Baglioni Hotel London – Hotel Review

Baglioni Hotel offers guests a slice of Italy in the heart of London’s Kensington. Everything in the property is influenced by il bel paese, from the basil leaf-garnished dishes at onsite Brunello Bar and Restaurant to the in-room Illy espresso machines. But its location, amid some of the most iconic British buildings and monuments and just over the road from Hyde Park, is all London. Read on for the full review.

From the Murano glass chandeliers to the luxe Dellaluna toiletries, the sense of Italian drama is omnipresent. The 24-hour gym and onsite spa, with its targeted facials and indulgent body treatments, is the final flourish of this bellissima hotel.

Where is The Baglioni Hotel?

On Hyde Park Gate, a 15-minute walk from High Street Kensington Tube station, which is about a 40-minute Tube ride from Heathrow Airport. The Heathrow Express train goes direct to Paddington station, from where it’s about 15 minutes in a cab to the hotel.

What’s near The Baglioni Hotel?

Hyde Park, the place for walking, cycling, rollerblading and horseriding, is right opposite the hotel. The park’s Serpentine Gallery is a leisurely 10-minute walk away, as is the Albert memorial, the Royal Albert Hall and stately Kensington Palace. Beyond the Albert Hall is the museum district, where you’ll find the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Room types

The hotel has 67 rooms and suites, ranging from the Deluxe Suite with black marble bathroom, high-speed wi-fi and in-room espresso machine to the Executive Junior Suite, which has the same facilities but slightly less space. If budget isn’t an issue, splash out on one of the suites — all of them come with attentive butler service and most have cosy in-room fireplaces.

Restaurants and bars

The hotel’s Brunello Restaurant has an a la carte menu available from 11am to 11.30pm that serves a twist on Italian classics, while the Brunello Bar has an all-day dining menu that includes sandwiches, burgers and pizza to satisfy cravings between meals. If the weather is good, you can dine on the outdoor terrace, looking over the road to the greenery of Hyde Park. The bar’s unmissable cocktails include the Stregato, a Champagne and Strega liqueur mix, finished with lime juice and basil leaves. Even the English afternoon tea has an Italian flavour, with the inclusion of sweet little brioche buns with mortadella, a traditional Roman sweet bun called a maritozzo and glasses of sparkling Spumante.

Travel for work

The hotel has three meeting and event spaces. The Meeting Proposal space hosts up to 180 people, with video-conferencing and translation services, while the Hamilton space hosts up to 60 guests — both have high-speed internet. The third space is Clubino, the Baglioni’s very own speakeasy-style bar and club, which has a private entrance and terrace.

Spa and gym

Baglioni Hotel has a small, 24/7 gym with machines and free weights, and the chance to book private training sessions and nutrition programs. The spa is delightfully equipped with steam rooms and harnesses Natura Bissé and Italian Insium for their facials. Our pick? The Spa and Italian Aperitivo option: it’s a facial or a Swedish massage followed by a cocktail from Brunello Bar.

What you need to know

Don’t miss an evening passeggiata through (the very English) Hyde Park — it’s one of the true treasures of being just across the road.

SEE ALSO: The Best Hotels in and Near Kensington, London