and honestly, the room was one of those spaces where every detail just works. The windows are properly soundproofed too, which matters more than you’d think when you’re this close to the city center. I could barely hear the traffic on Queen’s Gate, and trust me, London traffic is no joke.

What really sets this place apart though is how it feels like you’re staying in the “real” Kensington, if that makes sense. You’re not in some tourist bubble – there’s a proper neighborhood feel here. The little Italian place around the corner (Osteria 60) becomes your local, and you start recognizing the same dog walkers heading to the park each morning. The concierge actually knows the area, not just the obvious tourist spots. When I mentioned wanting good coffee, they pointed me toward Muriel’s Kitchen rather than the chain places – and honestly, that told me everything I needed to know about how this place operates. Even the elevator has character (it’s one of those classic caged ones), though it’s been updated enough that you’re not worried about getting stuck between floors. The 9.1 rating makes complete sense once you’re there – it’s the kind of place that gets the big things right while paying attention to all those little details that actually matter when you’re trying to feel at home somewhere new.

Rooms

• Superior Double Room with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults
• Deluxe King Room with 1 extra-large double bed and 2 single beds for 2 adults, 1 child
• Executive King Room with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Junior Suite with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Signature Suite with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child

Facilities