The Hux Hotel, Kensington, London
WHERE AND WHY
Although located on Kensington High Street, one of London’s chicest addresses, it would be easy to miss The Hux’s unassuming black door and frontage, sandwiched between a hair salon and a spaghetti restaurant.
I think, however, that is the idea. Stepping inside is like entering an inner sanctum with a glamorous, den-like quality.
There’s a mix of rooms, from Petite which still manages to squeeze in an oversized bed, to the Huxy Suite with sumptuous lounge, spa-like bathroom and kitchen. All 24 rooms and four suites are decorated in a mix of jade, sapphire, citrine yellow, ruby and amethyst, with seductive velvet chairs, soft headboards, bold cushions and lamps, complemented by artworks of tropical plants and exotic birds.
ON THE MENU
The Hux Bar, complete with taxidermy animals, eccentric art and an array of cascading indoor plants, has the atmosphere of a luxurious speakeasy, where friends go to chat, hang out, and be entertained at intimate live gigs.
Perfect for the cocktail connoisseur, pick from its quirkily named potions including one inspired by a peacock named Patrick made with rose wine, lychee liqueur and champagne, expertly crafted by bar manager Simone.
There’s no restaurant as such, but the bar offers a range of very decadent sushi from a 42-piece, Just the Two of Us, platter featuring teriyaki salmon sushi, cheese salmon maki and chicken katsu rolls for £50, to the 18-piece Salmon Lover selection for £30.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE
Live music in the Hux Bar is very much part of the experience, so be sure you check out who is taking to the hotel’s intimate stage to play a set and when – it’s one of London’s most coveted spots.
Staff at The Hux will also arrange spa treatments at the award-winning Kensington Medispa, just down the road.
At the opposite end of the entertainment scale, the Royal Albert Hall is round the corner. Knightsbridge’s world-famous free museums, including the Natural History Museum, The Science Museum and the V&A are walkable from here too.
WAKE-UP CALL
A Petite room for two costs from £120 per night. huxhotel.com