Roseate House Hotel, Kensington, London

The prettiest boutique hotel in a row of period buildings just off Lancaster Gate and a hop, skip and a jump from Hyde Park, Roseate House Hotel is a veritable classic.

Situated in pretty Westbourne Terrace, it boasts associations with John Constable and Oscar Wilde and comprises three mid-19th century terraced houses.

Restored and designed to appeal to lovers of history and quintessential old world English style, the discreet hotel offers large, well-appointed rooms, some with four poster beds. Ours had a sitting ante-room and a bathroom with reproduction vintage fittings that chimed well with the overall decor. The hotel is filled with original pieces and oil paintings, specially selected by a fine art/antiques expert.

The clientele is international with a number of Asian guests staying while we were there.

Breakfast is buffet style and as generous as they come. It is served at the ground floor bar where, come 2.30 pm, guests can partake of traditional English Tea in the best possible style and tradition.

A vast choice of teas is on the menu as is Champagne.  The delicate sandwiches are followed by a sumptuous display of home-made scones, clotted cream and a variety of jams, but the piece de resistence is the selection of bite-size cakes, ranging from macaroons to exquisite chocolate cakes to strawberry cream filled feather weight pastry.

Given the proximity of both Paddington and the park, which is a 2 minute walk, Roseate House is exceptionally conveniently located.  It is also a real find in a city that’s teaming with accommodation that often struggles to reach the par.