You know what struck me first about The Ampersand? It’s this gorgeous Victorian townhouse that somehow manages to feel both grand and intimate at the same time. I mean, you’re literally across from the V&A Museum on Harrington Road – which, honestly, is one of those South Ken locations where you feel like you’ve stumbled into the London you see in movies. The entrance is relatively modest for a five-star place, but that’s actually part of its charm. No massive revolving doors or intimidating marble lobbies here – just this beautifully restored 1888 building that whispers luxury rather than shouting it.
The interiors are where things get really interesting. Each floor has its own theme inspired by the nearby museums, and while that could easily veer into gimmicky territory, they’ve pulled it off with real style. The rooms feel distinctly British but not stuffy – think rich fabrics, clever lighting, and these fantastic little touches like vintage scientific instruments or botanical prints. My room overlooked the quiet residential street (thank god, because Exhibition Road can get pretty hectic), and the bed was one of those setups where you actually sleep well instead of just Instagram-ing it. The bathrooms are compact but beautifully designed – they’ve made smart use of the space without making you feel like you’re in an airplane lavatory. One small thing that impressed me: the staff genuinely seems to know the neighborhood. When I asked about dinner recommendations, the concierge didn’t just rattle off the usual suspects but mentioned this little Persian place on Gloucester Road that locals actually go to.
What really sets The Ampersand apart is how it sits in South Kensington. You’re a two-minute walk from South Ken tube station, which sounds convenient but doesn’t capture how perfect the location actually is. Step outside and you’ve got Hyde Park for morning runs, the Natural History Museum when you want to feel like a tourist, and Harrods when you want to feel broke. But here’s the thing – despite being in the thick of museum land, Harrington Road itself stays relatively quiet. You get all the benefits of the location without the constant tour group chaos. The hotel’s restaurant, Apero, is solid for breakfast (their full English is proper), and the afternoon tea service in the drawing room feels special without being overly formal. It’s the kind of place where you could bring your parents or impress a date – versatile like that. At £300-400 a night depending on the season, it’s not cheap, but for South Ken standards and this level of thoughtful design, it actually feels fair. Plus, you’re paying for that Small Luxury Hotels consistency – everything just works the way it should.