insideKENT Magazine Issue 52 - July 2016 | Page 125
GETAWAYS
Refined Luxury at
Baglioni Hotel, London
When it comes to hospitality, no one does it like the Italians; and if we're talking five-star, no one
does it quite like Baglioni Hotel London. BY SARAH GREEN
Boasting unrivalled views of the historic
Kensington Palace and Gardens, Baglioni Hotel
London is the ideal getaway for a cheeky
weekend city break. Pair your stay with a trip to
the on-site spa and the newly redesigned
Osteria 60 restaurant, and you have a luxury
escape second to none.
After a swift check-in, I entered the lift in a bid
to discover my first-floor suite – a spacious
room with opulent furnishings, a separate
lounge area, complete with a desk, well
stocked bar and espresso machine; a
beautifully decorated bedroom; and a
contemporary, luxurious en suite bathroom.
Whether it's room service, a chauffeur-driven
car or personal butler, at Baglioni, guests want
for nothing – and that's just how the dedicated
team like it.
Whiles guests can relax the hours away in their
room, gazing at the views of Kensington
Gardens and beyond, there's also an on-site
fitness centre and renovated spa in which to
relax your body and mind.
Opting for the former, I enjoyed a (rare) tranquil
couple of hours and hot espresso before
heading down to the intimate Osteria 60 for
dinner.
Facing Kensington Gardens, on the ground
floor of the Baglioni Hotel, this intimate eatery is
a versatile area featuring ambiances with
luxurious details: comfortable chocolate browns
and golds adorn the floors, walls and furnishings, and the designer bar not only dominates
the room in terms of design, but offers an
impressive selection of wines and spirits.
Served by the impeccable waiting team, my
guest and I kicked off proceedings with a
recommended glass of Prosecco (it would be
rude not to), and a warm freshly baked loaf of
Italian bread and salted butter.
In the way of starters, our desire to try some
'proper' Italian delicacies prevailed and we
opted for the Osteria 60 calamari with tomato
pappa and mozzarella, and the smoked
heritage beetroots with buffalo ricotta – both of
which paid testament to the menu's Mediterranean influence and chef's desire to conserve
many original perfumes and flavours.
Next up and my Osteria 60 Parmigiana was a
dish to commemorate. Having grown up in an
Italian household, aubergine parmesan is
something of a speciality in my family, but this
Osteria 60 version may just give my
grandmother a run for her money. Presented as
a whole stuffed aubergine, rather than the
traditional layers of alternating
sauce/cheese/vegetable, the Baglioni’s unique
take on this traditional dish was a sure winner.
My guest's lamb chops with Sicilian aubergine
caponata was equally impressive; melt-in-themouth tender with an aromatic kick.
'Dessert?' was a rhetorical question if I ever
have heard one. Without hesitation I opted for
the classic tiramisu; and my guest enjoyed a
light and creamy ‘Chocolate Mondrian’ – both
utterly delicious. Bravissimo!
Retiring to our room, the sumptuous, comfy
bed made for a restful night's sleep prior to,
you guessed it, more food! Included in our
package, breakfast was served back in Osteria
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60 where guests can pick from a continental
buffet or à la carte menu, which offers cuisine
such as eggs Benedict, full English, and salmon
and scrambled egg (my dish of choice).
Fuelled for the day, it was time to check out,
but not before thanking the warm, professional
team that had looked after us throughout our
stay and done its utmost to offer a home from
home.
But the buck doesn't stop here; this boutique
chain runs a host of luxury hotels with sites in
Italy, France and Marrakech – each renowned
for their gracious welcome, elegant interiors,
matchless service and unrivalled locations.
More than just an overnight stay, the hotel
series pledges 'the unforgettable Italian touch',
and has done since 1974. Preserving a certain
prestige, it prides itself on upping the guest
experience from ordinary to extraordinary – an
ethos for which Baglioni Hotel London is the
perfect model.
Baglioni Hotel London
60 Hyde Park Gate
Kensington
London
SW7 5BB
020 7368 5700
[email protected]
www.baglionihotels.com/category/
baglioni-hotel-london
@baglioni_hotels