The Bentley Hotel Blog

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.

Autumn Delights in London

Autumn has well and truly arrived in London. The trees are looking beautiful showing their spectacular colours in all their glory. Red, amber, and gold leaves carpeting the floor – a promise of the colder weather to come. The Royal Parks are the perfect place to see the beautiful displays of this majestic season. Wrap up warm and take a stroll straight from the lobby of The Bentley Hotel across to Hyde Park for an escape from London’s city life. Enjoy this haven of green space as you take one of the many trails that pass through the park, admiring the calming presence of the Serpentine. Nothing says autumn better then warming your hands on a delicious creamy hot chocolate, surrounded by nature, so make sure to add the Serpentine Bar & Kitchen to your route and plan a little treat!

Some people may say that the downfall of this delightful season are the darker nights, but here in London we love the chance to explore the capital lit up by night. Arguably, this is when London comes to life! Plus, the darker skies give us the perfect backdrop to enjoy light displays and fireworks events.

Have you had chance to explore the largest public art commission in the world yet? This autumn is the perfect time to enjoy the Illuminated River display. You can download a map here and find out other ways that you can tour this special event. Completed in 2019, the 3.2 miles of illuminated art celebrate the key role that London’s bridges continue to play as part of the capital’s identity, linking the whole city together. See all nine bridges uniquely lit in a special tribute to London.

If you don’t fancy walking, then the London by Night open-top double-decker tours allow you to see all the top sights, from the iconic Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament through to Tower Bridge. It’s a wonderful way to see London in under 2 hours and experience the joys of an open top bus.

There are so many things to do in London this Autumn, with the addition of late-night shopping to the return of Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland on Nov 18th. Make sure to take advantage of this beautiful time of year and book a few days away in the capital. We would love to welcome you at The Bentley Hotel South Kensington. Our 5* luxury rooms and suites will make your holiday in London truly special. We can always offer you the best rates on our website, plus extra rewards for booking direct! Plan your stay in one of London’s top hotels today.

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!

Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot in London

Are you enjoying the summer sun? 2022 has certainly been a hot summer so far with record temperatures broken, plus even more good weather to come! It’s no fun sat behind a desk so come join us in London to make the most of the sunshine. London is hosting some superb summer events throughout August and into September that you’ll definitely want to be a part of. Plus, if you can’t get the time off now, don’t forget about the bank holiday weekend – Perfect for a long weekend luxury city break in Kensington at The Bentley 5* Hotel.

A shared pastime, loved by all, has to be eating and drinking in the sunshine! There are plenty of alfresco dining options in London available to enjoy. From roof top bars with spectacular views of the city, to pop up events designed to tickle your tastebuds. Covent Garden’s many outdoor dining areas are spread across seven streets and combine a huge range of cuisines from around the world.

For the ultimate al fresco experience, why not take a picnic to one of London’s top green spaces. Hyde Park is just a short distance away from The Bentley. With plenty of spots to spread your blanket and relax, including on the banks of the Serpentine Lido. The lido is a 100m open water swimming area found within Hyde Park. Open from 10am till 6pm you can cool off from the summer heat after a delicious picnic and take a relaxing swim. Bliss!

If you’d rather stay dry, then why not plan your picnic to coincide with one of the free Hyde Park Bandstand concerts happening from 2pm-4pm on select weekends throughout August and into September. See the Melodians Steel Orchestra on Sunday 21st August, Orquesta Mambarito on Saturday 10th September or the Snowdown Colliery Band on Sunday 18th September.

With all that time in the sun you want to be sure that your skin is looking its best. So we have you covered at The Bentley Hotel’s Le Kalon Spa. There is still time to book our summer spa packages to complete the perfect London city break. Our three packages: Summer Pamper, Golden Summer and Summer Delights, each feature a combination of treatments specially curated to refresh your skin and leave it glowing, ready for the sunshine!

We hope you have a fabulous summer and choose to come and visit London with us at The Bentley Hotel South Kensington, you won’t regret it!

Enjoy the BBC Proms with The Bentley

One of the closest London attractions to The Bentley is the highly esteemed concert hall – the ‘Royal Albert Hall’. It has hosted a whole range of events and artists during its 150 years, but arguably most famously, each year it hosts the BBC Proms – an eight-week musical extravaganza. This year it will feature 84 concerts and a massive 3000 musicians, performed between the 15 July and the 10 September 2022.

You can be sure to hear a whole range of musical genres and a celebration of orchestras and ensembles from around the world. A special highlight will include performances from a brand-new orchestra the ‘Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra’ made up of recently refugeed Ukrainian musicians. The theme this year is commemorating 100 years of great British broadcasting. It will feature all our favourite BBC brands and some beloved songs from the greatest shows.

Yet again the whole series of concerts will culminate in a huge musical finale that is the Last Night of the Proms. You could be there amidst the all the highlights of the Proms, jam-packed into one event. Schedules for the line ups are available now and tickets are available to purchase through the website.

There is also an opportunity to go ‘Promming’. Promming is a tradition that is held by the BBC Proms where you can go and enjoy all the joys of the event for a mere £7.12. Around 1000 standing tickets to each of the events are reserved for promming and will be released on the day of the event at 10:30am with the exception of some of the Proms which will be released the day before. So even if the event you’re desperate to attend is sold out… There is still the chance to go!

The Bentley is the perfect choice if you plan to visit any of The Proms, situated in South Kensington, less than a mile away from the iconic venue. You can take a short taxi trip across to the Royal Albert Hall from the hotel or even enjoy a leisurely walk towards Hyde Park to your event. We have a large selection of 5* rooms and suites to choose from which will be sure to make your trip a memorable one. Book directly through our website to receive our best flexible rate along with a range of perks to enhance your stay. We look forward to welcoming you at The Bentley Hotel South Kensington, the best hotel in London! And we hope you get to enjoy some of the finest musical performances London has to offer.

Six Unmissable London Festivals

London is getting warmer and the outdoor events are planned! Who doesn’t love a good festival? An excuse to get together with people, eat new food and enjoy the classic British Summertime. London offers festivals of all types so whatever you are interested in there is an event over the next few months for you. Whether your interests are music, food, theatre, nature, sport, art or even science… In this blog we are going to cover six unmissable London Festivals that are happening this Summer.

Calling all Thespians

Love to belt out some musical numbers? Then West End Live – Saturday 25th June and Sunday 26th June is an event not to be missed. Enjoy completely free performances from West End Musicals – All live in Trafalgar Square. Some performers include classics like Mamma Mia, The Phantom of The Opera and Les Misérables. Check out the full list on the West End Live website.

Music Lovers

Get ready to pull out your festival attire and sing your heart out because BST Hyde Park has music performances booked across 3 weekends throughout June and July. Some musical highlights include; Elton John, Sam Fender and Adele, all set in the stunning scenery of one the Royal Parks. Check out the line ups and where you can buy tickets.

Art Appreciators

Wander through the Masterpiece London Art Fair and purchase or simply view some of the finest works of art, design, furniture and jewellery from antiquity to present day. Held at The Royal Hospital Chelsea from 30 June – 6 July. This year’s 2022 Masterpiece presents two stunning monumental light installations by Anila Quayyum Agha that are a particular must-see visual treat.

Food Aficionados

The world’s greatest food festival, The Taste of London, is happening in Regent’s Park form 15-19 June. Make sure you come with an empty stomach because there are over 100 dishes available with menus available now for you to salivate over. Taste a huge selection of savoury and sweet dishes from the top establishments in London, plus plenty of drink choices to enjoy too!

Horticulture Admirers

Get some inspiration from beautiful garden displays, floral feasts, talks, demos and music at the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival from 4-9 July. Plus have the chance to get advice from personalities like Monty Don, Arit Anderson and Hugh-Fearnley Whittingstall. A botanical treat for all nature-lovers.

Science Buffs

Do you know the secrets behind bacteria? If we could power solar panels with berries? Or even if we could heal ourselves with a remote? Get hands on and make your own scientific discoveries at one of London’s biggest science festivals. With workshops and exhibits for all ages. Taking place Wednesday 6 – Sunday 10 July at Carlton House Terrace London.

After a fun filled day at a festival you definitely don’t want to have to tackle the drive home. Why not turn your day-trip into a short stay and make the most of your time in London. The Bentley Hotel London is conveniently located in the Royal Borough of Kensington, just across the road from Hyde Park, which makes us a central base for all your travel needs. We offer luxury 5-star accommodation with the very best rates when you book direct through our website. We hope you get chance to visit one of these great London events!

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!