Discover the Artistic Collaboration Between London’s Kensington Hotel and Victoria & Albert Museum
The design-forward destination presents a special stay package in honor of the museum's major Cartier retrospective
When it comes to royal experiences, there’s few to none destinations who know better than London. Whether it’s strolling down posh neighborhoods like Marylebone or Mayfair taking in classic Victorian and Georgian architecture, or visiting some of the city’s museums which bring historical and contemporary masterpieces into new focus, the sweeping collection of hotels allow visitors to rest their heads while taking in London’s extravagant royal history. Now, thanks to an exciting collaboration between Doyle Collection’s The Kensington Hotel and London’s storied Victoria and Albert Museum, guests can experience luxury living with an artistic twist.
Located in London’s upper echelon neighborhood of Kensington, just steps away from the Natural History Museum and V&A Museum, the 19th-century townhouse hotel provides a picturesque arrival to those on holiday or local Londoners looking for an upscale staycation. Thanks to the charming outside entrance, decorated by lush landscaping and a baby blue bicycle adorned with the hotel’s name, guests are ushered into the reception area where their luxurious stay begins.
Perhaps what makes The Kensington one of the more unique stays in the city is through the history of the hotel itself. Formerly a personal townhouse, the hotel’s ground floor has been converted into charming shared spaces which each bring their own personality and purpose to visitors. Each room is meticulously adorned in decorative wall coverings to match the aesthetic, whether it’s enjoying an eye-catching and artistic afternoon tea in one of the two main drawing rooms or savoring a sumptuous meal in the hotel’s picturesque restaurant The Townhouse, every element of the hotel’s design signifies its commitment to artful discoveries.
There’s no better example of this than their relationship with the Victoria & Albert Museum. During special exhibitions at the famed institution, the Kensington Hotel offers a particular package which includes tickets to the limited-time shows, and also presents themed pop-ups held throughout the property. Running through November 16, “Cartier,” a major showcase presenting more than 350 objects from the storied jewelry maison, may be sold out until June to those visiting London. For those staying at The Kensington Hotel, this special package provides visitors with tickets despite the limited ticket quantity.
“At The Kensington, we strive to offer guests more than just a place to stay—we immerse them in the heart of London’s culture,” Klaus Kabelitz, general manager of the Kensington hotel in London, tells Galerie. “Our collaboration with the V&A reflects this ethos, providing a rare opportunity to experience world-class art and design in one of the city’s most iconic cultural landmarks. With access to sold-out exhibitions like ‘Cartier,’ this special experience allows guests to explore the beauty of the V&A in an exclusive and enriching way. Beyond the art, it’s an invitation to experience the creativity that defines both the museum and the neighborhood, all while enjoying the warm, sophisticated hospitality for which The Kensington is known.”
As part of the collaboration, The Kensington Hotel’s K Bar, an oak paneled art deco-style lounge area clad in striking artworks inspired by history and travel, has crafted a specialty “hidden gems” menu filled with inventive cocktails inspired by the Cartier exhibition. Comprised of four different options titled after precious gems, each specialty cocktail is made with the highest and most inventive ingredients. Among the offerings include the martini-inspired Diamont (made with Beluga gold line vodka, champagne cordial, and served with a a diamond-shaped ice cube), Emeraude (made with gunpowder Irish gin, pandan, citrus, and soda), Rubis (made with la hechicera rum, campari, mancino rosso, and mango), and finally the non-alcoholic amethyst (made with everleaf mountain, butterfly pea flower tea, lime cordial, as well as white peach & jasmine soda).
While the relationship between the museum and hotel bring The Kensington’s artistic ethos into full perspective, attention to detail and inspired delicacies are naturally a part of the guest experience. This is particularly shown through the property’s classic afternoon tea celebration. While sitting back in one of the plush banquettes throughout the drawing room, guests can sip on one or a few of the menu’s extensive tea offerings while sampling an assortment of baked goods including savory sandwiches, fresh scones served with jam and butter, as well as sweet treats inspired by art giants including Jackson Pollock, Yayoi Kusama, and Alicja Kwade. London is calling.