Kensington | 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.

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.

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.

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