The Relaunch Of The Bailey’s Hotel In Kensington, London

Bringing together British style and contemporary character, The Bailey’s Hotel London, an original Kensington icon, has undergone a beautiful transformation following an extensive £7.5 million refurbishment.

As one of the very first generation of purpose built hotels, this prestigious townhouse has had its Victorian heritage brought back to life. Built by Sir James Bailey in 1876, new character has been infused throughout the redesign of all guest rooms, public spaces, the restaurant and the bar area. Located in the heart of London’s fashionable South Kensington, the new aesthetic was inspired by the hotel’s fascinating history and legendary hospitality – delightful letters from the Bailey’s Hotel archive report transatlantic travellers in the late 1800s praise the hotel for its ‘charm’. The art of being timeless is at the heart of The Bailey’s Hotel, which celebrates its 140th anniversary this year.

With this in mind, the Bailey’s Hotel London senior management team worked closely with design consultants ADS Designs to revive the townhouse concept creating an eclectic, yet wholly relevant design philosophy. There was also an emphasis on working with UK based suppliers to reinforce the quintessentially English architecture and original fittings.

Four new stunning design motifs differentiate each floor, infused with the essence and character of the local area. South Kensington, Kew, Henley and City Gent; each floor offers guests a different experience with its own welcoming colour palette, patterns, artwork and decorative details. There is distinct differences floor by floor but many notable elements stay consistent throughout; namely the high and buttoned headboard and the joinery and carpets remain constant in design and colour ways.

All of the refurbished bedrooms and bathrooms offer modern luxuries and a home-from-home experience, along with a dash of local charm. Hypnos beds, luxury cotton sheets and sumptuous furnishing provide a haven in which to unwind and relax. Many of the bathrooms host large ‘walk in’ showers and roll top baths, adding an additional indulgent touch to overnight stays. While modern in design, Victorian details, motifs and fittings from luxury Mayfair manufacturer of taps, showers and bathrooms, Perrin & Rowe, are featured in all bathrooms.

With chef Davide di Croce at its helm, the Italian-infused Olives Restaurant has been transformed, offering an authentic taste of Italy with its unique take on the classics, where rustic and authentic flavours combine. The relaxing and refined ambience created by the friendly staff adds to the new warming shades of contemporary grey and blue that feature throughout, along with carefully placed accent lighting and beautiful period pictures that now adorn the walls.

The warming welcome received in the restaurant has been extended into Olives Bar, where the redesign has seen tables and luxurious chairs in shades of grey, dark green and dark blue added, creating a wonderful location to enjoy a coffee or drinks with friends and family. The bar and period feature ceiling have also been carefully renovated, adding to the bar’s calming tones.

The Victorian spirit and personality of The Bailey’s Hotel is brought back to life throughout the hotel’s public spaces. A doorman welcomes guests who will step into a beautifully redesigned lobby area home to a stunning handcrafted sweeping spiral staircase, traditional parquet floor with hand-tufted rugs, romantic Victorian cornice and ceiling, and an exquisite chandelier, all creating an air of regal glamour. Grey tones and rich dark blue colours create inviting and warming spaces in the reception area and throughout. Once checked in at the elegant reception desk, guests will head to their room via the spiral staircase that has been re-carpeted, recapturing its historic charm. A beautiful focal point of the staircase is the stained glass windows, many of which are original.

There are humorous reminders of the hotel’s founder, Sir James Bailey MP, throughout the hotel.

He appears in some way in every room, either a reproduction of a very characterful photograph which shows him with dress coat, waistcoat, Double Albert watch chain and with an impeccably groomed moustache and beard, or in a new image created of his silhouette reflecting the line of his features, monocle and impressive facial hair.

The Bailey’s Hotel London – Where and how

Double bedrooms at The Bailey’s Hotel start from £228 per night inclusive of full English breakfast, Wi-Fi and VAT.

For more information about The Bailey’s Hotel please visit www.thebaileyshotel.co.uk.