“One sometimes finds what one is not looking for.” ― Sir Alexander Fleming
The former home of Victorian aristocrat and explorer, William Alexander, this 1870s Victorian townhouse has been transformed into a modern-day hotel. Part of the Hilton’s Curio Collection, 100 Queens Gate Hotel is characterised by its history and fashionable location, London’s prestigious Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
Embracing the building’s heritage, the hotel pays homage to the inquisitive with the public areas being furnished by vintage trinkets and display cabinets. Other notable Victorian-inspired interiors include coloured glass panels in the reception area and the crystal chandelier dominating the hotel’s impressive staircase.
Location
The 100 Queens Gate Hotel is located within a Victorian stone’s throw from the Natural History Museum and South Kensington tube station. Hyde Park, the Royal Albert Hall and Kensington Palace are a sedentary 10-15 minutes walk away.
Suites & Rooms
As for the rooms and amenities, the hotel boasts a unique, no room is the same, approach meaning repeat hotel stays will continue to feel new and exciting should you return.
Each suite at the 100 Queens Gate Hotel is named after a famous resident of the Royal Borough of Kensington. Whether you stay in the Captain Robert Scott suite, the Dame Agatha Christie suite or the Sir Alfred Hitchcock suite, each one is generously sized and full of character, complemented with separate modern living areas and well-appointed amenities to complement your stay.
Example suites include the Sir Alexander Fleming Suite. Set over two levels, the duplex suite has a separate living area and a connecting room, ideal for families or larger group stays. Despite the small footprint, the suites feel spacious inside, in part due to the split level layout and modern amenities such as the 49” flat screen smart TV with Chromecast, complimentary Nespresso machine and minibar serving a selection of soft drinks, beer, wine and snacks. The sleeping area itself is comfortable, aided by the plush beds and soft bathrobes.
The one-bedroom suite can sleep 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children with a sofa bed located in the living area. All suites offer a complimentary buffet breakfast and at the time of writing a £50 credit per stay to spend in the hotel’s restaurant or bar.
For those wanting a room, the options available include a Superior Queen, Deluxe & Atrium Deluxe (in Queen, King and Twin) and the Luxury & Atrium Luxury (in Queen and King). All rooms are modern and clean with varying degrees of amenities depending on your choice.
Botanica, the hotel’s afternoon tea spot
Restaurants and Bars
In terms of the restaurant and bar offerings, 100 Queens Gate has three restaurant spaces, including the WA and ESQ. There is also Botanica, where you can indulge in the quintessentially British tradition of Afternoon Tea. Their Afternoon Tea is accompanied by a carefully selected blend of teas from Whittard of Chelsea, paired prefectly with pastries and savouries created by the team of in-house chefs who will take you on a unique experience.
WA serves fresh seafood and popular Belgian dishes. It is also the location for the breakfast buffet and all-day brasserie dining over the weekend for the hotel’s brunch offering.
ESQ, inspired by the parlour bar of former resident William Alexander and his exotic travels, is hidden away downstairs and opens up into an intimate spot for cocktails and bar snacks. At the time of visiting the menu offered nibbles, sides and small plates some of which included Prawn Tempura, Salmon Tataki, Tofu Katsu Sandy and Green Gyoza Dumplings, to name a few.
Our Verdict
You can see how the 100 Queen’s Gate hotel’s recent multimillion-pound refurbishment has elevated this London hotel. The space feels modern, clean and well-managed. The staff are friendly and present when you need them.
Whilst the guest rooms and suites don’t over-provide in terms of space, the living and sleeping areas are more than sufficient for what you need. The hotel also has a gym on site. Again, whilst small in size, it contains everything you need with modern fitness equipment and weights for those wishing to work up a sweat after a day around London.
The highlight of the hotel however has to be the character and thought that’s gone into the interiors. The glass cupboards display a multitude of trinkets that William Alexander accumulated during his travels as well as various collections of books and artwork relating to famous neighbourhood residents from the past, all adding to the playful character the hotel has to offer.
100 Queen’s Gate, South Kensington, London SW7 5AG, United Kingdom.
Edward Lumley is Editor-in-Chief for Of Wealth & Life and a Freelance Men’s Fashion Writer. Edward has written for publications such as FashionBeans, Harrods and a variety of online outlets specialising in Men’s fashion for the past eight years. Follow Edward on Instagram.
