The Adria review: The most stylish luxury boutique hotel in London

The Luxe Review Editors

Dec 28

Luxury British charm meets five-star indulgence: yes, you could be describing our fair selves. But, we're actually talking about beautiful boutique hotel The Adria, in the heart of South Kensington.

Yes, it's perfectly situated, in walking distance of The National History Museum, the Royal Albert Hall and Harrods. Yes, the service is attentive and refined. And yes, the food is delicious.

But, that's not what has got us so excited about this particular property.

Where The Adria really excels is its design. Inside this seemingly quintessential 19th century Victorian townhouse lies an incredible mix of cool, contemporary aesthetics and the feeling of an exclusive members club: an oasis of 24 curated boutique rooms and suites, as well as relaxing lounges (seemingly around ever corner) which all make for the ideal London hideaway.

There's a good reason the hotel is so stylish. Renovated just this year, the hotel's interiors are designed by the renowned Hirsch Bedner - the designers who are also behind some of the world's most luxurious five-star resorts, such as the Four Seasons Seychelles and St Regis at The Palm, Dubai.

The result is nothing short of stunning.

Typical hotels in the area opt for a uniform of old-school, traditional design, favouring ornate woods, (rather rickety) stairs, patterned carpets and florals which make guests feel, not that they've just stepped inside a townhouse - but that they've stepped back in time. The Adria, on the other hand, has kept all of the the building's charm and English heritage, while upping the glamour by keeping things clean and modern - sumptuous tartans and leathers are kept neat and of-the-moment against a light and breezy palette, and it makes for a beautiful base.

The opulence starts the moment you enter the residence. Forget standing at a check-in desk: you'll be whisked to the gorgeous lounge and offered a choice of teas and home-made biscuits, to check in for your stay - at this hotel hideaway, the relaxing starts right away. From here, you may want to imbibe a signature cocktail over a game of chess in the Games Room (you'll find there are plenty of different lounges and rooms to enjoy a cosy, private drink here). Or, make your way to your suite - where an even bigger treat awaits.

It's simple: The Adria's rooms are some of the best in London.

Soft furnishings, opulent accessories and bright, airy space achieve the perfect balance of luxury design and comfortable cosiness.

We stayed in a Junior Suite - of which, each in the property has been named after a London locale, such as the Globe, Harrods, Jubilee and Lord's rooms. Ours, the Kensington, comes complete with enormous four-poster bed, antique furniture, fireplace and a lavish sitting space to enjoy a glass of wine and unwind after a day in the city. Floor to ceiling windows allow for tons of natural light to stream in and make the large room feel even more grand than it already is.

Underfloor heating throughout the entirety of the suite only adds to the decadence.

Elsewhere, you'll hear the deluxe marble bathroom calling your name: that'll be the ultra-deep bath and plush robes, then. Or the tub's built-in TV waiting for you to watch your favourite show while fully bubbled. Or it may just be the heated marble floors (in this boutique hotel, even your tootsies are kept in utmost comfort). Or, maybe it's the finer details, like the premium Penhaligon's amenities which continue to deliver the best in British bliss. Either way, there's no more luxurious way to retire after pounding the pavements of London.

The feel of exclusivity, of course, extends to dining. Nothing feels more luxurious than dining whenever, wherever you want, and this is where the breakfast offering here feels really special. A la carte breakfast is served at your whim - in your room, in the restaurant or in the recently created conservatory. We recommend starting the day with the crushed avocado topped with perfectly poached eggs and served on toasted sourdough.

Later in the day, a sumptuous afternoon tea is served in the Polo Lounge - a tradition we're more than happy to retain amongst the building's modern makeover.

The verdict

Whether you're planning the ultimate London staycation or visiting the capital from overseas, we can think of no better - or better looking - way to spend your time in West London.