London Hotels – Five Star Boutique Luxury

The Ampersand is the perfect London hotel for some five star boutique luxury.

I first heard of this 5 star boutique luxury hotel when sitting in Tom’s Kitchen, a fabulously local restaurant in South Kensington, when a well dressed, well travelled Sydney woman had had a few wines, and was telling her family rather loudly that The Ampersand is absolutely the best boutique hotel in South Kensington, and possibly London. After my recent stay, I agree.

This gorgeous hotel is part of The Small Luxury Hotels Of The World Group, and for good reason. A highlight is the huge drawing room on the ground floor, elegantly decorated in modern, bright, happy tones of red, grey and bright blue. The walls are crammed with large, clean, modern art work and large, modern, comfortable furniture, and there’s a tidy barista who makes great Italian coffee, a relief for me at any time of the day. I spent a lot of time in these rooms.

The high tea is popular every afternoon, and there are childlike plates of pastel coloured cakes and biscuits on display throughout the day, re-inforcing a feeling of fun, and creating a great environment to read the paper or just chill.

Another highlight of the hotel is Aperol, the stunningly modern mediteranean restaurant and breakfast restaurant which could be in New York or London – it is contemporary, light-filled, spacious, with a modern menu clearly considerate of current health trends and concerns. In other words, there are a lot of low sugar, high fibre real food, gluten free options.

A large breakfast buffet overflowing with fresh baked delights, cereals and fruit is fabulous, but the cooked to order items are not to be missed as they are some of the best in the area. Smashed avacado, goats cheese omelettes, grilled haloumi and home made porridge are just some of the delicious cooked to order items on offer. I enjoyed a late night wine in the restaurant  before bed too, as the space is so welcoming all day long.

Rooms are more spacious than you expect for London, and clean lines, bed heads in rich purple colours and huge windows give the rooms a regal, rich feel. Rooms facing the street are highlight sought after, and are a constant reminder of the sheer beauty and simplicity of London’s architecture in this elegant part of town. It’s intoxicating. Bathrooms are black and white, with huge, round shower heads, and L’Occitane products in generous sizes. My bath even had its own TV! Really great fun.

Located steps away from South Kensington Tube, there are so many fantastic restaurants to choose from and all walking distance. The gym is basic but sufficient, but with so many tempting meals, walks and even bike rides in the neighbouring restaurants, you’ll struggle to find time for it.

This is just beautiful, and very good value for money.