Royal Albert Hall | The Bentley Hotel Blog

Discover Olympia Kensington and More

August is one of London’s most loved months. Long summer evenings, world-famous events and plenty to explore make it the perfect time for a city break. Better still, when you stay at The Bentley Hotel in South Kensington, you’ll find yourself in one of the capital’s most desirable neighbourhoods, with many of London’s biggest attractions just a short stroll or tube ride away.

Discover the New Olympia Venue

Olympia has long been famous for hosting exhibitions and trade shows, but it’s now entering an exciting new chapter. Following a major redevelopment, Olympia re-opened in June as one of London’s newest entertainment and cultural destinations.

Alongside its iconic exhibition spaces, visitors can now enjoy a growing collection of restaurants, cafés and bars, as well as a brand-new live music venue, theatre and vibrant public spaces. The space features a beautiful rooftop destination which has a retractable glass roof and offers beautiful panoramic West London views.

Recent planned events include the London Perfume exhibition which is the first event dedicated to Middle Eastern perfumery, from 13-22 August. Various Japanese workshops and themed events plus live music scheduled from artists such as Van Morrison and The Black Keys.

The Bentley Hotel is perfectly positioned for guests wanting to experience everything Olympia has to offer. It’s easy to reach from the hotel, making it an ideal base whether you’re visiting for a performance, a unique roof top dining experience or a full day exploring this exciting new part of Kensington.

Experience the Magic of the Proms

No August visit to London is complete without experiencing the world-famous BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall.

Just a pleasant walk from The Bentley Hotel, the Proms offer something for everyone, from classical masterpieces and film scores to family concerts and contemporary performances. Even if you’re not a regular concertgoer, the atmosphere inside this iconic venue is unforgettable.

Promming makes it possible to get tickets on the day for performances, read our Promming blog to find out how to get cheap tickets for Proms performances.

Before the performance, why not enjoy a leisurely dinner in South Kensington or take a stroll through nearby Hyde Park?

Even More to Explore This August

August is packed with reasons to visit London. Wander through the magnificent State Rooms during Buckingham Palace’s summer opening, soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Notting Hill Carnival over the August Bank Holiday, or enjoy one of the many outdoor events taking place across the capital.

If you’re planning a longer stay, September’s London Design Festival and Open House Festival are just around the corner, making late summer the perfect time to extend your visit.

Stay in the Heart of South Kensington

Whether you’re travelling to visit the new Olympia, attending the Proms or simply enjoying everything London has to offer, The Bentley Hotel provides a luxurious and relaxing base in one of the city’s most elegant neighbourhoods.

After a busy day exploring, return to beautifully appointed rooms, exceptional service and the comfort of a five-star stay. Our central location means you can spend less time travelling and more time discovering the very best of London. While Le Kalon Spa elevates your London stay, with our seasonal luxury spa packages.

Book your stay at The Bentley Hotel today and experience one of London’s most exciting summers from the heart of South Kensington.

Plan Your London Shopping Trip

Are you looking for the perfect shopping destination? Nothing beats a shopping trip in London! London is a haven for shoppers with a huge range of shops across this bustling metropolis, including grand department stores and charming boutique-lined streets. London is full of opportunities to find the perfect gift or indulge in something special for yourself.

Among its most elegant areas, South Kensington stands out as a shopper’s delight — effortlessly blending culture, style, and sophistication. Whether you’re hunting for designer treasures, exploring local boutiques, or simply soaking up the seasonal atmosphere, South Kensington and its nearby shopping destinations promise an experience that captures the very best of London. With many stores extending their hours during the winter months, there’s no rush — just plenty of time to shop, explore, and enjoy.

Shopping in South Kensington

Just moments away from The Bentley Hotel, Kensington High Street offers a wonderful blend of high-end brands and everyday favourites. Lined with stores such as The White Company, Lululemon, COS, and Zara, it’s the ideal place to find thoughtful gifts or wardrobe staples. The street’s mix of architecture and contemporary shopfronts makes every visit a pleasure, and you’ll find plenty of cafés and restaurants to pause for a warm drink between shops.

Heading from South Kensington towards Knightsbridge, you will find the world-famous Harrods waiting — a true icon of British luxury. Spread across seven floors, Harrods is home to over 300 departments offering everything from designer fashion and fine jewellery to gourmet foods and hampers. During the winter season, Harrods is well known for its glittering window displays and Christmas shopping experience.

For those who want to explore further, Oxford Street is just a short tube ride away and offers the classic London shopping experience. With flagship stores including Selfridges, Nike, and John Lewis, it’s a bustling retail haven where you’ll find something for everyone.

Winter Shopping in London

With the nights drawing in and the shops open longer you don’t have to worry about being left in the dark, as the city will be lit by thousands of twinkling lights. London’s Christmas Light switch-on events are taking place from 3 November.

Exclusive to winter is the opportunity to visit a Christmas Market. Popping up throughout the capital in locations like, Leicester Square, Covent Garden and the Southbank. Many of these begin to open from November 1^st. Browse a selection of unique products and warm up with a glass of mulled wine… or two!

One of the biggest winter markets is held in Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. Opening from the 13^th November this huge event hosts a variety of winter activities and shows, including outdoor skating and fairground rides.

Relax at The Bentley Hotel South Kensington

After a busy day of shopping, there’s nothing better than putting your feet up in the luxury of The Bentley Hotel. The Bentley’s 5* rooms and suites take any shopping trip to the next level giving you even more time to enjoy the city. You can even book in for an express pamper in our spa, Le Kalon, or spend a little bit more time relaxing with one of our spa packages. Make a real event of your London shopping trip and book your stay today.

Visit The Royal Albert Hall this Autumn/Winter

Just a short 10-minute walk from our front door, you’ll find the iconic Royal Albert Hall – a venue beloved by generations, including the Royal Family. Over the years, it has welcomed legendary performers from Frank Sinatra to Adele, making it a true must-visit for music lovers. The Hall’s unique atmosphere creates an emotional experience that simply can’t be replicated anywhere else. In our opinion, no trip to London is complete without a night at the Royal Albert Hall.

We’ve loved celebrating two incredible months of the BBC Proms, with plenty of spine-tingling performances along the way. The excitement doesn’t stop there though – the rest of the 2025 calendar is full of big-name acts. Upcoming highlights include:

The Bootleg Beatles – 7 October
Westlife – 27–28 October
Queens of the Stone Age – 29 October
Inhaler – 31 October
Cliff Richard – 8–9 December

Tickets are easy to book directly through the Royal Albert Hall website, and if an event is sold out, you might still be able to find resale tickets.

The Royal Albert Hall loves to run themed series performances throughout the year, and we are pleased to share a couple coming up in the next few months.

Films in Concert
What’s better than watching your favourite classic films? Watching them in the grandeur of the Royal Albert Hall, accompanied by a live orchestra, of course! This October and November, “Films in Concert” will feature classic titles like Back to the Future, Star Wars, and How to Train Your Dragon, with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra performing the soundtracks live – an unforgettable and must-see experience for film and music fans alike.

Late Night Jazz
If you prefer something more intimate, head to the Elgar Room for a laid-back evening of Late Night Jazz. On 15 November, don’t miss Gray by Silver, celebrating their 2024 Best Jazz Album win at the Seoul Music Awards. It’s a perfect choice for a sophisticated night out, whether you’re exploring London solo or with friends.

Tours and Experiences

Even if nothing is on during your stay, you can still visit the Royal Albert Hall during the day and discover more areas to this beautiful building than the auditorium. There are a variety of tours available which focus on the history of the building, fascinating objects from the archives and the stunning Victorian architecture of the hall. You can even add the quintessential British treat of afternoon tea to really complete your visit.

Your Perfect Stay at The Bentley Hotel

After an inspiring evening at the Royal Albert Hall, return to the luxury of The Bentley Hotel. Our spacious 5-star rooms and suites provide the perfect place to relax and make your London stay unforgettable. Book directly through our website to enjoy our best flexible rates and exclusive perks designed to enhance your visit.

We’d love to welcome you soon – and we hope you get to experience some of the finest musical performances London has to offer.

Reserve Online

Tag: Royal Albert Hall