Luxury Hotel · United Kingdom
The Kensington
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Every trip built from scratch around your dates, pace and preferences.
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One named person and a 24-hour number while you travel.
Hundreds of five-star reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot across ten years of LGBTQ+ luxury travel.
At a glance
Part of the Irish family-owned Doyle Collection, The Kensington occupies a handsome Regency townhouse on Queen’s Gate in South Kensington, moments from the Royal Albert Hall, the V&A, Kensington Gardens and Harrods.
Open fires, high ceilings and heritage decor give the hotel’s elegant drawing rooms a genuinely residential character, balancing period grandeur with the warmth of a private home.
Rooms and suites blend period charm with modern comfort, with signature suites taking the offering to a new level of luxury.
Dining spans the Townhouse restaurant for afternoon tea and meals, and the art deco K Bar, where award-winning bartenders serve cocktails alongside an expansive wine list.
Highlights
- Regency townhouse on Queen’s Gate, moments from the V&A, Royal Albert Hall and Harrods
- Open fires and heritage drawing rooms give the hotel a genuinely residential character
- Award-winning art deco K Bar alongside Townhouse dining and celebrated afternoon tea
Accommodation
Classic Room
The classic rooms at The Kensington are elegantly furnished. Luxury fabrics, chenille throws and extremely comfortable beds are sure to satisfy. King, Queen and twin bed options available.
- Marble bathrooms with heated floors
- Nespresso coffee machine
- 55″ Flat screen TV & iHome docking station
- Aromatherapy Associates bathroom amenities
- Duck down duvet
Deluxe Room
Expect classic, understated British design. The grandiose headboards, antique bedside tables and vintage wallpaper make every part of the room a statement.
The Brompton Suite
Featuring a four-poster bed and a free-standing Victorian roll-top bath, this suite has a regal feel. The centrepiece is a Waterford crystal chandelier – you could imagine Liz Taylor staying her.
- Freestanding roll top Victorian bathtub
- Separate shower, double vanity sink
- Waterford crystal chandelier
- iPad/iPhone docking station
- Digital satellite TVs with DVD player
- Bose iPod docking station
- VIP airport transfer (LHR & LCY)
The Knightsbridge Suite
A step above the rest, the Knightsbridge Suite offers a standard of elegance that few hotels can match. Featuring a large bedroom, a living room, two bathrooms, a dressing room and a balcony overlooking the city, you will hardly be short of space. The hotel’s Victorian style is continued with two decorative fireplaces and floor-to-ceiling windows.
- Bathroom has a separate shower and bathtub
- Bespoke honesty drinks bar
- Day bed with LCD TV
- Balcony with city view
- Bose iPod docking station
- Digital satellite TVs with DVD player
- VIP airport transfer (LHR & LCY)
The Kensington Suite
The Kensington Suite combines the Knightsbridge Suite and Brompton Suite, creating a generous three bedroom apartment. With two separate living rooms and balconies, this a regal setting in the heart of London.
Further information
Restaurant and Bar
Town House is the hotel’s main restaurant, a serene South Kensington dining room serving breakfast, brunch, dinner and a celebrated afternoon tea, with a pre-theatre menu designed for guests heading to the Royal Albert Hall. The K Bar offers something more intimate: a discreet art deco cocktail bar with oak panels, polished brass and mirrored walls, where award-winning bartenders serve classic cocktails alongside an expansive wine list.
Slice of the City
The Kensington’s location puts guests within easy reach of one of London’s richest cultural concentrations. The V&A, Natural History Museum and Science Museum are all on the doorstep, alongside Hyde Park, the Royal Albert Hall and Kensington Gardens. The hotel publishes its own Slice of the City guide, curating cultural recommendations, local coffee shops, fitness options and tours all within a 15-minute radius, making it a useful resource for guests wanting to explore beyond the obvious landmarks.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom sits off the northwest coast of continental Europe, comprising England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. London serves as the capital and functions as one of the world’s great international hubs, with direct flights from North America, Asia, Africa, and Australia making it one of the most accessible long-haul destinations on the planet. England is the largest of the four nations and the most visited.
Our Experts
The UK is home to not one, but four magical countries. Many tourists choose to combine a couple into one trip, perhaps Wales and Scotland.
London is one of my favourite destinations and can so easily be combined with the equally chic city of Paris into one twin-city trip.
Stellar service. Stellar products. Stellar people and it gets so much better when you pick up the phone and call.
Anthony S.
Super client centred service. From first contact I have had warm, efficient, friendly and flexible service.
John
I’m confident in giving Out Of Office a 5-star review! They are one of the leaders in this space without a doubt.
Tiberiu
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Frequently asked questions
What does Out Of Office do?
Out Of Office is a luxury LGBTQ+ travel company specialising in tailor-made holidays and extraordinary journeys around the world. We create bespoke luxury holidays, LGBTQ+ honeymoons, safaris, cruises, beach escapes, private tours and group trips, with every itinerary designed around you. Our travel specialists combine global expertise, first-hand destination knowledge and trusted local partners to create seamless, highly personalised experiences.
Is Out Of Office a gay travel agency?
Out Of Office is an LGBTQ+ owned and run luxury travel specialist, with particular expertise in gay and LGBTQ+ travel. We understand the additional considerations that can come with travelling as an LGBTQ+ person or couple, from local laws and customs to finding genuinely welcoming hotels and experiences.
We welcome every traveller, including friends, families and allies. Many of our clients are not members of the LGBTQ+ community, but choose Out Of Office for our luxury travel expertise, personalised service and discretion.
Do you create tailor-made LGBTQ+ holidays?
Yes. Every tailor-made trip with Out Of Office is designed from scratch around your interests, travel style, budget and the way you want to experience a destination. We can arrange luxury hotels, private transfers, flights, guides, excursions, cruises and special experiences as part of one personalised itinerary. The journeys shown on our website are there to inspire you rather than restrict you; only clearly identified group departures operate as fixed itineraries.
How do you choose LGBTQ+ friendly hotels and destinations?
We combine first-hand destination knowledge with trusted local expertise to recommend luxury hotels, resorts and experiences where LGBTQ+ travellers can feel informed and welcome. We also consider the laws, customs and attitudes of each destination, because LGBTQ+ rights and experiences differ around the world. Our team regularly visit many of the properties we work with and where a destination requires greater awareness, we give you clear and considered advice so that you can make an informed decision about where and how you travel.
We plant trees for every booking
For every booking made with Out Of Office we commit to planting trees in your name to help reduce the impact of travel on future generations. You'll even get a link to see where your trees are planted in the world via our partner Ecologi.
We donate to Rainbow Railroad with every booking
Rainbow Railroad helps LGBTQ+ people escape state-sponsored violence and persecution. A donation goes with every trip we sell, funded by us and never added to your price.
Start Planning Your Trip
Tell us where you would love to go, when you are thinking of travelling and what kind of trip you have in mind. One of our LGBTQ+ travel specialists will create a tailor-made itinerary designed around your destination, style and preferences.
One named specialist, first enquiry to homecoming. No call centre, and nothing is charged until you decide to book.