The Milestone is a 5 star rated, boutique Victorian luxury hotel located in the
heart of Kensington, London. The Milestone Hotel and Apartments takes its name from
the old cast iron milestone that stands in its original position besides the hotel.
Like other premier hotels in London, ‘The Milestone’ has a history. The original
dwelling on this site was Kensington House, built around 1689. For 141 years, Kensington
House was the dwelling for London aristocracy and royalty. For instance the house
was occupied by Lady Susan Belasye, a mistress of King James the Second in the late
Seventeenth century as also by Count Peter Grigorevich Chernyshev, the Russian Ambassador
to London in the mid-Eighteenth century;
and many other upper class gentry up to 1830.
From 1830 Kensington House was turned into a private lunatic asylum before being
replaced by a mansion of the same name. In 1883-1884, the mansion was in turn torn
down and replaced by two buildings, number 1 and number 2 Kensington Court. The
buildings began to be used as a hotel from the year 1922. In October 1998 The Milestone
Hotel became part of the Red Carnation Hotel collection.
The hotel is unique with 45 luxurious bedrooms, 12 sumptuous suites and 6 two bedroom
apartments. One of its many benefits is the large number of rooms that overlook
the splendid and imperial Kensington Gardens. The hotel underwent restoration in
1999, with meticulously done original fireplaces, carved wood paneling, high ceilings
and large ornate windows according to the highest English Heritage standards. The
interior is decorated with antiques and elegant furnishings. Over the subsequent
years the Milestone has been showered with numerous awards and accolades, and today
ranks as
one of the best hotels in the world.
Afternoon tea at ‘The Milestone’ is a fastidious affair with great attention to
detail and etiquette, silver teapots and delicate china, in time honored synchronization
with Imperial British tradition. It is served in the Conservatory and the ‘Park
Lounge’, which with its staid yet elegant décor, sumptuous comfort and open fire
place forms a cozy and warm retreat for afternoon tea.
The Park Lounge features a pianist on weekends during afternoon tea sessions.
Afternoon Tea selection:
Traditional Afternoon Tea
Royal Afternoon Tea
Cream
Tea
Little Prince & Princess Tea
Hours Of Operation:
Afternoon tea is served daily at 1PM, 3PM and 5PM.
Sessions last 2 hours
Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekends.
Awards
The Milestone was awarded The Tea Guild's Award of Excellence in 2006, 2009, 2010,
2011 & 2012.
Dress Code:
Elegant; smart casual.
Dietary Requirements
The Milestone is pleased to cater to several dietary requirements. Please state
such requirements/preferences, if any, when booking.
Please note that for some dietary requirements, The Milestone will require advance
notice.
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