London | The Bentley Hotel Blog

The Top 5 Spa Treatments for Ultimate Relaxation

In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to relax and rejuvenate is more important than ever. What better way to unwind and pamper yourself than by indulging in a luxurious spa treatment? As one of the best spa hotels in London, the Bentley Hotel offers an array of world-class spa treatments that will transport you to a realm of tranquillity and bliss. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top 5 spa treatments that are sure to provide you with the ultimate relaxation experience.

Number 1: Swedish Massage:

The Swedish massage is a classic spa treatment known for its ability to promote relaxation and ease tension in the body. It involves long, gliding strokes, kneading, and gentle tapping. A Swedish massage is perfect for anyone looking to unwind and relieve stress which is why it is a firm favourite

Number 2: Hot Stone Massage:

A hot stone massage takes relaxation to the next level. Smooth, heated stones are placed on key points of the body, allowing their warmth to penetrate deeply into the muscles. This treatment is excellent for easing muscle tension and promoting a sense of tranquillity and balance.

Number 3: Facial:

Facials are not only great for your skin but also incredibly relaxing. They typically include cleansing, exfoliation, and the application of nourishing masks and serums. A skilled therapist tailors the treatment to your skin’s specific needs, leaving you with a radiant complexion and a deep sense of rejuvenation.

Number 4: Aromatherapy Massage:

Aromatherapy massages combine the benefits of massage therapy with the soothing effects of essential oils. Different essential oils are used depending on the nature of the massage and its desired effects. The scents and therapeutic properties of the oils enhance the massage, making it a holistic and relaxing experience.

Number 5: Body Scrub and Wrap:

This treatment refreshes and rejuvenates the skin, giving it the attention it deserves. The full body scrub is often combined with different oils and sugars to remove dead skin cells and followed by a nourishing body wrap to hydrate and rejuvenate your skin. The experience is not only incredibly relaxing but also leaves you with soft, glowing skin.

Spa treatments are more than just a luxury; they are a means to escape, relax, and recharge. These are the top 5 most popular spa treatments and we have them all available to book at the hotel! Our treatments are available to book individually, combined in treatment packages or to purchase as spa gift vouchers for a special loved one. Why not check out our spa packages page to see our limited edition seasonal experiences? Our Autumn Spa Packages are still available to book for a limited time and our Christmas Spa experiences are due for release soon. So keep your eyes peeled!

You’re sure to find the perfect treatment to enhance your London spa day. Experience a world of relaxation and rejuvenation right in the heart of London. Your journey to wellness and serenity begins at The Bentley Hotel!

Plan Now for the Perfect Winter in London

As the days grow shorter and the air gets crisper, there’s no denying that winter is just around the corner. While some may dread the arrival of cold weather, others eagerly anticipate the charm and magic that winter brings, especially in a city as enchanting as London. If you’re contemplating a winter getaway, now is the perfect time to plan and book your trip to London, with a special focus on the events and attractions in the picturesque district of South Kensington. To make your stay truly unforgettable, consider staying at the best hotel in London, The Bentley Hotel.

Why South Kensington?

South Kensington, a gem nestled in the heart of London, is a winter wonderland waiting to be explored. This charming area boasts a rich cultural heritage and offers a myriad of activities for all types of travellers. From world-renowned museums like the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Natural History Museum to delightful strolls through the beautiful Kensington Gardens, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

What to Do in London

London during the winter season is a sight to behold. The city transforms into a magical adventure adorned with twinkling lights and adorned with decorations. You can experience the magic of Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, skate at the enchanting ice rinks, or revel in the Christmas markets offering handcrafted gifts and seasonal treats. And let’s not forget the timeless tradition of enjoying a cosy afternoon tea at one of London’s charming tea rooms or the Peridot restaurant at The Bentley.

Why Choose The Bentley Hotel?

To make the most of your winter trip to London, your choice of accommodation matters, and The Bentley Hotel stands out as the best hotel in London. Located in the heart of South Kensington, this luxurious hotel offers an unmatched experience of comfort and hospitality.

With its elegant rooms and suites, each thoughtfully designed to provide a cosy sanctuary from the winter chill, The Bentley Hotel ensures a restful and enjoyable stay. The hotel’s commitment to excellence extends to its dining options, including the exquisite Peridot Restaurant, where you can savour delectable cuisine in an elegant setting.

But what truly sets The Bentley Hotel apart is its convenient location. South Kensington’s iconic attractions are just a stone’s throw away, making it the perfect base for your winter adventures. Whether you’re visiting museums, enjoying the local shopping scene, or simply taking leisurely walks through the charming streets, everything is easily accessible from this prime location.

Plus, it’s easy to give this magical experience as a gift to a special loved one with our hotel gift vouchers. These flexible vouchers allow the recipient to take a relaxing trip to London whenever their schedule allows, allowing you to have the peace of mind that it will be a gift they will thank you for over and over.

Don’t wait until the last minute to plan your winter trip to London in 2023/2024. By booking now and choosing to stay at The Bentley Hotel in the heart of South Kensington, you’ll be ensuring an unforgettable getaway filled with cultural delights, winter magic, and the warmth of exceptional hospitality. Make this winter your most memorable one yet by experiencing the best that London has to offer.

Why Visit London this Summer 2023 – Part 2

Have you booked your London summer break yet? The city is buzzing with a variety of events and activities that are sure to keep you entertained. In our last blog we looked at some of the fantastic events going on across London this summer, but because there were too many to share we thought we would highlight August in a second edition!

Enjoy the Sun in the Royal Parks

One of the biggest Summer highlights in the Royal Parks are the Bandstand Concerts. Greenwich Band Stand Concerts are held every Sunday in August at Greenwich Park, these concerts offer a variety of performances in the bandstand and are completely free to attend. With a start time of 3 pm, it’s the perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon in the sun. Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens Bandstand also has a schedule of concerts held into September, and feature a range of musical genres to cater to all tastes. So whether you’re into jazz, pop, or classical, there’s bound to be something to suit you. Take a picnic blanket, some snacks, and enjoy the music!

If you’re a fan of Shakespeare, then you’re in luck, there is a performance of Romeo and Juliet on August 12th at St. Johns Lodge Garden in Regents Park as part of the Royal Parks activities. It’s a beautiful setting to watch one of the greatest love stories ever told, so make sure you book your tickets in advance!

If you’re interested in learning more about the history and horticulture of London’s famous parks, join the walking tour of the oldest Royal Park – St. James’s Park. The Blooms with a View: Horticulture Tour on August 11th is sure to be a highlight. You’ll be able to learn about the different plants and flowers that grow in the park, as well as the history behind this iconic London landmark.

Good Food with Friends

Summer is for enjoying good food! There are a variety of food-related festivals happening throughout the city. These events offer the perfect opportunity to taste some of the best food and drink that London has to offer.

Check out the Hampton Court Food Festival, taking place from 26th-28th August 2023. In this unique historical setting there will be Street Food, Pop-Up Bars, Boutique Drinks, Artisan Producers, Masterclasses, Fete Games and more. A brilliant way to combine site-seeing and dining.

If you are a fan of craft beer then head on over to Tobacco Dock from 10th-12th of August to sample 800+ beers from over 100 breweries. The best bit… All your beer is included with your ticket!

Ice cream was made for sunny days and if you have a sweet tooth you can celebrate all things frozen at the Covent Garden Ice Cream Festival returning for another year. It opens from the 10th of August and you can enjoy the festival all the way until the bank holiday weekend.

Cultural Delights

For some extra cultural experiences, why not attend the Notting Hill Carnival (27 Aug & 28 Aug), Battersea Park Concert (26, 27 & 28 Aug), Greenwich and Docklands Outdoor Arts Festival, or visit The National Gallery’s Drop-in Sessions?

Finally, don’t forget about the world-renowned Proms, which run through August at the Royal Albert Hall. The atmosphere is electric, and the performances are unforgettable.

With so many events happening in London this August, you’re sure to have an unforgettable trip. So pack your bags and get ready to enjoy all the city has to offer! If you’re looking for a hotel in the perfect location, near the Royal Parks, Royal Albert Hall and more then why not choose The Bentley? 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.

Why Visit London this Summer 2023 – Part 1

London. A jewel in the crown of the UK and one of the greatest cities in the world. There are a million reasons why you should plan a visit to this beautiful city and this summer 2023 is no exception. From the fascinating history to the vibrant culture, delicious food and world-class events… You’ll need more than just a weekend city break! Over the next few posts we are going to highlight some of the best bits.

One of the biggest highlights in the London calendar has to be Wimbledon. If you’re a fan of tennis, then there is no better place to be to watch the best players in the world compete for the grand title of champion. The pre-cursor to the main championship is at The Queens Club and know this year as the cinch Championship, taking place across 19-25 June. Then the main event of Wimbledon is taking place this summer 2023 across 3-16 July. Tickets for Wimbledon have already been allocated via the ballot but there are up to 500 on-the-day-tickets available every day via ‘The Queue’, plus tickets for the cinch Championship available on their official site. So, there’s still time to be there at Wimbledon 2023. If you already have tickets and are looking for hotels for Wimbledon then make sure to read on.

Are you ready to party in the park? British Summertime is about to officially kick in with the BST Hyde Park. Held across multiple weekends starting from the 23rd June, BST Hyde Park in London will host incredible shows from legendary music acts and rising stars. Some of the highlights for 2023 will include performances from The Royal Philharmonic, Billy Joel, Lana Del Ray, P!nk, Take That and Alfie Boe.

Calling all food lovers! ‘Taste’ festival in Regent’s park is a special must-attend highlight this June. Taking place from the 14-18 June, ‘Taste’ converts one of London’s most popular green spaces into a garden party to beat all garden parties. Some of London’s hottest restaurants and chefs will display their talents and serve out-of-this-world dishes and tasty morsels to ignite all your senses.

Immerse yourself in history and culture at none other than Buckingham Palace. Get a glimpse into Royal life in this iconic landmark, which is open to the public for a limited time starting July 14. Summer is a special time of year to visit because for 10 weeks only the state rooms are opened up to the public, and a number of new exhibitions available. Don’t miss out!

No matter what your plans are this Summer in London you will need the perfect London Hotel to enjoy your trip to the full. Have you considered staying at The Bentley? We know there is no better choice in London accommodation than our 5* London hotel located in the most convenient location of South Kensington. The hotel is only a short walk away from Hyde Park – so who says that you can’t enjoy 5* luxury at a music festival?? Regent’s Park and Buckingham Palace are also nearby and the hotel is well connected to Wimbledon via the Tube network. With special offers available on stays and the very best prices when you book direct through our website, why not book your stay with us today? We’d love to be your host for any of London’s summer events.

We hope you enjoyed part 1 of why you should visit London this Summer, keep your eyes peeled for more summer events next month.

The History of the Chelsea Flower Show

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

The Beginning of the Chelsea Flower Show

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

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

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

The Chelsea Flower Show Today

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

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

Get Involved

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

Spring into South Kensington

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

Springtime in the Royal Parks

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

Boating on the Serpentine

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

Wildlife Photographer of the Year

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

The Bentley Hotel

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

5 Tips for the Best London Hotel Stay

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

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

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

The Best Time to Visit London?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pampering Spa Packages at The Bentley Hotel

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

Winter Bliss

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

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

Festive Sparkle

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

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

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

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

Holiday Spice

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

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

Winter Wonderland for Two

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

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

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

London Spa Vouchers

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

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

Your Ultimate Kensington Shopping Guide

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Category: london