The building itself is not especially impressive from the outside but once inside, you can see the great care with which it has been refurbished. The glittery chandelier in the reception is a focal point and there are comfy chairs to wait in. The reception staff were friendly and helpful and provided us with all the information we needed.

 

We stayed in one of the hotel’s luxurious Executive King Suites. The room, like the rest of the hotel, felt bright and airy with plenty of light pouring through the long windows. Although located on a busy road, the noise from outside was minimal and did not disturb our sleep in the slightest. Our first impressions were very positive. My eyes were instantly drawn to the expanse of King size bed which I couldn’t resist climbing into immediately and had to practically be wrenched free from its cool, soft, cloud-like depths. 

 

The room came with all the facilities you would expect as well as some added extras. I thoroughly enjoyed using the espresso coffee machine provided and was impressed with the integrated media hub which allowed us to hook up a laptop to the large flat screen television. Please note though that there is a charge for using the hotel’s high speed wireless internet so if you are streaming videos online you should be prepared to pay for the luxury. 

 

The room featured a stylish desk with a large cosmetic mirror and powerful hairdryer. There is a small seating area by the window with a variety of current magazines and periodicals. Space was used cleverly in the bathroom and although I was initially disappointed by the absence of a bath tub in our particular room (some suites do have a bath), I found the walk in shower more than adequate. 

 

 

 

In the late evening, the room became cool and cosy with heavyweight curtains that ensured that the light from the street below did not disturb. We both slept very well in that wonderfully comfortable bed.

 

Breakfast is served between 7am to 10am on weekdays in the hotel’s restaurant The Jam Cupboard. The breakfast on offer consisted of a continental breakfast with fresh fruit juices, yoghurts, cereals, bread, cold meats, cheeses and pastries. There was also the option of a hearty full English breakfast cooked especially and served immediately which I enthusiastically sampled. Served with a selection of teas or coffee, there is a wide choice of quality, locally sourced ingredients to choose from. 

 

Having spent a very enjoyable evening at the hotel and a peaceful night’s sleep in such stylish surroundings, I would thoroughly recommend Rydges Kensington and would look forward to staying there again.

 

Written by David Hart

 

www.rydges.co.uk