The Bailey's Hotel London

The Bailey's Hotel was opened in 1876 by hotelier James Bailey. It mostly appeals to tourists and business travelers, due to its location in central Kensington, historic character, and proximity to the Millennium Conference Center. It has a typically English feel, with a red brick facade, attentive doormen, grand marble columns, and a sweeping spiral staircase that takes center-stage in the lobby. Beautifully restored in 2016, it retains many of its original Victorian features, such as stained glass windows and intricately sculpted ceilings. Interestingly, each floor of the hotel represents a different historical theme, such as the Henley Regatta and Kew Gardens, depicted with black-and-white framed photographs. A grand chandelier looms over the entrance, and a classic grandfather clock stands by the door leading to the hotel's chic bar. A cozy fireplace separates the bar from the elegant Italian restaurant, Olives. The restaurant and bar attract a lot of locals and travelers from other hotels, so they can get busy in the evenings. The vibe is casual and relaxed, with lively background music setting the mood. Expect to see a steady flow of guests coming and going throughout the day, with many families and couples dining in the bar and restaurant before heading out for the evening. 

The hotel sits on Gloucester Road in the heart of Kensington, West London. Situated away from the chaos of central London, the surrounding area is relatively calm and peaceful, filled with swanky restaurants, chic bars, convenience stores, and cozy cafes. The Millennium Conference Center is attached, making this a convenient choice for business travelers. The luxury designer shops of King's Road, as well as Harrod's Department Store, are within walking distance of the hotel. The same is true for the Victoria and Albert Museum, Science Museum, Natural History Museum, and the Royal Albert Hall. Gloucester Road Station is just opposite, providing easy access to the tube, which takes you all around the city. Victoria Station can be reached in around five-minutes via underground, while central destinations such as Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus, and Westminster are about 10 to 15 minutes away by train. Heathrow Airport is around a 40-minute drive, depending on traffic, or guests can take a direct train from Gloucester Road Station, which also takes about 40 minutes. Gatwick Airport is a one-hour drive, or 50 minutes by public transit. 

All 212 soundproofed rooms are simple, spacious, and traditionally decorated. They have an understated classic charm, with carpeted floors and soft leather furnishings. Some suites have bold wallpapered feature walls, but all rooms are done in neutral color schemes that are offset by framed photographs that reflect the theme of each floor. All rooms are bright and warm, with plenty of light flooding in through the windows. Some front-facing rooms offer pleasant views of Gloucester Road. Beds are framed with classic chesterfield headboards, and topped with soft Hypnos mattresses and white linen bedding. Furniture is kept simple, with dark wood work desks, bedside tables, full length mirrors, and spacious wardrobes, while suites include separate furnished living spaces. All rooms have plentiful modern amenities, including air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs with Sky channels, free Wi-Fi, safes, phones, Nespresso coffeemakers, tea-making facilities, international charging stations, and ironing facilities. Free robes, slippers, and bottled water are a thoughtful touch. Bathrooms are sleek and spacious, with glistening marble countertops, large mirrors, walk-in rainfall showers, and free C.O Bigelow toiletries. Some larger rooms include additional deep-soaking bath tubs. 

The Bailey's Hotel has many features that might appeal to business travelers. It shares the same building as the Millennium Conference Center, and has 11 function rooms that are equipped with modern technology. The elegant restaurant, Olives, serves fine Italian cuisine, including homemade pasta dishes and succulent meats. The bar is a chic place to unwind, with its extensive cocktail menu and list of fine wines. An excellent English breakfast is provided daily for a fee and is served buffet-style, though a la carte options are also available. The hotel also shares the building with popular Indian restaurant, Bombay Brasserie. Unfortunately, there's no on-site fitness center and spa, but guests can use the gym at the neighboring Millennium Gloucester Hotel for free. There is an exclusive Club Lounge on-site for members, with free refreshments that are replenished throughout the day. The hotel has an elevator, but the entrance has no disabled access. Other services include a 24-hour front desk, concierge, room service, afternoon tea, laundry, and parking for a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.