The Milestone Hotel

1 Kensington Ct., London, W8 5DL, England, London, England
Fodor's Choice
Simon Mason | Unsplash

Why We Like It

When it comes to service, the Milestone Hotel is unapologetically fussy but for many, that’s the beauty of it. If being smothered with kindness and bespoke service appeals to you then this is the place. While some will find the rooms a little over the top, we love the extravagance of the décor—not to mention the eccentric Stables Bar. Packed with history and with the bonus pool and spa, this famous boutique hotel offers an equivalent experience to the grand dames of Park Lane on a more personal level.

Fodor's Expert Review

A historic hotel first opened in the 1920’s, the Milestone Hotel is a gorgeous boutique property that spoils with its extravagant interiors and first-class service. Located on Kensington High Street with views over Hyde Park, it’s well located for the South Kensington Museum Quarter and the Royal Albert Hall. A collection of stunning townhouses dating back to the 17th century, the intimate hotel will appeal to international guests looking for a quintessential London stay with exceptional service.

You Should Know Packed with antiques, decorative art and busy patterns, the look of old-fashioned glamour will enchant some and put off others depending on where your tastes lie.

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Room

Guests can choose from superior queen rooms, deluxe doubles, spacious studios and palatial suites depending on their budget and requirements. Whatever they choose, they’ll find spaces packed with lush fabrics, four-poster beds, gilt mirrors and ornamental accouterments that make for an extravagant Regency style.

Tip Situated opposite Hyde Park, some rooms come with the benefit of park views. Guests who love the royal treatment afforded by the hotel can make the stay semi-permanent in one of the property's luxury private residences for long term visits.

Bathroom

Spacious bathrooms are decked in marble with deep tubs and a parred back décor in relation to the rooms.

Lobby

Top-hatted staff in starched uniforms set out a formal welcome to the hotel, whose lobby envelopes guests with its rich wooden paneling and swirling floral carpets. Not a place to hang out but the perfect welcome to the staid opulence of the hotel.

Pool

A surprising addition for such a historic property, the pool at the Milestone is a welcome highlight. It may be small, but guests can get their lengths in with the resistance setting switched on.

Spa

What would a famous five-star hotel be without its spa? The Milestone Hotel offers a range of treatments to guests from massage to pampering pedicures and manicures.

Gym

As part of its health club, the hotel has a well-equipped gym with everything you need for a full workout.

Dining

Cheneston’s Restaurant displays the same levels of grandeur in its interiors and overtly attentive service that you’ll find throughout the hotel. Those who like a waiter or waitress who not only knows the menu but how to charm a table will enjoy the experience at the restaurant, which serves a firmly British menu.

Drinking

Yes, that really is a life-size jockey standing in the corner of the Stables Bar, but don’t be alarmed, it’s a dummy model and means you no harm—we hope. Covered with decorative racing and horse themed wallpaper, the eccentric bar is all leather chesterfields, green tartan and polished wood. The perfect space for this hotel, the Stables Bar is the Milestone Hotel to a tee. A must visit for a cocktail or glass of vintage red from the cellar.

What's Nearby

Getting Around

While its location on the busy Kensington High Street means there’s always plenty of traffic outside, the hotel is perfectly located for exploring the Kensington backstreets where independent shops hide on pretty mews streets just waiting to be discovered. Taxis will be taken care of by the door staff at the hotel and if you require public transport then High Street Kensington Station is just a short walk away.

Restaurants

Fans of sushi will appreciate the delicate dishes at Yashin (9-minute walk), a modern Japanese restaurant in High Street Kensington. If you want something a little different to the hotel’s rich, dimly lit environment then head to Kensington Place (7-minute walk), a light-filled contemporary brasserie that specializes in fish.

Bars

A charming pub at the end of a cobbled Kensington mews, the Queen’s Arms (9-minute walk) is worth searching out. Great in both summer and winter, it serves a cracking range of beers. Get lost in the bowels of the Royal Albert Hall with drinks at Berry Bros and Rudd No.3 Bar (10-minute walk) before—and after—seeing a show.

Quick Facts

HOTEL INFO

Phones: 020-7917–1000