If you’re looking for a place to stay in London, Kensington is one of the main areas.
There’s plenty to see including museums, gardens, and shops.
You’ll find some of the top restaurants and bars here too.
Fortunately, it also has some of the best 5-star accommodations in London.
We’ll uncover hotels with the best food and most luxurious rooms.
With so many choices, we’ve done the hard work and rounded up the best 5-star hotels in Kensington.
1. Milestone Hotel Kensington
With the British Royal Family as neighbors, you expect this hotel to be regal and classic.
Set in a landmark building that dates back to 1883, it’s instantly recognizable.
Accommodation includes 43 guest rooms, 13 luxurious suites and six residences that are perfect for longer stays.
There’s plenty to do without even stepping foot outside the hotel.
Think, exceptional dining, a spa, pool, and fully-equipped gym.
Guests can also enjoy some of the hotels extraordinary experiences.
Curated alongside their favored partners, you can learn how to forage, or take a private visit to iconic London addresses.
- Guest Rating: 9.5
- Star Rating: 5 stars
- Best Rooms: Grand Master suite
- Address: 1 Kensington Court, Kensington and Chelsea, London, W8 5DL, United Kingdom
2. Number Sixteen, Firmdale Hotels
Despite being a Victorian property, Number Sixteen has chic interiors and a cosmopolitan vibe.
Conveniently located in the heart of South Kensington, it’s close to many tourist attractions.
Rooms are all individually styled with bold colors and luxury furnishings.
Amenities include 24-hour room service, concierge service, and valet parking.
Guest areas include a Drawing Room, library and orangery.
The property also boasts its own tree-filled private garden.
Weather permitting, you can enjoy a delicious afternoon tea al fresco.
- Guest Rating: 9.3
- Star Rating: 5 stars
- Best Rooms: The summer room
- Address: 16 Sumner Place, Kensington and Chelsea, London, SW7 3EG, United Kingdom
3. The Ampersand Hotel
Just a minutes’ walk from South Kensington Underground, this hotel is at the center of the action.
Hotel rooms are inspired by the local neighborhood.
Inside, they all have LCD TVs with movies, complimentary soft drinks, and L’Occitane toiletries.
The plush comfortable beds are a highlight.
For food, try Mediterranean cuisine at Apero, or a patisserie menu in The Drawing Room.
There’s plenty of spaces for guests to explore including a games room, library and wine room.
When stepping out, ask the hotel about their range of exclusive private tours and explore London in style.
- Guest Rating: 9.2
- Star Rating: 5 stars
- Best Rooms: Suite
- Address: 10 Harrington Road , Kensington and Chelsea, London, SW7 3ER, United Kingdom
4. Baglioni Hotel London
You’d be forgiven for thinking you were in Italy as oppose to London in this refined Italian home from home.
Spacious, yet charming, rooms are warm and typical of the Italian lifestyle.
Hospitable Italian service can be expected throughout.
The flavors of Italy can be sampled at the onsite Brunello Bar and Restaurant.
Rest and recharge in the renovated Bagliono Spa, or workout in the gym.
Just across the road, you’ll see the Kensington Gardens and Palace.
- Guest Rating: 9.2
- Star Rating: 5 stars
- Best Rooms: One-Bedroom suite
- Address: 60 Hyde Park gate, Kensington and Chelsea, London, SW7 5BB, United Kingdom
5. The Kensington Hotel
The Kensington evokes Victorian grandeur in abundance.
Open fires, high ceilings and elegant décor set the scene for an elegant English stay.
Rooms and suites are steeped in period charm but with notable modern comfort.
They feature complimentary WiFi, flat-screen TVs and smart ensuite bathrooms.
We recommend visiting the Townhouse Bar & Restaurant for a meal or afternoon tea in the magnificent period drawing rooms.
There’s also a fitness room for guest use.
- Guest Rating: 9.0
- Star Rating: 5 stars
- Best Rooms: The Knightsbridge suite
- Address: 109-113 Queen’s Gate, Kensington and Chelsea, London, SW7 5LR, United Kingdom
6. Buckingham & Lloyds
These apartments offer the best of both worlds.
Think, the luxury of a 5-star hotel, but the freedom and privacy of home.
With a guest-experience team on hand to completely tailor your trip, you’ll be treated like a VIP here.
The location is spot on too as it’s located in Hyde Park Gate close to the must-see attractions.
Units feature satellite televisions, private bathrooms and terraces.
There’s no onsite restaurant, but apartments have their own fitted kitchens.
Or, if you don’t feel like cooking, there are plenty of places to dine nearby.
- Guest Rating: 9.0
- Star Rating: 5 stars
- Best Rooms: Penthouse apartment
- Address: 35 Hyde Park Gate, Kensington and Chelsea, London, SW7 5DN, United Kingdom
7. The Exhibitionist Hotel
If you are looking for something that stands out from the run of the mill hotels, The Exhibitionist Hotel is it.
This boutique hotel is one of the coolest in the Kensington area.
Inspired by art, the hotel features 8 galleries with striking pieces peppered throughout.
There are 37 bedrooms that all have comfortable beds and large bathrooms.
We recommend the Penthouse suites which have terraces with an outdoor TV.
A stylish bar lounge offers guests sophisticated cocktails and an Italian-inspired bar menu.
In terms of location, the hotel is within walking distance to many attractions and South Kensington tube station.
- Guest Rating: 8.7
- Star Rating: 5 stars
- Best Rooms: Penthouse suites
- Address: 8-10 Queensberry Place, Kensington and Chelsea, London, SW7 2EA, United Kingdom
8. The Pelham London
This luxury townhouse is set in the heart of Kensington.
It’s conveniently located right next to the South Kensington Tube Station.
There are 52 rooms and suites that blend antique and modern furnishings.
Independent from the hotel and great for longer stays, The Mews Suite is arguably the best.
It features a split-level set-up with open-plan bedroom.
Onsite restaurant, La Trattoria is overseen by Chef Alfredo Russo and offers a modern take on traditional Italian cuisine.
There are five meeting rooms, perfect if you’re heading here on business or for private events.
- Star Rating: 5 stars
- Best Rooms: Mews suite
- Address: 15 Cromwell Place, Kensington and Chelsea, London, SW7 2LA, United Kingdom
9. 100 Queen’s Gate Hotel London
Part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, this luxury hotel is modern, yet classic.
The rooms whilst small, are luxurious and nicely decorated.
Smart TVs, free WiFi and a catalogue of newspapers are available for guest entertainment.
Hotel facilities include a fitness center and library lounge.
For dining and drinks, there’s a restaurant serving European cuisine and ESQ cocktail bar.
We recommend the botanical afternoon tea which has been curated in partnership with perfumers Floris London.
- Guest Rating: 8.2
- Star Rating: 5 stars
- Best Rooms: Deluxe king suite
- Address: 100 Queen’s Gate, Kensington and Chelsea, London, SW7 5AG, United Kingdom
10. Bentley London
Opulent luxury is to be expected at one of the grandest hotels in London.
64 rooms and suites are available, all of which are beautiful.
Tastefully furnished, they feature TVs, minibars and tea & coffee facilities.
The marble bathrooms have walk-in showers and spa baths.
Home to Le Kalon Spa which features an authentic Turkish bath, this is a great place to relax.
For meals, you can enjoy meals at the award-winning Peridot Restaurant.
Besides breakfast, lunch and dinner, it also hosts grazing menus and traditional afternoon tea.
- Guest Rating: 8.1
- Star Rating: 5 stars
- Best Rooms: Harrington suite
- Address: 27-33 Harrington Gardens, Kensington and Chelsea, London, SW7 4JX, United Kingdom
Kensington Hotels Map
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FAQs
The Milestone Hotel Kensington is located right on High Street.
Here, you’ll be within walking distance to shops, bars, restaurants, as well as the Kensington Palace and Gardens.
For more options, read our guide on the Best Hotels in Kensington High Street, London.
Both the Milestone Hotel Kensington and the Baglioni Hotel London overlook Kensington Palace and Gardens.
Either would be a great option, but the Milestone Hotel Kensington is slightly closer.
You may also consider 5-star hotels near Hyde Park.
The Ampersand Hotel is 0.1 miles away from South Kensington Station.
It’s just a one-minute walk away.
You can opt to have breakfast included at most of the 5-star hotels in our round-up.
However, we think the best for a plentiful buffet-style breakfast is 100 Queen’s Gate Hotel London.
Or, at Number Sixteen, Firmdale Hotels a delicious breakfast can be taken in the pretty courtyard gardens.
The Kensington Hotel is renowned for its afternoon tea offering.
It’s quite expensive with prices starting from £42 per person but totally worth it for a treat or celebration.
Or for something different, try the Italian-inspired afternoon tea at Baglioni Hotel London.
Also, read our article Best Places in London for Afternoon Tea Experience.
The Exhibitionist Hotel is the best if you’re looking for something a bit quirky.
Or, for a more traditional take on boutique, we’d recommend The Pelham London, or Number Sixteen, Firmdale Hotels.
You may also want to have a look at other boutique hotels nearby in Chelsea, Covent Garden, and Marylebone.
Summary
| 5-star Kensington Hotels | Best Rooms |
| Milestone Hotel Kensington | Grand Master suite |
| Number Sixteen, Firmdale Hotels | The summer room |
| The Ampersand Hotel | Suite |
| Baglioni Hotel London | One-Bedroom suite |
| The Kensington Hotel | The Knightsbridge suite |
| Buckingham & Lloyds | Penthouse apartment |
| The Exhibitionist Hotel | Penthouse suites |
| The Pelham London | Mews suite |
| 100 Queen’s Gate Hotel London | Deluxe king suite |
| Bentley London | Harrington suite |
