Introduction: The Thistle Kensington Gardens Hotel is
named after the park opposite the hotel which itself is adjacent to
Hyde Park. Together these two large
parks cover an area over 600 acres in size. Kensington Gardens is home to the
Princess Diana Memorial Fountain and
Kensington
Palace while Hyde Park has riding paths, boating and the
Serpentine
Gallery. The hotel is next to a petrol station on Bayswater Road. This is a
main road and part of the busy A40 dual carriageway and connects to
Marble Arch one
mile to the East and Notting Hill and half a mile to the West. Less than 200
yards from the hotel is Queensway, a long road with shops, restaurants, bars,
ice rink, cinema and covered shopping mall called Whitley's. This part of
Bayswater has a large middle eastern population reflected in some of the shops
and restaurants in the area. The local vicinity also has a large mix of both
residential properties and B&B type accommodation. The main tourist areas are a
couple of miles from the hotel, just a few miles by taxi.
Kensington High Street and its famous upmarket shopping is 0.5 miles to the
South on the other side of Kensington Gardens. There are four tube stations
within half a mile. Portobello Road Antiques Market is 0.6 miles to the West.
Hotel:
The Thistle Kensington Gardens is a modern hotel with its main entrance actually on Porchester terrace. Unusually
the hotel lobby is on the 1st floor and is accessed by lift from the ground
level.
Bedrooms are non-standard in that they have different sizes from room. Some are
decorated in a modern contemporary style while others are decorated and
furnished in a more traditional style.
All the hotel bedrooms are en-suite (free toiletries) and air-conditioned and
have wireless internet access. Other amenities include trouser press, safe,
central heating, direct dial telephone, iron and ironing board, radio, work
desk, hairdryer, desk space, tea and coffee making facilities, flat screen TV
with freeview channels. Many rooms have views of Kensington Gardens.
Two rooms are adapted for accessibility.
There is a full room service provided. Lift to all floors.
Dining:
Kensington Gardens Restaurant: Located on the lobby level (1st floor). Views of the Kensington Park
and serves modern British and European cuisine. A contemporary setting with
large windows and a relaxed ambience. Large wine list.
Open: noon till 22.00.
Lounge Bar: 30 seat capacity and located on the first floor. Serves light meals
(modern British and European menu) along with a range of drinks. Informal
setting.
Open 10.30 till
01.00.
Business facilities include three air-conditioned meeting rooms the largest of
which can accommodate up 45 delegates in a theatre style.
The hotel is staffed 24/7 and offers luggage storage facilities and a concierge
desk. WiFi available throughout the hotel.
Parking: onsite 62 spaces. (charges apply)
Room Numbers: 175 (129 are executive standard)
Check-in: 14.00 (2 pm)
Check-out: 12.00 noon
Background: Major £5 million
pounds refurbishment program during 2010 to summer 2011.
