London | The Bentley Hotel Blog

Autumn Delights in London

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

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

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

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

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

Top Five Things to Do in Kensington

Are you wondering what to do in South Kensington? This beautiful borough is home to some of the best places to visit in London. See our top five things to do in Kensington below.

1. Take Your Pick of Museums!

If you love to spend an afternoon immersed in culture, then South Kensington has it all with a host of museums to visit. The V&A, Natural History and the Science Museum, are all within a short walk of each other. Rather than choose which you want to visit, why not spend some time at them all! During this autumn here are some of the exhibition highlights: Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature at the V&A, Science Fiction: Voyage to the Edge of Imagination at the Science Museum, plus the return of the huge Diplodocus replica – Dippy Returns at the National History Museum!

2. See a Performance at the Royal Albert Hall

This iconic Victorian venue has been showing a variety of performances for 150 years! Nestled right in the heart of South Kensington, the hall has events, guided tours, and exhibitions available to book tickets for. Swing dance the night away across the dancefloor of the auditorium on 27 Sep, listen to soundtracks of your favourite films performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra throughout this autumn, or relax with some Late Night Jazz in the Elgar Room.

3. Go Royalty Spotting at Kensington Palace and Gardens

As the official London residence of the newly titled Prince and Princess of Wales and their children, Kensington Palace is a beautiful place to immerse yourself in Royal History. Take a tour of this stunning abode and discover the childhood of Queen Victoria who grew up at the palace. Also able to view are the Kings and Queens State Apartments. You’ll be amazed at the grandeur!

4. Shop British on Knightsbridge

Knightsbridge is one of London’s high–end shopping areas, containing big designer names to specialist boutiques. It is most famously the home to the classic British department store – Harrods. Browse their catalogue of luxury goods and famous brand names, then treat yourself to seasonal patisserie served on glamorous pink crockery at the Jimmy Choo Cafe.

5. Find a Hidden Gem at Portobello Road Market

With stalls stretching as far as a mile down Portobello Road, this market is one of the world’s largest antique, bric-a-brac and vintage clothing markets! It’s a hub of culture and community as people come together from all over London and the world to see what this colourful street has to offer. Expect to find delicious street food, talented musicians and unique items when visiting this special street market.

These are just 5 of our top things to see in South Kensington, but there are many more interesting places to explore. You will need more than a day to appreciate what this fabulous area of London has to offer. If you are looking for somewhere to spend the night that represents the glamour of South Kensington, then The Bentley Hotel is perfectly located to enjoy all these attractions and much more. With a superior selection of luxury 5* rooms and suites, book via our website for the very best prices and a discount on our best available rate. See our special offers page here. We look forward to welcoming you and hope you have a great time in South Kensington!

Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot in London

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy the BBC Proms with The Bentley

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

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

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

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

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

Six Unmissable London Festivals

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

Calling all Thespians

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

Music Lovers

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

Art Appreciators

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

Food Aficionados

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

Horticulture Admirers

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

Science Buffs

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

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

London in Bloom This May

Do you have something exciting to look forward to this month? Despite still being Spring, May could well be the best month to visit London. Offering sunnier weather, extra holidays and a host of unmissable floral treats! In this latest article we will look at how you can enjoy the best of London this month and into the extended four-day bank holiday.

The biggest event to hit London during the 24th to 28th May has to be the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. This world-renowned show combines a floral feast of stunning garden designs, displays, educational exhibits and stylish boutique shopping. Get inspiration for your own house and garden or just simply enjoy the sensory experience. Tickets are available to book now on the website.

If you can’t get tickets to the flower show or you want to enhance your visit, Chelsea in Bloom is completely unmissable. Running along the same dates, it is Chelsea Flower Show’s sister event, and best of all… It’s free. Each year the establishments along four major areas of Chelsea take part in transforming the streets and competing to win awards for their innovative floral displays. This year the theme is “British Icons’. The displays will focus on some of the greatest things to come out of Britain, from the Beatles to Alice in Wonderland. Why not take a walking tour to get the most out of this special event, guided by an expert ambassador? Or our personal favourite… A complimentary rickshaw ride, to really soak up the atmosphere and see the displays in style. (Top tip: the rides seat two – so what a perfect romantic date idea!) It isn’t all about the scenery either – sip a cocktail that promises British Summer in a glass, indulge with a Peter Rabbit themed tasting menu or try your hand at flower arranging. Themed events like these are planned with more waiting to be revealed on the Chelsea in Bloom Website – so, make sure to check before you arrive for the best experience.

Finally, to complete the floral experience, just around the corner from the Bentley Hotel Kensington, is ‘Fait Maison’. A beautiful boutique ‘Salon de The’ where you can enjoy the sunshine and the signature floral window displays – great for a final photo op, in case you haven’t filled your photo gallery with enough botanical wonders! Some menu highlights include a range of interesting drinks, ice creams and Middle Eastern cuisine.

What do you value most when picking accommodation? – Location? Service? A touch of luxury? When your holiday time is precious, you don’t want to waste it. So don’t make compromises on your accommodation and choose The Bentley Hotel South Kensington. Situated near Chelsea and oozing with 5-star opulence, it’s the perfect combination of location, luxury and service for the best holiday in London.

100 Years of Centre Court

Strawberries and cream, luscious grass courts, British Summertime, the Royal Family, the white dress code… What comes to your mind when you think of Wimbledon? Wimbledon is the longest-running tennis tournament in the world and arguably the most prestigious, but where did it all begin?

Tennis hasn’t always been quite like the sport that we know and love today, its history includes French Monks playing a ball game with their hands and shouting ‘Tenez’. Eventually though, hands proceeded to be improved with mitts and many years later the ‘racket’ began to be developed. When the game of ‘tennis’ was in its infancy even Henry VIII was a big fan… He was a keen player who enjoyed playing at his own court. Anne Boleyn was even said to be betting on a game of tennis just before she was taken to the tower of London, it is said she complained that she didn’t get to collect her winnings! Through the invention of better materials and improvements such as bouncy balls opposed to wooden balls, tennis progressed to the outdoor sport that with are more familiar with today. So, it comes as no surprise that England’s fascination with tennis continued to spread to the point where it holds one of the world’s top tennis competitions.

The All England Croquet Club adapted their courts to host the first Wimbledon tennis tournament in 1877 to raise money for their own croquet equipment. However, the event continued from strength to strength and the club quickly changed their name to the All England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club. The rules that they set for the competition, like the scoring being based on a clock face, are essentially the game of tennis that we have now and the same rules are still in operation. Tennis continued its royal connections and the Royal box was introduced at Wimbledon in 1922. Even the future king of England – George VI competed in 1926. The current royal family often make an appearance today.

2022 marks 100 years of centre court and this year the competition is set to be competed between 27 June – 10 July. So, it’s a great time to celebrate Wimbledon and the history of tennis. Hundreds of Centre Court and No.3 Court tickets are released daily throughout the tournament. As well as the opportunity to queue for premium tickets or general ground’s admission to watch games on courts 3 to 18 or join in all the fun on Murray Mound (the newly termed Henman Hill).

Here at The Bentley Hotel Kensington we want to make it easy for you to enjoy the very best Wimbledon experience, we offer a great selection of premium 5* rooms and suites so that you can feel like royalty when you attend one of London’s biggest events of the year. You can easily get right to the centre of the Wimbledon action from The Bentley via the Tube. Make sure to get the very best prices on our best flexible rate and other perks by booking directly here through our website. It’s a busy time of the year – so make sure to plan now so you don’t miss out!

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!

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