The impromptu master class in mixology, courtesy of award-winning mixologist Salvatore Maggio, proved to be one of the highlights of my stay at the glamorous and quintessentially-Italian Baglioni Hotel London opposite Kensington Palace and Gardens. Located near the Royal Albert Hall, this five-star property celebrates La Dolce Vita with black and white photographs honoring the stars of art, cinema and fashion such as Sophia Loren adorning a panel in the lobby, as well as on bedroom walls.
Creative elegance throughout is reflected in stylish, Murano glass candelabras and a magnificent fireplace inside the Brunello Restaurant and Lounge; through a flowing water-on-glass fixture inside the main entrance representing the iconic fountains of Italy’s piazza; and on walls lined with gold leaves symbolizing the southern European nation’s glorious sunshine. Corridors are adorned with deep crimson carpet and fabric wallpaper with abstract artwork.
Set in an original Victorian building, some of the hotel’s 67 rooms and suites also have fireplaces and private terraces. Our junior suite, with a leather padded door and narrow interior hallway, is best described as cool and chic, reminiscent of the golden age of Italian cinema. It features a vivid color scheme of black, cappuccino and gold, and boasts polished floors, a brass bathroom sink from Morocco and two standing white porcelain vases on either side of a striped sofa. Double wooden doors lead from the sitting room to a cozy bedroom, with a theatrical-style vanity mirror in one corner and two floor-to-ceiling cupboards. Such is the room’s panache, that the slippers were black, not the usual white, with the hotel’s name brandished on them in flourishing gold letters.
Among the suite options, the Royal Suite is located on the first floor, covering 787 square feet with three bedrooms, four bathrooms, two reception rooms, butler service and a large terrace overlooking Kensington Gardens.
Baglioni serves traditional afternoon tea in its ground-floor restaurant which views out onto the street and nearby park. In warm weather, a checker-tiled outdoor terrace with wrought iron chairs and tables is used. Nine types of teas are offered including Oolong semi-fermented tea grown in Formosa. It is rich and elegant with aromas of nuts and fruits, and the caffeine-free, Tarry Lapsang Souchong consists of Granny's garden fresh rhubarb with the sweetness of Bourbon vanilla.
In addition to standard English sandwiches served alongside the tea, the property also offers its own Mediterranean version such as Italian Parma ham wrapped around grissini, and bruschetta with bresaola, rucola and cheese. Desserts include Opera cake, beignets, tiramisu and raspberry mousse cake, all served on tableware by Schonwald of Germany.
The London property is one of nine Baglioni hotels in the group including five properties in Italy, three in France and plans for new hotels in Morocco and New York. With its elegant furnishings and colorful ambiance, the Baglioni Hotel London is a warm and attractive destination with friendly service in a great and convenient location.
