The Kensington, London, reopens following renovations

Following an extensive renovation, The Kensington has re-launched.

The majestic property sits in the heart of South Kensington, where Queen’s Gate meets the Old Brompton Road and comprises four traditional white Victorian townhouses.

Set among the leafy squares, museums and parks of the Royal borough, The Kensington feels more like a beautiful private residence than traditional hotel.

Its 136 rooms and 14 suites are individually designed with elegant fabrics and custom furnishings to complement the hotel’s period architecture.

Completely redesigned spaces include the hotel’s restaurant now called Town House; the fabulous interconnected drawing rooms on the ground floor ideal for afternoon tea or a relaxed meeting; K Bar – a glamorous new bar; and also a new look for all rooms and suites, including the transformation of The Knightsbridge and The Brompton Suites into two of London’s most beautiful accommodations.

There is also a new manager at the helm, Simon Maguire, formerly of Firmdale Hotels and The Atlantic Hotel in Jersey.

The renovation is part of a multi-million pound investment programme across The Doyle Collection’s portfolio of eight properties in the UK, Ireland and Washington DC and is the first of the hotels to unveil a complete new look and style.

The re-design – as with all Doyle Collection properties – is overseen by Chairman Bernie Gallagher and the group’s design team whilst collaborating with talented designers to suit different design projects.

The conversion of the three ground floor spaces of The Kensington has been overseen by Alexander Waterworth Interiors, the east London-based design collective well known for its private houses in west London as well as branches of Kerbisher & Malt and The Musket Room in New York.

Location

Kensington is one of London’s most affluent and exclusive neighbourhoods – home to the monarchy at Kensington Palace since 1689 and the official ‘royal borough’ since 1901.

Comprising beautiful avenues, garden squares, quaint colourful streets and one off boutiques, it has been one of the favoured places to live and visit of those in the know for many a year.

The hotel is situated just a short stroll away from three of London’s top museums – The Victoria and Albert, Natural History and Science Museum.

There is also a buzzing café culture and an abundance of restaurants.

The hotel has a fully equipped gym or for those that prefer the outdoors there is the 242 acres of Hyde Park – run, walk, ride a bike or take it easy rowing a boat on the Serpentine.