Reviews & Articles

Living like a King in Kensington

Malcolm Rogers enjoys a weekend in London,
The Irish Post, Spring Breaks 2005 supplement

Fancy a few nights with your friends in central London at the former gaff of the Aga Khan? Well, I have news for you – its within your reach. Or want a top notch place to park your relatives next time they’re over from Ireland? Well, I have news for you. In a quiet tree-lined square just off Kensington High Street you or your relatives can stay in the lap of luxury – in a serviced apartment in an elegant Victorian townhouse, with fully fitted kitchen and dining room. The Aga’s trappings are all gone, but an air of opulence still pervades the place.
The apartments are within walking distance of the Albert Hall, the Victoria and Albert Museum, The Princess Diana Memorial, and minutes from shops such as Zara, Next, Diesel, Urban Outfitters, to name but a few.

At the moment I’ve put my wardrobe on the back burner, in a manner of speaking, so the latter were of limited interest to me. However, I did pop up to the Science Museum to pay my respects to one of Ireland’s greatest dogs, Mick the Miller, whose stuffed remains are rather incongruously displayed in the entrance hall.

Now, I happen to suffer from museum blindness – no matter how interesting the exhibits are, half an hour is my absolute limit and everything begins to look the same after that. So, after a brief survey of the exhibits, it was back to the apartment for afternoon snacks. (A glass of Chablis and an avocado and bacon sandwich from nearby Marks & Spencers since you ask). I tell you, having your own kitchen and dining room in central London really does save you a fortune – and should retail therapy be more your thing, after getting back from a hard day at the credit card face nothing beats putting your feet up in your favourite armchair (I had picked mine out within minutes) having a power nap for an hour or two, before catching a show in the west end.

Talking of fortunes, I can hear you muttering away in the background that staying somewhere like 51 Kensington Court is probably away beyond your budget. Well, think again. The price, which at first sight might appear to make your credit card melt, is in fact very competitive and compares very favourably with any hotels in the vicinity. Particularly when you consider the facilities – a separate, fully equipped kitchen, a huge double bed, and comfortable, stylish furnishing which is firmly on the side of tradition. And nothing beats the combination of the latest mod cons, opulent comfort and a bathroom of decent proportions.

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