Get five-star luxury by Kensington Palace at the Baglioni

Baglioni Hotel London entrance. Five-star luxury by kensington Palace | London hotels | five-star London
Credit: Diego De Pol

If you are planning a visit to the Princess Diana exhibition at Kensington Palace, then book into the nearby five-star Baglioni Hotel, which is running a special ‘Royal Visit’ package.

The ever-so-chic and Italian-infused Baglioni Hotel London, in the heart of London’s Kensington, is perfectly positioned for visitors wishing to take in a show at the nearby Royal Albert Hall (literally just a five-minute stroll), a spot of culture at the Natural History Museum or the Victoria & Albert Museum, or indulge in some shopping at Harrods.

But its biggest lure to out-of-town visitors is surely Kensington Palace, which this year is hosting a special exhibition exploring the fashion icon status of Diana, Princess of Wales, to mark the 20th anniversary of her death.

A ‘Royal Visit’ at the Baglioni

Making the most of its proximity to the palace, which is just a pleasant stroll across Kensington Gardens, the hotel is offering a ’Royal Visit’ package, which includes a one-night stay for two at the Baglioni Hotel London, with breakfast, as well as a pair of tickets to a morning tour of Kensington Palace at 9am, followed by a Champagne afternoon tea for two back at the Baglioni. Guests will also have access to the hotel’s spa.

Baglioni Hotel London exterior. Five-star luxury by Kensington Palace | London hotels | five-star London
Credit: Diego De Pol

From the outside the Baglioni, housed in a corner Victorian building overlooking Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, is both discreet and classic, but inside there is little that can be described as understated.

 Baglioni Hotel London exterior. Five-star luxury by Kensington Palace | London hotels | five-star London
The Baglioni’s grand lobby. Credit: Diego De Pol

From the moment you enter through its canopied doorway, everything about the place shouts luxury. Chandeliers abound, contemporary art work hangs on the walls of the lobby and hallways, and the rooms and suites are kitted out with luxury fabrics in bright hues (many have four-poster beds), and come with complimentary Illy coffee machines and some special touches – ours even had an electric piano.

afternoon tea baglioni | five-sat luxury by Kensington Palace | London hotels | five-star London
The Baglioni’s Italian twist on afternoon tea. Credit: Dario Sequi/Immaginando Comunicazione

Afternoon tea at the Baglioni is a real treat. Served in the hotel’s 60s-style Brunello Bar & Restaurant, you can choose between a traditional offering (including egg & watercress, and oak-smoked Scottish salmon, fresh cream and chives sandwiches), or afternoon tea with an Italian twist (including a glass of Prosecco, and Tiramisu in the sweet selection).

The Art-Deco style bar at the Baglioni | Five-star luxury by Kensington Palace | London hotels | five-star London
The Art-Deco style bar at the Baglioni. Credit: Diego De Pol

The restaurant is also open for lunch and dinner and the onus is on Italian regional cuisine, while the central studded bar, with its high stools and Art Deco leanings, is a glamorous place for that most Italian of pastimes – the aperitivo.

The ‘Royal Visit’ package costs from £420 per room per night, based on two adults sharing a deluxe room, including VAT. To book, go to www.baglionihotels.com or call +44 (0)20 7368 5700.