I’ve heard of dream hotels, but this is ridiculous.
After visiting the sumptuous Milestone Hotel in Kensington, touring the richly designed rooms and eating its delectable high tea, I actually dreamed about it.
In my dream, I was wandering the hotel, slipping into unoccupied rooms and discovering arresting views, gorgeous artwork, and furnishings that make you want to pledge your undying love. At the end, a friend presented me with a box of strange and lovely items, inspired by the woman who owned the hotel, each a treasure that I examined with delicacy.
With the real Milestone, the owner Bea Tollman is the glamorous presence everywhere. She’s selected the furniture for each of the individually decorated rooms, she’s chosen the gorgeous and interesting art on the walls (forget what you know about hotel room art; you’ll want to stage a heist to smuggle it out) and she (or at least her people) hosts families in high style.
In addition to making my list of mouthwatering hotels, the Milestone’s has won TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards, which named it the best hotel in the UK. Other kudos include Travel+Leisure’s World’s Best 500 Hotels and a Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Award.
I’m always looking for family-friendly hotels to recommend to American friends that embody “Britishness”. You come all this way as a Yank, and it’s nice to check into a hotel with an air of the Empire about it.
Of course, to many Brits, a “traditional hotel” evokes images of threadbare floral carpet, indifferent service and grey roast beef, wheeled at intervals round a staid dining room. Dire. Well, banish the thought. The Milestone Hotel captures the best of British style and quirkiness, with service to suit a queen. Here, the top 6 reasons I’d recommend a stay at the Milestone:
1. A fabulous location in Kensington
The Milestone recently hosted BritMums family travel bloggers, where we got the grand tour. The location couldn’t be better. It’s on Kensington High Street and its glut of shops, while just across the road is Kensington Gardens, which beckons with easy outings to the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain, Kensington Palace, the Serpentine and the wonderful Diana Memorial Playground.
2. A real family welcome
Lots of hotels are paying attention to how they greet younger guests. At the Milestone itself, nice touches for children are designed to ensure the time spent at the hotel itself is enjoyable. There’s a welcome drink on arrival for adults and children (you fill out a form in advance to tell them what you like), and welcome packs for kids (the picture shows what’s included, from colouring books and a Milestone Bear to mini flannels). There are Wiis and Playstations naturally and also a programme where kids get issued hotel “passports” that get stamped at various locations around the hotel.
3. Guest lounges with personality
A cool and also welcoming space in which to hang out without begin on top of each other is essential after touring London. You could book one of the capacious rooms with a comfortable sitting area or even a kitchentte. But you also have your disposal the hotel’s common (if not commoner) areas, each with their own personality. The traditional sitting area (book a seat here for tea) has Laura Ashley-style fabrics and a fireplace. The Stables Bar is full-on equestrian, with enough race paintings and jockey silks to satisfy every Ascot lover. The Conservatory is brilliant black and white, like Capote’s ball. And Cheneston’s Restaurant has got to be one of the most intimate, inviting luxury hotel restaurants I’ve ever seen.
4. A pool
It’s not big or grand, but the basement pool at the Milestone is the kind of perk that makes a stay that much more fun for kids. Instead of restrictive family hours, the pool allows children in with an adult any time during opening hours.
5. A hands-on children’s teatime activity
In addition to the Prince and Princess Afternoon Tea (see below), the hotel also lets children don a chef’s hat and apron and supplies them with a piping bag and buffet of toppings to decorate cakes. This is ideal for 4- to 12-year-olds and is an activity the younger ones can do with their parents or older kids can do on their own while Mum and Dad have a drink in the nearby lounge (#justsaying). It’s organised by prior arrangement at 1pm, 3pm, 5pm and 7pm, is complimentary (!). You don’t even have to be a hotel guest to take advantage.
6. One of the best afternoon teas in London
And speaking of cakes, think afternoon tea but modern, updated — with old favourites and new twists. We started our tastings with Earl Grey marshmallows covered with chocolate and a strawberry lychee shot. Fabrizio Russo, the food and beverage manager, talked excitedly to us about the Gentlemen’s Afternoon Tea pegged to Father’s Day, with a whiskey or beer and ale flight.
The nibbles in the tea are gorgeous and inventive: carrot cake with pistachio cream, baked vanilla cheesecake with fresh mango and edible gold leaf, a chocolate torte decorated with chocolate-covered space dust, the list goes on. Each month the hotel features guest scones, such as lavender or bacon and black truffle. Traditional tea is £36.50, a Champagne tea is £45; each features six to seven cakes and six sandwiches. The Princes’ and Princess’ Afternoon Tea features simpler cakes and hot chocolate for £13.50.
The details: I was a guest for afternoon tea at the hotel, along with a group of BritMums family travel bloggers. Traditional tea is £36.50, a Champagne tea is £45; each features six to seven cakes and six sandwiches. The Princes’ and Princess’ Afternoon Tea features simpler cakes and hot chocolate for £13.50.
The Milestone Hotel
1 Kensington Court
London W8 5DL
www.milestonehotel.com
Great Place….wish I was there!
Thanks for the comment, Rose. 🙂
Wow added to my list!
Wow, looks amazing and some lovely family touches that I wouldn’t have expected.
Thanks, Mummytravels. They’ve really thought about the experience for families.
Looks like a great family experience – so difficult to get right.
Thanks for commenting!
GREAT photos and I too have been dreaming about it – think we should move in!! Lx
Meet you in the lounge for tea?
It’s a gorgeous place, definitely somewhere to recommend for a luxury family break in London.
It *is* lovely isn’t it?
Oh my goodness it is beautiful, I love all the attention to the fine detail they have given and that afternoon tea is to die for.
Even the children are so well looked after, a perfect luxury family break
Thanks, Mari. That attention to detail really gives you a feeling of how they approach family stays.
Your photos are fabulous, Jen. You’ve really captured the style of the hotel.
Thanks, Trish. I was concerned the post was photo overload but I wanted to show the huge variety in the public spaces as well as the rooms.
Me please! What more can I say?!
I LOVE Penhaligons. Is a wrench to give away these goodies!
What a lovely photo post. I’d go and stay right now if I wasn’t several hundred miles up the M6. If only they could gift wrap that gold bed and send it direct!
It is quite grand — fit for a blogging queen like yourself.
What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon *adds to my bucket list*
Thanks for the comment! I can’t wait to go back and stay.
Wow! Jerry and I must put this on the list. How fabulous. Love the thought put into making the experience a marvellous one for the children as well as the adults. Top marks!
It’s nice to go places that realise your children aren’t just obstacles to your buying more cocktails or spa visits but little people you want to enjoy the hotel as much as the grown-ups do.
OH
MY
WORD
This looks like HEAVEN.
Why have I never heard of it before?!!!! Why are we not all staying there on the Friday night of Britmums Live?
Seriously, I am adding this to my list of “MUST VISIT” places next time I am in London.
Mummy Barrow, it is really special. I can’t decide whether I’d prefer for us all to have drinks in the conservatory or the horsey bar.
A Comfortable Bed, Lovely surroundings & Luxurious Toiletry’s
Tracey, aaaahhhh, a comfortable bed is key. I’ve had stays at lovely places ruined by lumpy or too hard mattresses.
I place to stay that doesn’t offer just the norm and has more than basic comforts is always a dream find for us.
Kat, when hotels demonstrate they’ve given a lot of thought to the experience of staying, it makes all the difference, no matter how much you’re paying.
the hotel staff, and the comfort
Iain, I agree that staff are essential to a great stay.
ideal stay would be nice surroundings, good food and fine weather.
Now if only concierges could organise fine weather whenever we want it.
The attention to detail is second to none and exudes style, class and elegance. Who wouldn’t love to be there?
Style, class and elegance — all top tick boxes.
a posh suite overlooking the grounds, a spa and childrens activities and lovely food
Christine, I want to stay in your room. It sounds fabulous.
Good facilities, a comfortable, clean room and a cooked breakfast, all for a reasonable rate.
My husband demands a cooked breakfast (he never gets it at home).
Lots of child friendly areas & nice staff!
Yes! Child-friendly areas are a must.
The Milestone looks wonderful and it sounds like it is in a brilliant location for families, with easy access to lots of green space. I am always on the look-out for a new place for afternoon tea and I haven’t heard of the Milestone before. I hope you don’t have to book months in advance, but even if you do it looks worth the wait. I have to say I am so pleased that top hotels are starting to embrace family friendliness, it makes travelling so much easier and I would be far more inclined to stay somewhere that does such an amazing children’s high tea rather than a hotel that doesn’t think to cater for their younger guests. Thank you for the recommendation x
Kirsty, I’m with you. A kid-friendly afternoon tea introduces them to a great British tradition and can also be loads of fun.
a pool and sauna to keep everyone amused when we’re not out
Conrad, I agree. A pool always makes a family visit more fun.
i must say this hotel looks stunning, very family orientated and very friendly. i would love to be there for a lovely family get away
We need things to keep the kids entertained like a decent TV, play areas and children’s menus in the restaurants. Also rooms with a bath tub as I’ve found some hotels only have showers which my daughter won’t even entertain and beds that aren’t too high. We stayed in one place where the beds were so high we had to pull the mattress on to the floor otherwise my daughter could have hurt herself if she tried to get out of bed and there was no way she would have been able to get into bed on her own.
Comfortable bed, friendly staff, tasty food! =perfect
Comfy beds
Jeeeees I would love to stay at a hotel that puts so much into having children stay there. I am in amazement by the personal touches of the children’s packs in the room, it is just beautiful. Also I am a bit of an art freak and the art in this hotel would entice me in on it’s own.
a perfect hotel stay would be one where i was made to feel very special, little things like posh chocolates on the pillow . fresh flowers in my room, crisp white sheets, a perfect view from the window, breakfast in bed and lovely friendly hotel staff 🙂
I really love fresh flowers in the rooms. At the Milestone, the amazing thing is some of the most vibrant flowers there are actually dried. I couldn’t tell until I touched them.
Man, that looks so lovely. I would kill for a decent afternoon tea right now!
*clinks tea cups*
It looks absolutely stunning – and the afternoon tea looks incredibly good value as well. Love the photos
Thanks for the compliment!
the little extra touches that make the difference between a good stay and a bad,soft pillows,yummy extra special breakfasts,nice smellies,cotton robe etc ..
Nice smellies are a must!
a luxurious room and a plentiful breakfast
Often I want to spend more time in the room than I do outside.
Wow wow wow! Looks like a GORGEOUS place!
What a beautiful place! the care and passion for interiors is clear in your pictures! And I love the attention paid to the younger guests – just wonderful!
It shows off its English eccentricity to perfection.
fab prize, hope i win, perfect stay is no washing up to do and relaxation
Thanks for entering!
Not having to worry, good service, no noise and relaxation
Thanks for the comment. One of my friends insists on completely quiet bedrooms. It’s a prerequisite for her too.
The height of luxury, so different from every day!
Fiona, hear hear.
Wow looks amazing – I love places that pay attention to children and their needs and wants!
Ashleigh, absolutely agree.
This looks gorgeous! For me, a hotel stay is extra special when the bathroom has a nice big bath! Perfect to relax in with some Penhaligons treats and a good book 🙂
My in-laws used to have a small B&B but got raves about their extra-long baths. These at the hotel look very comfy.
Looks amazing!!! a comfy bed is always a must
Yes. Important to sleep well.
Pleasant surroundings, people and atmosphere. Comfortable bed and bedding.Delicious and filling meals. Leisure and Spa facilities etc.
I think you’ve hit them all! Thanks for the comment.
Oh my goodness, it looks just stunning, and what a great location. That afternoon tea looks delicious – maybe even worth a flight back to London for!
Come back! The tea will be my treat!
Separate rooms so I don’t have to see the mess my teens have made, and activities we can enjoy as a family
Stephanie, that makes me laugh.
A mega soft bed and the promise of a fab cooked brekkie with runny eggs in the morning 🙂
Runny eggs! Essential in any cooked breakfast.
A Spa Facility adds that much more to your stay.
Wee special touches like towel art.
Fancy bath products & luxurious beds.
Love the look
Luxury surroundings, little touches such as free tea, coffee, water in room.
A Comfortable bed and a varied choice for breakfast next morning. I always look forward to my breakfast in a hotel!!
comfy beds!
Your stay looks fabulous, what great extras for the kids ! A dreamy hotel stay for my family would be a nice comfy area in the room where we could play games, a child friendly attitude from the staff and some great food the kids could enjoy.
A comfortable bed equalling a good night’s sleep.
A beautifully decorated room and a comfy bed
attentive, friendly staff, comfort and something special 🙂
What an amazing place for families to stay.A focus on kids enjoyment is definitely a must.
Lots of space is needed in a hotel room when you are going with the kids!
Definitely a spa – and soft towels!
Must have a pool
lots of space, clean and airy x
Fantastic looking place
For me it is important that the hotel staff are friendly and welcoming, also comfy beds in a quiet room and hot showers are important. I would think I had died and gone to heaven if I was lucky enough to stay at the Milestone hotel!
A chance to relax in unfamiliar surroundings, take in the beach, do a bit of surfing or walking/exploring and have a nice meal waiting at the end of it.
A swimming pool – the ideal tool for wearing kids out!
The comfort of the place- so nice big beds, soft towels and complimentary hot-chocolate!
Wow – what an amazing place. I love the ‘children’s’ sweet table!
For me the staff have to be friendly and (just for me) nice smellies in the bathroom!
A cosy room & yummy food
I love the attention to detail.
Luxurious rooms and gourmet food
Good service and relaxing surroundings
The temperature of the room, if it’s somewhere hot then I like air conditioning & if it’s cold thermostat controlled heating
I really appreciate a family friendly hotel, with a family friendly atmosphere in the public spaces as well as the rooms. Because my little girl doesn’t like to be stuck up in the room all evening and likes to explore a bit. Little touches, like changing tables and highchairs being available also make a difference.
helpful staff & family friendly makes all the difference
The attention to detail – looks amazing
attention to detail x
We like hotels that have lots of board games available, for those times when little ones need entertaining 🙂
Just being together & being relaxed without all the usual rushing about, school runs & all the worries that being a parent brings!
A simple yet stylish & welcoming room with a comfortable bed with crisp fresh bedding.
Attention to detail, making sure that small people are welcomed and not treated as an inconvenience. A lovely swimming pool always helps too!
This certainly looks like the Best of British. Worth enduring jet lag for! Wow!
Such a shame you didn’t get to STAY a NIGHT – I hope they are so impressed with this post and your photography that they give you a lil ole sneaky night in there on the house.
Looks formidable!
Liska xx
Really comfortable beds which are freshly laundered and also soft pillows.
It has to be cleanliness
oh wow what a beautiful looking hotel. That is definitely going ON MY LIST
After a recent week away, I realised the only thing that was missing from our impecibly clean, facility filled 5 star hotel was good service. Everything else was wonderful. However, without a warm welcome to your accomodation you never truly relax and enjoy your stay.
A friendly atmosphere
We like to have spacious rooms with modern and clean furnishings, good choices on the food menu and friendly staff
Cleanliness, it has to be clean.
A pool – a must to tire the kids out!
Luxury toiletries, afternoon tea and a wonderful menu add up to my dream hotel
comfy beds, a jacuzzi bath and a free pen
Comfy beds, lots of hangers, late check out and a decent supply of in room coffee (best when they have a cafetiere) x
A pool
big comfy bed , well ventilated room
Having enough room is important 🙂
Friendly staff!
love when the bed is nice and comfortable
Wow! This hotel looks fabulous! Thanks for a lovely giveaway – have entered via your rafflecopter x
Service standards, every aspect
Understanding staff who will give my daughter the space she needs; comfortable surroundings with an air of informality.
A gorgeous setting 🙂
being able to fit in the bath without having my knees near my chest would make my day but for it to be perfect it would be not having people look down at us because we have a little one with us
Pool, mini bar, room service, nice view, comfy beds
Comfort, tranquility, and good food!
Enjoying Luxury in comparison to normal. This includes all factors. Excellent service with a can-do attitude.
Attention to detail and a personal service make all the difference to us.
Amazing place. I am sure you would get a warm welcome and excellent food for all
A luxurious room with great service that makes us feel like we are the only ones there!
It looks fab!!!
For me it’s having gluten free options without being made to feel like I’m an alien!
Being able to relax in luxury with no housework or washing up!
My family appreciates facilities for children , activity rooms etc , and quiet rooms for a good night sleep
comfortable bed is always a winner but a nice shower and good breakfast is also good!!! But being welcoming for kids has to be top!!!
Nice comfy bed.
A luxury bed and bedding does it for me! I also love a great power shower … 🙂
it looks lovely x
Class and Comfort, just needs Cocktails, aaaah heaven!