Kensington, United States
A historically protected property
Attractive rooms with mini-fridges and luxe Sicilian marble bathrooms
Well-situated near the Natural History Museum, the V&A, and Kensington Gardens
Double-glazed windows
Well-equipped conference areas
Small fitness center with shower
Business center with computer/printer access
Free Wi-Fi
Scoff & Banter restaurant, serving three meals plus afternoon tea
Floors can be maze-like and difficult to navigate
Many rooms lack views
Some rooms and bathrooms are small
The Radisson Blu Edwardian Vanderbilt is a 215-room luxury hotel with plenty of history. Once a cluster of private apartments (one belonging to the renowned family that gives the hotel its name), it is now a modern maze of hotel rooms and public spaces. The hotel successfully blends the historic character with contemporary influences, and the appealing location in South Kensington is near the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Scene
With historic touches and modern influences, the Vanderbilt merges old with new
This historically protected building was once a series of separate apartments (including that of the famous Vanderbilt family) and many of its original features remain. Stained glass adorns the windows of the hotel's stairways and classic paintings hang from the walls in the public areas, which adds a feel of elegance and class. The lobby also has a marble fireplace, marble tile floors, gilded coffered ceiling. The rooms themselves are more contemporary, with modern furniture and decor in golds, reds and whites.
Location
Beautiful West London locale, close to many parks and museums
Located in South Kensington, the Vanderbilt is located close to some very intriguing attractions. The Natural History Museum, Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gardens, and Victoria and Albert Museum are all within a 10-minute walk, while Harrods department store is just a bit farther. Transportation links to the Underground and rail stations are quick and easy, although many areas in West London are accessible by foot.
Rooms
Upscale rooms with pleasant extras throughout
Due to the hotel's former apartment-style plan, no room configuration is exactly the same. Rooms are decorated in reds, golds, and whites, and come with plenty of extras, such as free water, free Wi-Fi, bathrobes, and magazines. Mini-fridges are also provided for storing food and beverages, and the white-marble bathrooms, which look outstanding, have high-end toiletries.
Features
A small fitness center, meeting rooms, and a restaurant
The Vanderbilt comes equipped with a gym (complete with changing and shower facilities) that contains free weights, strength training machines, and cardio machines. There are 11 different-sized meeting rooms with HDMI/USB compatible projectors, office supplies, and free refreshments for its guests. The Vanderbilt is also attached to the Scoff & Banter restaurant and bar (open to the public) which offers modern British cuisine as well as traditional tea service, complete with scones and other tasty desserts.