The Luxury Travel Magazine
The Luxury Travel Magazine
Sometimes you walk into a place and it commands a presence. You think of all the people who have trodden those floorboards before you and you stand in awe. Well, at the end of Kensington High Street is a storied hotel that has been the centre of pivotal parts of London’s history from the 1966 World Cup to being a base for a stellar cast of rock stars, actors and royalty down the decades. This is what awaits at London’s The Royal Garden Hotel.
In the most richest boroughs of London, well-manicured ladies walk their dogs as they spend their days of leisure browsing designer shops, visiting art galleries, or taking brunch at The Ivy and five-star hotels. Strolling down the posh Kensington High Street, you might bump into famous residents such as Robbie Williams, Sir Richard Branson or James Dyson. The average price on this West London street is £37 million.
Evidently, it is very different from the elegant buildings that surround it. From the outside, it looks just like any other prefab sixties tower block, but guests know that inside is something special. Royal Garden Hotel is in the grounds of Kensington Palace, next door to the royal residence. As you approach this London hotel, a dapper doorman, dressed in a top hat and tails, effortlessly whisks away your luggage and draws you through the revolving doors and into an expansive foyer. At Christmas, you’ll find a huge alpine scene made out of cake, with a train running through it. As soon as you check-in and after being handed the key card head upstairs in the lift and enter your incredibly spacious room that features a flat-screen television plus astounding panoramic views of Hyde Park and the skyline beyond.
A beautiful glossy book that tells you all about the hotel’s history is on the desk alongside a welcome dessert of Eton Mess, concealed by a colourful toadstool, nodding to Alice and Wonderland. Downstairs you have access to incredible dining across two wonderful restaurants. Breakfast and an exclusive al-a-cart brunch are available at Origin, or you can also enjoy a delicious Chinese meal at Min Jiang on the tenth floor.
Kensington Palace, next door is the birthplace of Queen Victoria and is in the Western part of the park. Once the Royal Palace Hotel in the 1800s, the grand Victorian building was was demolished when the Hilton in Park Lane opened in 1963, but just two years later in 1965 and it was reopened and quickly established itself as a place people wanted to be seen. It catapulted to fame when it became the official hotel of England’s World Cup-winning team a year later.
The swinging sixties was a time of great joy and the opening of a hotel in one of London’s most exclusive locations ensured that celebrities continued to flock here. From Elton John to Princess Margaret a whole superstar cast of celebrities have stayed here in this unassuming retreat on a bustling high street. Visitors to London grew from 1.6 million in 1963 to six million in 1974 and Royal Garden’s location made it a place the glitterati wanted to be seen. During its time, some of the most famous celebrities on the planet have stayed here.
From the very first football stars of the sixties who brought the world cup home to sirens of the screen and stage, there are many fables to be told about this hotel. If only walls could talk. Rod Stewart was snapped here on New Year’s Day and Justin Bieber caused a stir when he hid from the paparazzi in room 836. Guests report being stunned when they found themselves taking the same lift as Matt Le Blanc. Hollywood stars Joan Collins, Kirk Douglas and Dustin Hoffman love this hotel, Motown legends The Temptations also stayed here in 1986 while promoting a single. Barbara Windsor celebrated her seventieth at the hotel. In the early nineties, the Goodwood Group of Hotels took over the hotel and it reopened in April 1996. And two years later entrepreneur Richard Branson took a Royal Garden pillow with him on his attempt to circumnavigate the globe in a hot air balloon.
On the ground floor, you’ll find the newly opened Origin restaurant, which serves seasonal British produce. Hang up your coat and follow the tinkle of the piano and prepare to be pampered by the attentive waiters. Brunch here is legendary and it is recommended you try the three-course al a carte Origin “Jukebox” Brunch. Begin with a salmon bagel or eggs benedict and then progress to a main of Cornish sea bass with scallops or beef and Yorkshire pudding. Seated on tables with a view of Kensington Park, watch the world go by.
The dining space is homely and inviting and there is a long bar as you walk in with stools. Take a seat and watch the delightful pianist magically perform musical poetry. Gaze the window into Kensington Park, watching the comings and goings of walkers with their dogs and well-to-do guests arriving. As you unwind with your loved ones, you forget you are in central London and time itself. Share a dessert charcuterie board in blissful ecstasy or choose an Eton Mess or chocolate pudding. Chef John Serhal only selects the freshest ingredients such as met from Royal butcher Aubrey Allen and H. Forman & Son, for London cured smoked salmon, which is the freshest and most delicious one can experience. This is a place where you can spend a sumptuous afternoon, without a care in the world. They have vegan-friendly options and are welcoming to children.
The chef will carve the bird in front of you and make pancakes served with a selection of sauces. Then as an extra treat, you get to choose how you would like the remaining duck meat to be made. Also recommended is the native lobster bi feng tang style deep-fried with garlic and dried chilli. For dessert enjoy a mango sorbet. Treat your entourage to a private table in the restaurant’s Chong Qing, a private dining space for 20 people. Cocooned in privacy, you are surrounded by deep red walls covered in mirrors and high ceilings. The waiters are attentive, the views are incredible, and the food is the epitome of Asian fine dining. No wonder it is popular with many celebrity guests.
Later in the evening, you can continue to socialise in the Piano Bar downstairs, one of the liveliest spots in Kensington and the venue of many a star party.
There are several room categories to choose from when you stay at the Royal Garden Hotel. The entry-level deluxe classic rooms feature a comfortable queen-sized bed and are 21 square metres. Slightly larger, the 24 square metre Garden Deluxe rooms are the hotel’s flagship accommodation, presenting stunning views across Kensington Gardens from the separate raised sitting area. The room is fully air conditioned and features a desk vanity unit, a laptop safe a bathroom with a deep bath and Penhaligon’s toiletries.
There’s also a fridge for storing mini bar essentials and a kettle with assorted tea and coffee and cups. You’ll receive water at turndown and there’s a radio and alarm clock to wake up the next morning. The large bed is comfortable and ensures a great night’s sleep. Alternatively, Master suites are ideal for family stays, sleeping four and featuring a super king-sized bed and spanning 100 to 140 square metres. These spacious suites are located on high floors so there are astounding views to wake up to.
A visit to the Royal Garden Hotel will leave you feeling rejuvenated. Located in the heart of Kensington, it is close to the museums. You can also shop til you drop on Kensington High Street. From arrival to departure, your stay will be memorable. Who knows, depending on the night you choose to stay you might be rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous.
