Kensington | The Bentley Hotel Blog

The History of the Chelsea Flower Show

The Chelsea Flower Show is an annual event that takes place in the Royal Hospital Chelsea, London. It is a world-renowned show that attracts garden enthusiasts from all over the globe. The Chelsea Flower Show is not just any ordinary flower show; it is a prestigious event that has a rich history. In this blog post, we will look at how the Chelsea Flower Show began, some interesting facts and how to make the most out of your visit.

The Beginning of the Chelsea Flower Show

The Chelsea Flower Show has roots as far back as 1827 when it started as a simple fête at Chiswick Garden. It progressed to an area, not far from The Bentley Hotel to the RHS garden in our beloved area of Kensington. This was held in 1862 and it was originally known as the ‘Great Spring Show’. It also included an exhibition on a site now occupied by the Natural History and Science Museums!

The shows were a success, and they came to be held annually and eventually in 1913 settled to where we find the show now, in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. The first show at Chelsea was a big success and The Gardeners Chronicle wrote: “[The show] exceeded all expectations … so large and numerous were the groups, and so magnificent the quality of the varied exhibits”.

The Chelsea Flower Show or the Spring Show as it was known back then, started to become a well-loved event by many and continued to go from strength to strength. Unfortunately, soon World War I arrived, and the Flower Show had to be put on hold… but they didn’t let this disrupt the tradition of the show. Even during World War II, the grounds were used for growing vegetables to support the war effort and, as soon as it was able, the show resumed in 1947.

The Chelsea Flower Show Today

Today, the Chelsea Flower Show is one of the most prestigious flower shows in the world. It attracts over 150,000 visitors and the whole event is televised by the BBC. The show features some of the most exceptional gardens, plants, and flowers from around the globe. It also features talks and demonstrations by garden experts and celebrities.

This special spring event also captures the imaginations of many districts in London and has inspired them to run their own floral events which include window displays, fun-filled activities, competitions and more. Most notably, Chelsea in Bloom runs their free annual festival alongside the flower show and each year has its own theme. 2023’s theme is ‘Flowers on Film’. Keep your eyes peeled for more details about the event and how to get involved here.

Get Involved

If you want to be a part of this exciting celebration of nature, then there’s no better time to book and plan your London stay. The Chelsea Flower show 2023 is taking place from 23rd May to the 27th. The Bentley Hotel South Kensington is a great base to enjoy all the delights of London’s celebration of spring. Our luxury decor and eye for detail from our entrance, to our rooms and to our spa truly creates the most enjoyable London hotel experience. Which is why we believe we are the number 1 choice for a Chelsea Flower Show hotel.

Spring into South Kensington

Spring has arrived and it’s time to celebrate the season of renewal and growth. The world around us is blooming with colourful flowers, fresh greenery, and the sweet songs of birds and London is no exception! Here at The Bentley Hotel in South Kensington we would love to welcome you to London this Apri 2023 so that you can embrace all the joys of spring.

Springtime in the Royal Parks

South Kensington is home to some of London’s most beautiful parks, including Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. In April, these parks come alive with the colours of spring. Take a stroll through the park and enjoy the daffodils, tulips, and cherry blossoms in bloom. Watch the bees buzzing from flower to flower and breathe in the fresh air. The Royal Parks are the perfect way to enjoy the beauty of London in the springtime!

Boating on the Serpentine

Whilst enjoying the delights of London’s green spaces, why not take a visit to The Serpentine Lake located in Hyde Park. One of the best ways to enjoy the spring weather in South Kensington is by taking a boat ride on the Serpentine. Starting in April, you can rent a rowboat or pedal boat and take a leisurely ride on the lake. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty of the park from a unique perspective.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year

If you want to see nature but the weather is being typically British, then you may want to head over to The Natural History Museum. This South Kensington gem is hosting the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. This annual exhibit showcases some of the most stunning wildlife photography from around the world. You’ll see everything from majestic elephants to tiny insects in their natural habitats. It’s a must-see for anyone who loves nature and photography… Plus a great place to ride out an April shower!

The Bentley Hotel

If you are looking for a hotel close to the royal parks then look no further than The Bentley Hotel – A perfect hotel near Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens and more. With 64 luxuriously decorated rooms, a traditional hammam spa, restaurant, and cocktail lounge, you will have everything you need to holiday in London to the full. Book directly through our website for the best rates and offers. We hope to welcome you to our hotel this April.

5 Tips for the Best London Hotel Stay

Are you looking to get the most out of your next hotel stay? We believe staying in a hotel should be one of life’s great pleasures – A way to escape the norm and to enjoy a bit of relaxation and luxury. So, whether you are traveling for pleasure or even business, you want to make sure that you enjoy your hotel stay to the full. Here are our 5 top tips to help you maximise your London stay and leave you feeling satisfied and relaxed.

Do your Research
Look into the amenities your hotel has to offer so that you don’t miss out on an opportunity to improve your stay. Is there a gym? Could you book a spa treatment? Do you have breakfast included? It is also useful to spend some time looking at the local area, finding where you would like to stay and seeing if any events are on. If the hotel has a concierge, make sure to utilise their trained expertise and ask for recommendations for local restaurants and attractions. The worst thing would be getting home and realising you missed out, so plan ahead to save the disappointment.
Personalise your Stay
Why not bring a few items from home to help you to settle in? Don’t be afraid to bring your own pillow, a photo or two or your favourite snacks. These can bring added comfort and enhance your stay further.
Book Direct
Everyone loves a discount especially on hotel room rates. Did you know booking directly with a hotel rather than using third party sites like booking.com and trivago.com can often result in a discount? You may be able to negotiate better rates or get additional perks, such as free upgrades or late check-out. You will likely also have more control over your reservation and be able to make changes or cancellations more easily if needed.
Extend your Stay
Most hotels offer the option to request an early check-in or a later check-out. This can really add an extra level of relaxation to your stay
Be Friendly and Polite
Our last point is to make sure you are polite and friendly to hotel staff. This will make your stay more pleasant and ensure that your requests are resolved as quickly as possible. You may even get a few upgrades!

We hope you’ve enjoyed some of our tips and tricks to enhance your hotel stay. If you are looking for a hotel in London then look no further than The Bentley Hotel South Kensington. We have a whole host of amenities to enjoy and take your stay to the next level, including our unique Turkish Hammam located in our luxury London spa facilities. You may also find our blog useful which gives latest news and events for the local area to help you enhance your stay. We will also offer a discount and extra perks when you book direct with us. So whether you need business accommodation in London or you are planning your next London vacation, The Bentley Hotel will tick all your boxes.

The Best Time to Visit London?

Are you planning to visit London in 2023? There are so many reasons to arrange a visit this stunning city… Whether you are an avid London goer, haven’t visited for a few years or have never paid a visit to the capital – 2023 is definitely your year.

London has a special place in the hearts of many, as is evidenced by the fact it continues to reign as the planets top city by ‘World’s Best Cities’* for the seventh year running! With it’s beautiful parks, exciting attractions and unique cityscape there’s no wonder why it’s been termed the capital of capitals.

As the World recovers from Covid and gets back to some ‘normality’ London is almost back to it’s pre-pandemic capacity. However, if you were one that loved the quietness and unusual eeriness of ‘pandemic London’ then visiting London at the start of the year is probably the next best thing. London Attractions are quieter than usual making it the perfect time to beat queues. Plus, as the month also starts with sales in most outlets you may even find a discount or two! The Bentley Hotel South Kensington is no exception with discounted rates available plus a selection of perks like 15% off dining in our restaurant and sessions in our spa when you book directly through our website. You can also save when staying four nights or more. To see all our current offers check out our ‘special offers’ page.

We think The Bentley Hotel is the best choice in London accommodation. You can find the hotel situated in the location of South Kensington, which is a short distance from Exhibition Road – home to the Victoria and Albert, Science and Natural History museums. Also, close to the hotel is Kensington Palace and Gardens, with Hyde Park only a stroll away! A 5* location deserves 5* accommodation which you are sure to find at our hotel. The Bentley has been designed to ooze opulence and indulgence, so that you feel spoilt when relaxing in our luxuriously decorated rooms and suites.

So why not look at your calendar and see where you can fit in a city break to the amazing capital of London. You won’t regret it!

*Source: https://www.worldsbestcities.com/rankings/worlds-best-cities/

Pampering Spa Packages at The Bentley Hotel

What a chilly start to December! Most around London have dug out their hats and scarves from storage and layered up to brave the minus temperatures. All this wintery weather though can take its toll on our bodies. Interestingly, as the temperatures drop, so does the humidity, sapping much needed moisture away from our precious skin – leading to sensitivity and dryness. Don’t neglect your skin this winter and book in a pamper session at Le Kalon Spa. Nestled in the opulent surrounds of The Bentley Hotel you will find some of the best spa packages in London. Get ready to indulge in Cinnamon Body Scrubs, Argan Oil Facials and Deep Tissue Massages as you look at what’s on offer in our Winter Spa Packages.

Winter Bliss

Begin this luxury session by feeling the warming steam of the Sauna gently heat your whole body from the outside in. Relaxing your muscles and releasing all their tensions to prepare you for a de-stressing Aromatherapy Back Massage and Indian Head Massage.

Follow this with a La Sultane de Saba Signature Facial, which will work on all your skin’s needs leaving you with a refreshed and glowing complexion.

Festive Sparkle

This is the perfect pampering session to de-stress, uplift, relax and leave you ready for the season’s festivities.

A unique feature of The Bentley Hotel is its traditional Turkish Hammam, rarely found in London Spas. Begin this package with a luxurious self-use session in our special Hammam. Using our finest black and green Olive soap and Kessa Mitt you will cleanse, exfoliate and nourish the skin.

This will then be followed by a nourishing mask, made from a blend of Rassoul and Honey. Preparing you for a stress relieving Deep Tissue Back Massage and Indian Head Massage.

Guaranteed to work away all built up tension and leave you sparkling ready for the party season.

Holiday Spice

Begin this pampering treat, in a rare feature of our Kensington Spa Hotel, our traditional Hammam. Relax into this traditional ritual where the Therapist will carry out a full Body black and green soap cleanse followed by our seasonal spiced cinnamon sugar scrub.

This will then be followed by a full Body Deep Tissue Massage and Indian Head Massage to complete your detoxifying and relaxing treat.

Winter Wonderland for Two

Now this package is really special and allows you to pamper yourself and a lucky other in this Winter Wonderland treat.

Take yourselves on a journey of relaxation as you begin in The Bentley London’s authentic Hammam. Indulge in a ritual session which includes a full Body black and green olive soap cleanse and spiced cinnamon sugar scrub.

Follow this with relaxing and stress relieving cinnamon infused Aromatherapy Massage and La Sultane de Saba Signature Argan Oil Facial, targeted at nourishing the skin.

London Spa Vouchers

Do you know someone who deserves a bit of luxury relaxation? All our Spa Packages can also be purchased as gift vouchers so that you can give the perfect present to a loved one. Our spa vouchers or hotel gift vouchers are easy to purchase online and can be redeemed at a time suitable to them. Which makes our vouchers the ultimate gift they will thank you for over and over. Take a look at our selection here.

There’s no better time to treat yourself or a loved one to a warming spa session. As the days get colder and the nights get darker, it leaves us wanting a bit of a pick me up. Our Winter Spa Packages will soothe and rejuvenate all the senses. Designed to help your skin feel refreshed and leave it glowing, ready for the party season!

Your Ultimate Kensington Shopping Guide

South Kensington is one of the best boroughs of London, and not just because it is the home to The Bentley Hotel! It features some of London’s greatest museums, beautiful parks, and a wide range of shopping opportunities. Over the next few months shopping is on the minds of many. With London shops open late and lit by thousands of twinkly lights – the whole experience is even more magical. This year some displays promise to be some of the biggest London has seen. 90 000 twinkling LEDs will feature in Bond Streets 2022 display. The theme will pay homage to the Royal Family and will continue the Jubilee celebrations to end the year. Crowns, tiaras, and necklaces will adorn the surrounding streets and junctions of this elite shopping destination and enhance the glamour found there.

If you choose to stay at The Bentley to enjoy the delights of shopping in Kensington, we have luxury 5* rooms which will make your visit to London extra special. Our very own spa, Le Kalon, is the perfect place to relax your aching legs after a day of intense shopping. With Gift Vouchers available for Spa Packages, now is the season for giving the gift of relaxation!

In this latest blog, we have your ultimate shopping day planned right here right from the doorstep of our hotel…

To begin, make a start at Knightsbridge and peruse the delights of Harrods and Harvey Nichols. Both are iconic London department stores in which you are guaranteed to find a special something. With a wide selection of goods, there is something for everybody. A perfect combination of affordable to exclusive products, including perfumes, cosmetics, fashion, British souvenirs, even luxury foods and groceries!

Next, head on over to Kings Road. Where you will find an unusual, cultural mix of trendy boutique stores and classic favourites. Kings Road has been described as generations of memories all woven into a love affair that’s indescribable! Just make sure you have your comfortable shoes on because there’s plenty to see and lots of shops to visit.

After all that walking, you might want to rest your legs. So, head on back to your hotel room, drop off your bags and treat yourself to the perfect pick-me-up – afternoon tea!

After sampling our freshly made cakes and pastries, you’ll be ready to head back out and venture over to the luxury shopping area of Mayfair. Streets like Bond Street and Mount Street offer huge fashion names like Chanel, Gucci, and Christian Louboutin. These special streets are regularly frequented by the rich and famous. Even window shopping is satisfying in this exclusive area of London!

Finally, if you are still looking for that certain something, then Kensington High Street won’t let you down. Find your favoured branded stores and more in this special location. Plus, the best bit is you aren’t far from your hotel room at the end of the day! We hope that you enjoy shopping in London and your stay at The Bentley Hotel.

Top Five Things to Do in Kensington

Are you wondering what to do in South Kensington? This beautiful borough is home to some of the best places to visit in London. See our top five things to do in Kensington below.

1. Take Your Pick of Museums!

If you love to spend an afternoon immersed in culture, then South Kensington has it all with a host of museums to visit. The V&A, Natural History and the Science Museum, are all within a short walk of each other. Rather than choose which you want to visit, why not spend some time at them all! During this autumn here are some of the exhibition highlights: Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature at the V&A, Science Fiction: Voyage to the Edge of Imagination at the Science Museum, plus the return of the huge Diplodocus replica – Dippy Returns at the National History Museum!

2. See a Performance at the Royal Albert Hall

This iconic Victorian venue has been showing a variety of performances for 150 years! Nestled right in the heart of South Kensington, the hall has events, guided tours, and exhibitions available to book tickets for. Swing dance the night away across the dancefloor of the auditorium on 27 Sep, listen to soundtracks of your favourite films performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra throughout this autumn, or relax with some Late Night Jazz in the Elgar Room.

3. Go Royalty Spotting at Kensington Palace and Gardens

As the official London residence of the newly titled Prince and Princess of Wales and their children, Kensington Palace is a beautiful place to immerse yourself in Royal History. Take a tour of this stunning abode and discover the childhood of Queen Victoria who grew up at the palace. Also able to view are the Kings and Queens State Apartments. You’ll be amazed at the grandeur!

4. Shop British on Knightsbridge

Knightsbridge is one of London’s high–end shopping areas, containing big designer names to specialist boutiques. It is most famously the home to the classic British department store – Harrods. Browse their catalogue of luxury goods and famous brand names, then treat yourself to seasonal patisserie served on glamorous pink crockery at the Jimmy Choo Cafe.

5. Find a Hidden Gem at Portobello Road Market

With stalls stretching as far as a mile down Portobello Road, this market is one of the world’s largest antique, bric-a-brac and vintage clothing markets! It’s a hub of culture and community as people come together from all over London and the world to see what this colourful street has to offer. Expect to find delicious street food, talented musicians and unique items when visiting this special street market.

These are just 5 of our top things to see in South Kensington, but there are many more interesting places to explore. You will need more than a day to appreciate what this fabulous area of London has to offer. If you are looking for somewhere to spend the night that represents the glamour of South Kensington, then The Bentley Hotel is perfectly located to enjoy all these attractions and much more. With a superior selection of luxury 5* rooms and suites, book via our website for the very best prices and a discount on our best available rate. See our special offers page here. We look forward to welcoming you and hope you have a great time in South Kensington!

London in Bloom This May

Do you have something exciting to look forward to this month? Despite still being Spring, May could well be the best month to visit London. Offering sunnier weather, extra holidays and a host of unmissable floral treats! In this latest article we will look at how you can enjoy the best of London this month and into the extended four-day bank holiday.

The biggest event to hit London during the 24th to 28th May has to be the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. This world-renowned show combines a floral feast of stunning garden designs, displays, educational exhibits and stylish boutique shopping. Get inspiration for your own house and garden or just simply enjoy the sensory experience. Tickets are available to book now on the website.

If you can’t get tickets to the flower show or you want to enhance your visit, Chelsea in Bloom is completely unmissable. Running along the same dates, it is Chelsea Flower Show’s sister event, and best of all… It’s free. Each year the establishments along four major areas of Chelsea take part in transforming the streets and competing to win awards for their innovative floral displays. This year the theme is “British Icons’. The displays will focus on some of the greatest things to come out of Britain, from the Beatles to Alice in Wonderland. Why not take a walking tour to get the most out of this special event, guided by an expert ambassador? Or our personal favourite… A complimentary rickshaw ride, to really soak up the atmosphere and see the displays in style. (Top tip: the rides seat two – so what a perfect romantic date idea!) It isn’t all about the scenery either – sip a cocktail that promises British Summer in a glass, indulge with a Peter Rabbit themed tasting menu or try your hand at flower arranging. Themed events like these are planned with more waiting to be revealed on the Chelsea in Bloom Website – so, make sure to check before you arrive for the best experience.

Finally, to complete the floral experience, just around the corner from the Bentley Hotel Kensington, is ‘Fait Maison’. A beautiful boutique ‘Salon de The’ where you can enjoy the sunshine and the signature floral window displays – great for a final photo op, in case you haven’t filled your photo gallery with enough botanical wonders! Some menu highlights include a range of interesting drinks, ice creams and Middle Eastern cuisine.

What do you value most when picking accommodation? – Location? Service? A touch of luxury? When your holiday time is precious, you don’t want to waste it. So don’t make compromises on your accommodation and choose The Bentley Hotel South Kensington. Situated near Chelsea and oozing with 5-star opulence, it’s the perfect combination of location, luxury and service for the best holiday in London.

100 Years of Centre Court

Strawberries and cream, luscious grass courts, British Summertime, the Royal Family, the white dress code… What comes to your mind when you think of Wimbledon? Wimbledon is the longest-running tennis tournament in the world and arguably the most prestigious, but where did it all begin?

Tennis hasn’t always been quite like the sport that we know and love today, its history includes French Monks playing a ball game with their hands and shouting ‘Tenez’. Eventually though, hands proceeded to be improved with mitts and many years later the ‘racket’ began to be developed. When the game of ‘tennis’ was in its infancy even Henry VIII was a big fan… He was a keen player who enjoyed playing at his own court. Anne Boleyn was even said to be betting on a game of tennis just before she was taken to the tower of London, it is said she complained that she didn’t get to collect her winnings! Through the invention of better materials and improvements such as bouncy balls opposed to wooden balls, tennis progressed to the outdoor sport that with are more familiar with today. So, it comes as no surprise that England’s fascination with tennis continued to spread to the point where it holds one of the world’s top tennis competitions.

The All England Croquet Club adapted their courts to host the first Wimbledon tennis tournament in 1877 to raise money for their own croquet equipment. However, the event continued from strength to strength and the club quickly changed their name to the All England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club. The rules that they set for the competition, like the scoring being based on a clock face, are essentially the game of tennis that we have now and the same rules are still in operation. Tennis continued its royal connections and the Royal box was introduced at Wimbledon in 1922. Even the future king of England – George VI competed in 1926. The current royal family often make an appearance today.

2022 marks 100 years of centre court and this year the competition is set to be competed between 27 June – 10 July. So, it’s a great time to celebrate Wimbledon and the history of tennis. Hundreds of Centre Court and No.3 Court tickets are released daily throughout the tournament. As well as the opportunity to queue for premium tickets or general ground’s admission to watch games on courts 3 to 18 or join in all the fun on Murray Mound (the newly termed Henman Hill).

Here at The Bentley Hotel Kensington we want to make it easy for you to enjoy the very best Wimbledon experience, we offer a great selection of premium 5* rooms and suites so that you can feel like royalty when you attend one of London’s biggest events of the year. You can easily get right to the centre of the Wimbledon action from The Bentley via the Tube. Make sure to get the very best prices on our best flexible rate and other perks by booking directly here through our website. It’s a busy time of the year – so make sure to plan now so you don’t miss out!

Spring is Springing Up in London

Spring is the season of new beginnings. From the first emerging daffodil to the spectacular displays of cherry blossom. When plants and animals alike start to come out from winter to the delight of watchers on. Take some time this Spring to view what nature has to offer and to shake off those winter blues.

While London might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think about observing the joys of spring… The eight Royal Parks boast 5000 acres of quality green space, offering a refreshing contrast to the London city-scape. Here are four parks and their spring displays that are worth seeing:

See the display of vivid pinks, purples and reds of the evergreen azaleas and rhododendrons, along with the carpets of bluebells at the Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park
Majestic cherry blossom trees border along the Rangers House Avenue in Greenwich Park which creates a stunning tunnel of pink that’s not to be missed
Inhale the sweet scent of roses in Hyde Park’s ‘The Rose Garden’ which features seasonal flower beds, a grand pergola and two ornate fountains
Admire the St James’s Park daffodils, as they plant one million bulbs across the Royal Parks every year!

If you choose to visit the daffodils at St James’s Park, take a stroll a little further and find a good spot to catch the age-old, traditional ceremony of the Changing Guard at Buckingham Palace. This popular event with young and old alike, usually takes place every other day but it’s good to check the schedule of ceremonies here to make sure that you don’t miss out. The whole event starts around 10:30am and lasts around 45 minutes.

The Bentley Hotel is situated just a short walk away from Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, making it a perfect base to enjoy a trip to London and all the joys of Spring. We have a range of 5-star luxury rooms and suites to suit all needs, book directly with us today to avoid disappointment and to get the very best available price. For other offers and perks, take a look here.

There are lots of events happening in the capital throughout March. Such as, International Women’s Day (8th March), St Patrick’s Day (17 March) and Mother’s Day (27th March). Check the dates of your trip to see what special activities are on in the area before you visit.

At The Bentley Hotel, we’ve made it really easy to treat that someone special (and yourself at the same time!) How about adding an appetising afternoon tea or a sensual spa session to your stay? We have two brand new Spring Packages and also two packages specially curated for Mother’s Day, available to book now! All our packages are designed with love to bring a smile to someones face. Our afternoon tea is served in opulent surroundings with fresh pastries and cakes made daily – the perfect way to give someone the TLC they deserve.

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Category: kensington