If you’re after a (ridiculously stylish) home away from home, the Adria could be just the place. Occupying a quaint Victorian corner in London’s high-class South Kensington, this boutique hotel oozes glamorous comfort.
The place has four lounges, including the games room, the breathtakingly light garden room, and the polo room — a popular TV spot. There’s also a gourmet dinner service on offer, with food supplied by the plethora of local restaurants — place your order at the Butler’s desk and opt for your favourite spot to enjoy, if you fancy getting out of your room. Staff are also available should you be craving a cocktail from the martini trolley, or a snack from the pantry.
A menu of classic breakfast options is served in the restaurant area, and on the lower ground floor is a small gym, sauna, and spa, which tops off the intimate, cosy ambience of the hotel.
The rooms vary in size, some with a chic contemporary vibe, others with a more classic, antiquey style. Refurbs a couple of years back saw the bathrooms paid extra special attention to, and they’re decorated with gleaming italian marble, for the extra touch of luxury. Should you splash out on an upgraded room, you’ll get access to a Nespresso machine, waterfall showers and even fireplaces for the winter months thrown in.
Neighbourhood
South Kensington, one of London’s most up-market, exclusive neighbourhoods, is steeped in culture and history. Within walking distance are the Royal Albert Hall and Hyde Park, and the borough is known as London’s museum quarter. The Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the V&A all offer a vast array of collections for free, so there’s plenty to marvel at and absorb during your stay. Just taking a stroll around the place, you’re sure to find a platter of great cafes, food stops and shops, too.
Nearby
Ceru: this eastern mediterranean restaurant is a lively little spot less than 5 minutes away from the door of the hotel. Rustling up a menu of delicious vegetarian mezze plates, seafood and incredible meat dishes, all are thrown together in its bustling open kitchen.
Troubadour: Craving something more low-key than The Adria's martini trolley? Troubadour could be the best cool and casual spot nearby. Hosting brunch, drinks, and weekly Jazz sessions, this historic spot has hosted the likes of legends such as Jimi Hendrix and Paul Simon in the past.
Victoria & Albert Museum: one of London's most popular centres of art and culture, the V&A is renowned for its immensely popular calendar of exhibitions, featuring collections of everything from costumes and textile design to sculpture and photography.
Time Out Tip:
One of the lesser known treasures of the Kensington area is Japan House. A fair 25-minute stroll from the hotel, this cultural centre offers up a trip to the motherland without the long-haul flight. Free to all and aimed at showcasing the ‘real’ Japan, why not take a wander through the Italianate streets to this three-storey hub, and peruse the gorgeous library, shop, collections and immaculate restaurant.