Hotel of the week 100 Queen’s Gate London

WHERE AND WHY

This 1870s townhouse in the Royal borough of Kensington and Chelsea just south of Hyde Park was once home to Victorian aristocrat and explorer William Alexander.

Now it has been transformed into a five-star hotel. Part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, its Victorian roots are evident. There’s a grand staircase, elegant chandeliers, stained glass panels and the foyer features displays of quirky artefacts sourced from around the world.

There are 228 rooms, with 11 suites named after some of the borough’s past famous residents such as Agatha Christie, Alfred Hitchcock, Alexander Fleming and A A Milne. Other rooms come in three categories and overlook the atrium or the pretty mews behind the property. Style is elegant, rather than modern, with rich colours, large headboards, prints and sketches of the local area.

ON THE MENU

The pretty floral-themed Botanica Lounge with white shutters and potted palms is a charming spot for afternoon tea (£46).

In the basement, the cosy ESQ bar offers smaller plates such a prawn tempura and gyoza dumpling (£12), or typical bistro dishes like chicken club sandwich (£18) and Caesar salad (£12). And there’s also a new Italian restaurant, Centro.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE

You can work off your indulgences in the basement gym which is open 24 hours. A stone’s throw away is the Natural History Museum and neighbouring Science Museum.

Harrods and shopping mecca Knightsbridge are also a 10-minute walk away – as is the Royal Albert Hall, making it a perfect place to stay for concertgoers.

WAKE-UP CALL

Double rooms from £175. 100queensgate.com