Baglioni Hotel: A slice of Italy beside Hyde Park
The world may be making a spirited attempt to put Covid behind it, but that doesn’t mean international travel is suddenly a breeze. Couple this with over-booked and over-priced UK staycation destinations such as Cornwall and York, and you have a holiday dilemma. So why not take the sting out of a weekend break by staying in London and checking into the Baglioni Hotel?
Baglioni London dubs itself “your Italian home in Kensington”, taking a mere 20 minute journey in a cab from central London. This slick city bolthole is a base for tourists and business people alike.
The contrast of the heritage British vistas of Kensington and Chelsea, paired with delicious Sicilian olive oil served with homemade bread as you sit down to dinner on the quaint terrace is something of a hybrid experience. For those looking for an amalgamation of two distinctive cultures, the Baglioni is the place to be.
The five star terraced hotel is set in front of the iconic Hyde Park, a short walk from Kensington Palace (home to William and Kate) and a beautiful slice of traditional Chelsea architecture. It boasts a gorgeous terrace, adorned with flowers and parasols that, if you close your eyes, transport you to the bustling streets of Rome.
As you sip on your morning coffee, watching the sleepy city come alive, you wonder if you were dropped in Italy overnight, although a heritage London bus thundering past soon brings you back to reality.
What to do
The Baglioni boasts a world-class spa that’s perfect for a speedy manicure, massage or facial, using vegan and cruelty free products from Insium. The massages take place to the sound of birds and rustling trees, lulling you into a state of such intense relaxation you have to stop yourself from falling asleep. The suites are elegant, immaculate and have a picture-perfect view of the gorgeous Hyde Park.
Nearby
Go full-on London tourist and take a boat ride on the Serpentine or a horse trek through Hyde Park. Or make it a cultural break with a visit to the Saatchi Gallery, Victoria and Albert museum, National History Museum or Science Museum, which are all within walking distance. For food you’re spoilt for choice in Sloan Square – Morning Wire gave The Five Fields five stars – and there’s always the option to do some Christmas shopping in Harrods.
How’s the food?
At the open-air dining terrace chefs whip up everything from Italian delicacies to the perfect English breakfast. Be sure to try the fillet of Beef with samphire and parmesan for a delicious late lunch.
Spend the evening on the same terrace, where the picturesque view of the sun setting over the park lulls you as you sip on the most exquisite chilled Italian wines in the autumnal English breeze.
The menu is filled with the best of Italian and British cuisine; the milk fed lamb fillet, seared tuna steak and octopus pappardelle are firm favourites of guests and staff alike.
For those hankering to travel, or simply escape for a blissful few days, the Baglioni Hotel provides respite and warmth to all who visit.
Need to know
To book call 020 7368 5700 or visit www.baglionihotels.com. The hotel is located at 60 Hyde Park Gate, South Kensington, SW7 5BB