Walk out of Gloucester Road tube station, squint through the typical London drizzle, and you'll see it. A red-brick Victorian titan that looks like it was plucked straight from a Sherlock Holmes set. That’s The Bailey's Hotel London Kensington.
Honestly, it’s one of those places people walk past every day without realizing they’re looking at a piece of history that literally predates the Savoy and the Ritz.
It opened in 1876. Back then, "luxury" meant having a stable for your carriage and maybe not sharing a bathtub with twenty strangers. Sir James Bailey, the founder, was a butler who climbed the social ladder to become an MP. He didn't just build a hotel; he built a statement. You’ve probably heard the name "Baileys" and thought of the Irish cream. Fun fact: the drink was actually named after this hotel because the creators wanted something that sounded "sophisticated and British." They just dropped the apostrophe.
Why the location is actually better than Mayfair
Most tourists gravitate toward the glitter of Mayfair or the chaos of Soho. Big mistake.
Staying at The Bailey's Hotel London Kensington puts you in the middle of "Albertopolis." That’s the nickname locals used for this area because Prince Albert basically went on a construction spree here. You’re a five-minute walk from the Natural History Museum, the V&A, and the Science Museum.
The tube station is literally across the street. Not "nearby." Not "a short stroll." It’s right there. You can be at Heathrow in 40 minutes on the Piccadilly line or at Harrods in two stops. For anyone who hates dragging luggage across cobblestones, this is a godsend.
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A staircase that deserves its own Instagram
If you stay here, do not just take the elevator. The original spiral staircase spans five stories and it is a masterpiece.
It’s got that heavy, dark wood and ornate ironwork that makes you feel like you should be wearing a top hat. The hotel underwent a massive £7.5 million refurbishment around 2016, but they kept the soul of the place. You’ve got marble pillars, stained-glass windows, and these quirky nods to Sir James Bailey everywhere.
Look closely at the artwork in the rooms. You’ll see his silhouette—monocle and all—hidden in the designs. It’s like a Victorian scavenger hunt.
The room situation: Style vs. Space
Let’s be real for a second. This is a 19th-century townhouse.
London hotels from this era are notorious for "cozy" rooms. If you book a "Small Double," expect it to be, well, small. It’s perfect if you’re a solo traveler or a couple that really likes each other, but if you have three suitcases, you’re going to be playing Tetris.
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However, the design is top-tier. They’ve themed the floors after local London vibes:
- Kensington: Floral and elegant.
- Kew: Lots of botanical patterns.
- Henley: Think rowing and riverside prep.
- City Gent: Very dapper, pinstripes and neutral tones.
The beds are surprisingly modern—memory foam and hypo-allergenic bedding—which is a nice break from the "historic" (read: lumpy) mattresses you find in some older European hotels. The bathrooms often feature walk-in showers and Perrin & Rowe fittings. They’ve managed to shove 21st-century plumbing into a 150-year-old shell, which is no small feat.
Dining that isn't just "Hotel Food"
Most people expect a British hotel to serve fish and chips and call it a day.
The Bailey's Hotel London Kensington does things differently. Their flagship restaurant is The Bugis Singapore Restaurant. It used to be called Bugis Street Brasserie, but it rebranded fairly recently.
It’s weirdly authentic. You’re sitting in a Victorian building in South Kensington eating Hainanese Chicken Rice and Laksa that actually has some kick to it. The "Aromatic Crispy Duck" is a staple, but if you want to feel like a regular, go for the Dim Sum.
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If you want something more traditional, Olives serves Italian fare, and the Bombay Brasserie next door is legendary for Indian cuisine. Seriously, the food scene within a 100-yard radius of the lobby is better than most neighborhoods.
The "Secret" Resident
Keep an eye out for Simon.
Underneath a table in the lobby, you might spot a black-and-white cat napping. Don't pet him—he’s a replica. He’s a tribute to Simon the cat, a Royal Navy feline who received the Dickin Medal (the animal version of the Victoria Cross). It’s a tiny, eccentric detail that makes the place feel less like a corporate chain and more like a home.
What to know before you book
Everything isn't perfect, of course.
The walls in these old buildings can be thin. If you have a noisy neighbor in the hallway, you’re going to hear about it. Also, breakfast can be pricey—around £22.50.
Honestly? Just walk across the street. There are half a dozen cafes and pubs right outside the Gloucester Road station that will do a full English for half the price.
Wait for the deals. Because this is a Millennium Hotel, they often run sales on their website. You can frequently snag a room for under $200 if you book in advance, which is a steal for this part of London.
Actionable Insights for Your Stay
- Request a high floor: The higher you go, the quieter it gets, away from the street noise of Gloucester Road.
- Join MyMillennium: It’s their loyalty program. It’s free, and it usually gets you a better rate and occasionally a late checkout without the awkward haggling.
- The "Baileys" Cocktail: You have to try the signature cocktail at the bar. It’s a mix of Baileys, Kahlua, and Grand Marnier. It’s basically a dessert in a glass.
- Museum Strategy: Since you’re so close, go to the Natural History Museum right when it opens at 10:00 AM. You can walk back to the hotel for a "Bugis" lunch before the school crowds hit their peak.
- Airport Connectivity: Take the Elizabeth Line to Paddington and then a quick cab, OR just take the Piccadilly line direct from Heathrow to Gloucester Road. It’s the cheapest and easiest way to arrive.