Chatting with Klaus Kabelitz, General Manager of The Kensington, we discovered all of the best kept secrets of this luxurious hotel, and heard all of Klaus' top tips for a perfect visit to London!

How would you describe the DNA of the Kensington?

At The Kensington, we strive to create warm, authentic experiences for our guests- we aim to delight! The property itself is a luxurious and historic Town House and, as is such, we want our guests to feel very much at home. We welcome our guests to sit in our spaces, get comfortable and soak in the quintessential Englishness of our beautiful hotel.

What kind of client is best suited to staying at the Kensington?

The Kensington caters to a wide range of clients- it’s perfect for any client looking for an authentic, immersive London experience in a neighbourhood full of local treasures. With our close proximity to a range of excellent museums and parks, as well as the elegant, homely ambiance of the hotel, we are also well suited to families who are wanting to experience the best that London has to offer!

Which room is your favourite and why?

My favourite room has to be a Luxury Studio Suite on the corner of the hotel. With its quiet views over Queen's Gate, a little balcony, windows on two sides, it is light and cosy. Some of these fabulous rooms have an amazing bathroom with a freestanding tub, and all I need after that is a reading stand for my book and a call button that reads "Press for champagne" - Bliss!

What’s worth getting out of bed for?

The Kensington is situated in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, so it’s very close to some incredible historic and cultural institutions, including the Victoria & Albert Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the Royal Albert Hall. Hyde Park is just a short walk away, and The Kensington Palace and surrounding gardens are worth a visit.

I love to take a moment for all of the amazing cultural experiences that London has to offer. One experience that I cannot wait to show to our guests is our Marie-Antoinette "Let them eat cake"- inspired afternoon tea at the hotel. This indulgent afternoon tea, followed by a horse drawn carriage ride to the V&A museum to visit the exhibition, is a bit of fun and I feel represents our sense of humour as a hotel.

What are your hot tips for visiting London right now?

My favourite way to visit London is to walk or to hop on one of The Kensington's fabulous bikes! It’s an incredibly interesting and varied city, and each area has its own very distinct personality. The Kensington is surrounded by some of London’s most iconic areas, including Knightsbridge, Notting Hill, Chelsea, and just across the park, Mayfair and Marylebone. Around the hotel, I love to have a wander down Walton Street, to check out the wonderful boutiques and coffee shops, before heading up to the world-famous Harrods department store. We've also put together a brilliant guide for our guests!

How would a client unwind after a big day out hitting the London streets?

After pounding the pavements all day, discovering London with the help of our brilliant Clefs D’Or Concierge, I recommend kicking back with one of our classic cocktails or a glass of champagne in our library with a good book before heading out to a delicious dinner organised by our talented concierge team!