The Kensington Hotel

Local restaurants

Good options near the hotel include the bistros at The Pelham or The Gore; French restaurant Aubaine at 262 Brompton Road (+44 (0)20 7052 0100); and, for excellent Iberian tapas, Casa Brindisa at 7–9 Exhibition Road (+44 (0)20 7590 0008).

Local bars

Have a few drinks before dining at Bluebird Restaurant and Bar on the King's Road (+44 (0)20 7559 1000).

Local cafes

It's probably a little bit insulting to call Tom's Kitchen on Cale Street (+44 (0)20 7349 0202) a café, but this bar and brasserie is a mighty fine place for a long, late weekend brunch or lunch. The Hummingbird Bakery and its tempting array of pastel-iced cupcakes and sweet delights is just around the corner on Old Brompton Road. Hang out there while Mr Smith gawps at Lamborghinis in the showroom on the corner.

For a full list of eating and drinking recommendations in London, check out our London eating & drinking guide

Nightlife

Kensington’s infamous Boujis nightclub (much loved by Princes William and Harry) is steps away at 43 Thurloe Street.

Worth getting out of bed for

Here in South Kensington, you're close to the Royal Albert Hall, the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the wonderful V&A, as well as Kensington Palace and Hyde Park (where you can also visit the Serpentine Gallery). There's swanky shopping galore, too, with Knightsbridge and Kensington High Street nearby – so you can get Harrods ticked off your shopping-to-do list. It's only a short Tube ride into the centre of London, if you want to catch a show in the West End or explore Covent Garden's boutiques and markets.

For a full list of recommended activities in London, check out our London destination guide