The Bentley Hotel Blog

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.

Wrap Up and Enjoy London This February

February is a great time to visit London. Whether you’re thinking about planning a romantic getaway or simply booking something to look forward to, February boasts quieter days across the capital. Though the weather may be colder, it’s the perfect excuse to wrap up in your hat and scarf and enjoy the attractions at a much more leisurely pace without the crowds. Here at The Bentley Hotel we are committed to providing a perfect base for all your London holiday needs. What can you enjoy this month?

There could be be nothing more romantic than treating yourself and a someone you love to a stay in a luxury 5-star hotel, which is why we have made it easy to plan the perfect intimate escape here with us at The Bentley Hotel. Our ‘Date Night’ romance package is available to book right now and features everything you need to have the finest romantic London break. Relax in one of our opulent rooms before enjoying a pre-dinner cocktail followed by a beautiful three-course meal at our in-house restaurant, Peridot. Completely relax and rejuvenate your every muscle in our authentic marble Hammam and wake up the next day to enjoy a complimentary breakfast. You can enjoy it all from £344.

We are also excited to share with you a selection of specially curated ‘Romance’ spa packages, available for a limited time this February. Choose your ideal journey from ‘Love is Here’, ‘Romance Retreat’ or ‘Love and Romance Retreat’. Each features a different combination of luxury treatments – from hot and steamy Hammam sessions, refreshing body scrubs, purifying facias and indulgent massages. Get ready for a special night out as romance and relaxation await.

If you want to share the experience, we also have a selection of packages available to book for couples These luxury spa packages are available to book for 1 or 2 persons, and are ideal for self gifting! See the details of our Luxury Couple Spa Packages here.

After some pamper and relaxation – The Bentley, right in the centre of Kensington life, is perfectly located to enjoy the boutique fashion outlets of Kings Road, eat in some top artisanal restaurants and cafes, take a stroll in the Royal Parks and much more. Your hotel room will be the ideal base to plan the ultimate London day out and experience the city to the full.

Something you may not want to miss, unique to this time of year, is the annual Kew Gardens Orchid Festival taking place from the 5th February to the 6th March. Entry is included with your Kew Gardens visiting ticket. Transport yourself to the tropics and view stunning displays that bring to life the incredible biodiversity of Central America.

There’s plenty to enjoy in London this February, we look forward to welcoming you at The Bentley Hotel Kensington.

Welcome 2022 in Luxury this January

Hello 2022!

Here we are in January with a whole year of opportunities in front of us. I think we can all agree that hopefully it will be a year of less restrictions and more normality for all! What are you planning for 2022? Now the holiday season has come to a close, we can end up feeling a little flat, so here is a way to brighten up your January in London.

At the Bentley Hotel Kensington, we have a choice of over 60 rooms – all expertly designed with you in mind to provide your stay with plenty of space and opulent luxury. There are a range of deluxe rooms and suites, each with a fully marbled bathroom and bathtubs with whirlpool jets to maximise relaxation. Consider really treating yourself this January… Imagine reclining in one of the largest suites in central London, surrounded by grandeur; floor to ceiling windows, a grand piano, steam room and private access to the Le Kalon Spa. You could holiday like this in our Imperial Suite, an apartment that’s home from home, even with an option to entertain guests around the large dining table. It has to be the ultimate London hotel experience!

Add some entertainment to your plans, by enjoying a performance at the iconic Royal Albert Hall. Less than a mile away from The Bentley Hotel, the Hall has plenty of upcoming events to enhance your stay. 2022 will mark 25 years since Cirque Du Soleil came to the stage and this time the mind-bending production will take you to an imaginary Mexico. Prepare to be wowed by a series of grand visual surprises and breath-taking acrobatic performances. Booking from 12 Jan – 27 Feb – an unmissable treat. Or maybe you fancy a night of sensational music with the Late Night Jazz events happening throughout January and February. Harpists, trumpeters, saxophonists and pianists will take to the stage, there’s something for all.

Don’t forget that the famous London January sales are still on across the capital. Shop till you drop and make it a stress free experience by staying right in the heart of the action. Alleviate those travel concerns and have somewhere to drop off your bags at the end of the day, or maybe even half way!

The only way to experience true splendour and service is by coming to see us at The Bentley for yourself. No matter what kind of stay you choose we can assure you will get to savour the taste of luxury and you will be able to holiday in London like a VIP. Make the most of quieter London days and take advantage of our booking offers and deals on our website. We hope to welcome you soon in 2022!

Enjoy Stress-Free Shopping and Winter Fun

Spiced hot drinks, warm comfort food, cosy knitted jumpers… There are many reasons to love winter and let’s not forget that it’s always a great time of year to find a bargain. The sales are almost upon us, and there is no better destination than London to indulge in a spot of shopping. Whether you hit the department stores like Harrod’s for a variety of things to purchase or visit the more luxury boutique stores that populate King’s Road you definitely don’t want to think about anything else other than finding that perfect buy.

Most love the rush that sales shopping can bring but let’s face it, it can be a busy day, especially shopping in London. You can alleviate unnecessary stress now by planning to make it a much more enjoyable experience. Book a stay at The Bentley Hotel Kensington to put yourself right in the middle of the action ready to shop early and beat the competition. Get rid of the usual parking problems and have a base close to the hottest shopping destinations. Feel free to drop off your bags, and relax with afternoon tea in the lounge and recharge your batteries, ready for round two. You won’t regret transforming your trip into a luxury experience, after all, following a long day it’s essential to have somewhere you can put your feet up and peruse all your purchases!

Whilst in London don’t miss out on the special events planned just for winter, like the city-wide pop-up ice rinks – where you can experience popular destinations transformed for a limited time. There’s no better way to enjoy this time of year than confidently gliding along through the crisp air. It’s a great activity for all the family or for a special date with a loved one or friend. The capital hosts a variety of venues and atmospheres to choose from, with some offering late night skates, skyscraper views, igloo bars and various music choices. You can even still visit if skating isn’t for you… warm your hands on a hot chocolate from the bar and watch the skating action from a cosy viewing deck.

If you’re looking for a rink close to The Bentley visit the Natural History Ice Rink – sadly it’s the last chance to skate in front of this iconic museum after 16 magical years. So don’t miss out.

Some of the other rink locations are:

Hampton Court Palace Rink

Skate at Somerset House

Queens House Ice Rink

Ice rink Canary Wharf

Skylight London Ice Rink

Another local rink is in Hyde Parks Winter Wonderland – still open for bookings until the 3rd January, a winter extravaganza for all the family.

However you plan to spend your time enjoying London, whether it be shopping till you drop, taking in the lights whilst gliding along on skates, or other wintery plans, be sure to book the best hotel to stay in London in 5 star luxury at The Bentley Hotel Kensington. We’ll make sure you feel like royalty in our opulently decorated rooms and suites – because holidays should have that little bit extra to make you feel special.

November is for Booking Something You’ll Love

2021 is quickly slipping away and we are all looking ahead to a new year. Don’t worry though, there is still time to fit in another break or to take some me-time with a luxury spa package. At The Bentley Hotel Kensington we have lots of interesting offers and deals to give you something to look forward to on your calendar. Keep reading for what we can offer you this November and what’s going on nearby so you can plan your perfect London stay this winter.

Take date-night to the next level and plan to treat yourselves to one of our luxury couples spa packages. We have a range of different experiences to suit whatever you are looking for; all guaranteed to relax and rejuvenate. All our spa days allow you to experience our traditional marbled Hammam and benefit from its cleansing and purifying properties. You can select a journey to suit you with treatments to benefit your head to your toes. Share the relaxing benefits with your nearest and dearest or just book yourself in for some well-earned R&R. Available to book for one or two people, visit the link to see the full package list and booking information.

Are you looking for the perfect gift? We have you covered – give the invaluable gift of relaxation to someone you love with our dedicated gift vouchers for our spa packages. It could not be simpler; all the recipient should do is book a date to suit them and then leave us to take care of the rest. We’ll give them the celebrity treatment they deserve. Can’t choose which spa package they would prefer? You can also buy gift vouchers in a range of amounts so they can decide for the perfect London spa day.

It is the perfect time of year to be walking the streets of London. As the nights start to draw in you can guarantee to be greeted by a host of twinkly lights which you can gaze at whilst doing a spot of late-night shopping in London. Visit the iconic shopping destination of Harrods, only a short stroll from The Bentley, open till 8pm Fri-Sat. Also local to the hotel and central to London’s fashion scene is Kings Road where you can wander in and out of the trendy boutiques and just absorb the atmosphere. Keep your eyes open for extended opening times throughout the capital.

Winter wonderland is open in Hyde Park from 19th November to 3rd January 2022. With ice skating, Christmas markets, a street food village and ice bar, not to mention traditional fairground rides and thrill zone for the brave among us, it really is a day out to remember. Be sure to book ahead: choose your date, chose your entry time, build your own experience, and stay as long as you like!

Some more things to do in the city of London during November include EFG London Jazz Festival 2021 (12-21 November) and Taste of London Festival Show (18-21 November)

Don’t forget to look at our Special Offers and remember, we always give you the best deals when you book direct. We look forward to welcoming you to one of the premier hotels in London and spoiling you to 5* treatment.

Perfect London Days Out this Autumn

With summer holidays already feeling like a lifetime ago, are you wishing you were back planning another well-earned break? Or maybe you didn’t get the chance to rest as you would have liked over the summer? Whatever the case may be, autumn is the perfect time to enjoy England’s beautiful capital to the full. But what to do in London this autumn?

Londons Royal Parks provide 5000 acres of urban green respite right in the centre of London’s busy metropolis. It is a perfect place to explore local heritage and see the stunning sights of Autumn. Observe the colourful leaves in all their glory on the many different trees that have residence throughout the different parks.

Whether you want to visit Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park which are right on the doorstep to The Bentley hotel in Kensington, or travel a little bit further out to visit St James Park and Regent’s Park you will be surrounded by natural beauty and wildlife. St James Park is well worth a visit to stroll along The Mall for not only spectacular seasonal views but for must-have views of Buckingham Palace, while Regents Park is home to the Frieze Art Fairs (13-17 October). Don’t miss the opportunity to view, browse and buy world class art from the best international galleries.

London Restaurant Festival 2021 is a month long festival celebrating great food in London, and is an ideal time to experience some of the capitals world class restaurants. With specially created menus and tours, tastings and masterclasses you can enjoy all aspects of the vibrant London restaurant scene.

The month of October also sees the extended London Cocktail Month, the worlds largest cocktail festival. Pop up events and experiences to take part in can be found in a wide variety of local London bars, some offering low/no alcohol alternatives, and are an interesting way to try new flavours.

Complete your London break in the luxury, by choosing to stay at The Bentley Hotel London. Book one of our 64 luxuriously decorated bedrooms and suites directly with us to benefit from our exclusive offers, giving you the best price. We hope to welcome you at one of the best hotels in London this autumn.

Enjoy Cooler Evenings In Kensington

The leaves are turning amber and gold, you’re wrapping up in your favourite cosy knit, the hot chocolates are on tap… It has to be autumn time again! Many of us are probably mourning the loss of the sunshine and exclaiming that it is too soon for the colder weather to be upon us but there are definitely a lot of perks to autumn days. Especially autumn days spent in and around Kensington.

At The Bentley Hotel we are right in the hub of Kensington life, nearby to some of London’s top attractions. So not to not leave you wondering what are some of the things to do in London during the cooler September evenings, here are a few ideas.

Fancy a stroll? Evenings lend themselves perfectly to a long walk around one of The Royal Parks. Breathe in that fresh air and relax amongst nature. Interestingly, Hyde Park is open till midnight so you can really make the most of your visit. If you’re someone who likes a bit more structure than just strolling, you can take one of the self-guided walks for that extra special experience. Make sure to check out the Frieze sculpture coming to Regent’s Park for a limited time only from the middle of September.

Is live music is more your thing? You can be serenaded in the intimate setting of the Elgar Room at the Royal Albert Hall to some ‘Late Night Jazz’ or bask in the remainder of the warmer weather with some local performances from musicians at Regent’s Park bandstand each weekend till September 19th.

Whatever you are doing in the day, there is nothing better than rewarding yourself in pure luxury with a stay at The Bentley Hotel. We are here to welcome you to holiday in style with a staycation like no other at one of the premium hotels in Kensington. We can always give you the very best price so book direct with us today.

It may be getting colder outside but it’s always warm nights with us at The Bentley. We look forward to welcoming you!

Visit A Quieter London This Summer 2021

After a very strange 18 months, have you noticed we are finally starting to get back to some sort of normal? The weather is perfect for days out, London trips and enjoying Kensington. Our London spa is very busy as everyone rewards themselves for enduring this long, and the evenings are perfect for enjoying with friends – but London is quiet.

It’s a strange sort of quiet, the shops and attractions are open, but without the influx of visitors from abroad there are no real queues. If you ever wanted to visit Central London, now is the time to book your Kensington hotel stay!

With so many of us working from home, rush hour on the tube is currently just like any other time. Yes we wear masks, but we can sit and read on our journey. The Royal Parks have plenty of picnickers, but the zoos in London aren’t crowded with visitors. As we walk on the streets of Kensington, we have time to stop and admire the buildings, the greenery and the ambience. We aren’t pushed along by a busy crowd, probably the first time in many years!

Enjoy a spa in London and make it a staycation to remember with a 5 star hotel stay. The Bentley Hotel & Spa London has a range of 64 luxuriously designed rooms, each with its own unique charm. Spend the morning exploring Kensington, visiting the exclusive shopping areas at Sloane Street and Kings Road, pausing to enjoy Kensington Palace and Gardens, then, at the end of the day, wind down in a marble bathroom, relax in a bathtub with whirlpool jets. Heaven!

For the best price at best hotels in central London, simply click the ‘Special Offers’ link in the menu. We look forward to seeing you.

A LUXURY FEBRUARY AT THE BENTLEY HOTEL LONDON

Now that January has lifted, we at The Bentley, the Luxury Kensington Hotel, are excited to welcome February and all our guests, familiar and new, as we move further into 2020.

From a year that saw us included in BBC’s The Apprentice, to hosting a series of high-profile fashion shoots, we are looking forward to what the New Year will bring and continuing to raise the platform for London Hotels.

Standing at the heart of South Kensington, we take pride in being a staple of the area and joy in doing as much as we can to ensure our guests enjoy a premium, comfortable stay while they are with us. With our London Hotel Offers our guests always get the best of The Bentley when they book direct.

Which is why we are offering an exclusive luxury Date Night experience, complete with a beautiful three-course meal at our intimate in-house restaurant, Peridot. Guests can relax in one of our many stunning rooms before enjoying a pre-dinner cocktail, then indulging in delights including Roasted sea bream fillet with fennel, citrus fruits & horseradish sauce and Slow-roasted pork belly with grilled new potato, apple compote and five spice jus. Rates begin at £344 per night for the ultimate in amorous luxury.

Not only are we located by many boutique fashion outlets and a host of artisan eateries, we are also a short walking distance from many legendary points of interest, including the Natural History Museum, Hyde Park and the quintessential shopping mecca of Knightsbridge; what better rest-stop to experience the city to the fullest?

We are planning a wonderful year and look forward to welcoming you across the remainder of the season as we make way for spring.