The divine is in the details at London’s Milestone Hotel. This small, elegant boutique hotel occupies an old mansion in the central London borough of Kensington. It would be remarkable purely for its exquisite décor, fine dining and spacious rooms, suites and apartments (many with views of nearby Kensington Gardens), but the detailed care they extend to each guest is what really sets this property apart.
I was impressed from the moment I arrived at the Milestone Hotel, greeted by the smiling doorman as I entered the richly paneled lobby and check-in desk. My accommodations were in the brightly colored Princess Suite, one of several luxury suites offered by the hotel in addition to the 44 deluxe rooms and six apartment-style units available for long term guests.
Every room, suite and apartment at the Milestone Hotel is unique, with luxurious draperies and furnishings that keep with the property’s history as a stately London mansion. As a guest you truly feel like an honored visitor to a fine home, an enviable way to start and end the day in one of the world’s busiest cities.
I was struck by the staff’s detailed attention to the guest’s experience both in the care for my room and in the way I was greeted by name by staff members throughout the hotel. Daily amenities in my room included daily refill of a large candy jar, fresh flowers and turn down service that included a small book of Winston Churchill quotes on the bed. If you travel with a pet, expect your furry companion to receive equally attentive treatment with amenities like special treats and a hamper of goodies presented upon arrival.
Every detail regarding your comfort is well accounted for throughout the hotel. With free Wi-Fi available in every room, 24-hour availability of spa treatments in both the hotel’s spa or your own room, as well as a fitness center and indoor pool, you can expect your every need to be met.
Cheneston’s Restaurant is the Milestone Hotel’s five-star dining room, serving fine British cuisine in an elegant and cozy atmosphere. Attention to detail shows itself again in the decor, with leaded windows, carved walnut paneling, and sumptuous draperies in a soft, neutral color palette. In addition to regular meals, Afternoon Tea at the Milestone Hotel is a ritual worth making time for during your stay. This serving of cakes, scones and sandwiches is prepared and served with the same care as you will find in every aspect of the property. You can enjoy your Afternoon Tea in The Conservatory, a bright, cheerful space flooded with natural light. I also recommend ending your day with a cocktail served in the Milestone’s equestrian-themed Stables Bar.
