At 88 Queen’s Gate in South Kensington, London is the traditional Victorian townhouse, The Adria. An exclusive hotel for those in the know, you’d expect no less from a luxurious, 5-star establishment that’s nestled in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. And with the Coronation and the Chelsea Flower Show flurry, the area has never been so fashionable.
At the heart of the hotel is flexibility, convenience, and privacy, and this ethos is teamed with thoughtful, stylish design (it has undergone extensive restoration in recent years), and top-notch service; cue the team of personal butlers are on-hand to cater to guests’ every need.
It’s also conveniently located, a stone’s throw from London’s finest and most recognizable landmarks, from the V&A to Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, and Harrods. The Adria has also formed partnerships with local restaurants to encourage guests to explore and embrace the local area.
The man at the helm of this luxurious hotel is General Manager, Gary Redmond, and he shares his highlights.
What is the hotel’s USP and what does it bring to Kensington?
What sets The Adria apart is the hospitality, comfort, and design that is provided. As a 19th-century luxury Victorian townhouse, the hotel has been meticulously restored with spaces stylishly decorated. The hotel is exclusive and discreet, similar to that of a private members club. Our location in charming South Kensington means we are just steps away from London’s world-renowned museums, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, and the designer delights of Knightsbridge with Harrods, Harvey Nichols, and Sloane Street.
Tell us about its design.
We have meticulously restored our townhouse marrying contemporary design with the elegance and intimacy of a 19th Century residence. The goal was for guests to feel like they are entering a private home. As a result, we have lots of flowing spaces for guests to enjoy and utilize at their leisure. The spaces consist of a lounge, the ideal respite for an evening cocktail to an elegant games room are all warm and welcoming and are full of character with period features such as detailed cornicing, black and white marble throughout the hallways, and a cast iron balustrade. The hotel’s bedrooms have been named after typical British characters or objects – like Umbrella, Victoria, and Elizabeth (in reference to our late Queen Elizabeth II) – and are designed to be calm, inviting space for both short-stay and long-stay guests. Each guest room features a characterful bespoke British-designed headboard, and specially commissioned artwork to match the name of each room, while the wallpaper was sourced from world-renowned designer Philip Jeffries.
How would you define the guest experience?
Our team of personal butlers creates the most memorable experiences for our guests. This can include a variety of interactions a guest will have before, during, or after their stay. They really offer unparalleled levels of service – from a seamless check-in to mixing an evening cocktail to making restaurant and local attraction recommendations, and guests receive personalized service throughout their stay.
What are your favorite aspects of this hotel?
We wanted to pay homage to our 1870 building and thus created a ‘Butler’s Pantry’. It’s certainly my favorite part of the hotel as it’s bright and airy and filled with sweet treats that guests can enjoy throughout the day. The Garden room with its retractable glass roof is the ideal spot in the evening to relax with a cocktail.
Who does the Adria cater to?
The Adria caters to an array of different guests from all corners of the globe. The American and Middle Eastern guests are the largest market. They love traveling, and what better way to experience the great city of London, than by staying at a quintessentially English hotel?
What are your hotel highlights throughout the year?
As London is renowned for hosting some great events such as The Championships; Wimbledon or the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, we try to incorporate this theme at the hotel, be it a special package or aligned decorative theming. During Christmas, we tailor our special offers and guests can enjoy wreath-making workshops or candle-making classes.
Which is your favorite room and why?
I love our ‘Wimbledon’ executive room. It’s positioned on the first floor and boasts 16-foot high ceilings with crafted French doors leading to a little balcony. Exquisite Italian furnishings with a cipollino marble bathroom complete the room.
What can you recommend in the local vicinity?
So much! A stroll to Kensington Palace – currently showcasing ‘Crown to Couture’ an exhibition on how fashion in the 18th century has inspired today’s iconic red-carpet looks. Lunch at Launceston Place, a true hidden gem in South Kensington. Browse the shops on Sloane Street, home to the flagship boutiques of global luxury brands, and finish the evening with dinner at Daphne’s – a neighborhood favorite, serving authentic Italian cuisine since its founding in 1964.
LOCATION
Nestled in the heart of South Kensington, The Adria is a short walk from famous attractions such as the Natural History Museum, the Royal Albert Hall, and luxurious shopping, cue Harrods, and the surrounding upmarket designer boutiques.
HISTORY
There is a townhouse trend, and The Adria is a timeless 19th-century townhouse that is most definitely synonymous with London and nods to a nostalgic members’ club charm. Behind the stucco façade, you’ll find a mix of the classic and the contemporary with a stylish design to meet the needs of the modern traveler with taste.
ACCOMMODATION
The Adria is home to 24 elegant suites and rooms — from Wimbledon to Kensington — that feature thoughtful layouts, elegant furnishings, and fitting artwork. There is also a minibar and coffee area, and a workspace, along with underfloor heating and Italian marble bathrooms to further add to the luxury of the accommodation.
For those who want to work out, or relax, head to The Adria’s private gym, which is free for all guests to use whenever they wish during their stay. Air-conditioned, the gym is equipped with a range of machines (treadmills and bikes), weights, pilates balls, and floor mats to suit all needs.
Want to kick back and relax? Well, you’re in luck as the spa is open 7 days a week, and its treatment menu includes deep-tissue massage, reflexology, and beauty treatments such as manicures and pedicures, and it’s topped off with a sauna.
F&B
Start the day well with an à la carte breakfast, which is served to suit the guests’ schedule, either in your room or in the Breakfast Room. Also available is a traditional afternoon tea which can be taken in the Polo Lounge, Drawing Room, or if you’re wanting an evening tipple partake in a cocktail in the Games Room.
For dinner options, The Adria is partnered with a variety of local award-winning partner restaurants so guests can order a feast to suit their needs and timings. These include Nobu and Gordon Ramsey’s Michelin-starred menus, order and the butler will take care of everything else to ensure you feel at home; settle by the fire in one of the lounges or eat in your suite, the choice is yours.
The Adria
Address: 88 Queen’s Gate, South Kensington, London SW7 5AB
Telephone: 020 7118 8988
Website: www.theadria.com
Instagram: theadriahotel