My recent stay at The Bailey’s Hotel London Kensington and The Chelsea Harbour Hotel & Spa revealed how one hotel group can cater to travellers with different needs — whether it’s the cultural convenience and heritage of Kensington or the spacious, waterfront calm of Chelsea Harbour. Both experiences were memorable, but for entirely different reasons.
The Bailey’s Hotel London Kensington
A classic London stay with contemporary comfort
The Bailey’s Hotel, located directly opposite Gloucester Road Underground Station, is a property where history and modern hospitality sit comfortably together. Built in 1876, the building carries the charm of its Victorian origins, yet it feels refreshed and well cared for. High ceilings, carved mouldings and elegant staircases anchor the space in its heritage, while the contemporary furnishings add comfort without overwhelming the character of the original structure.
I stayed in the Deluxe Double Room, which offered a generous amount of space for a central London property. Warm lighting, handsome wooden detailing and plush upholstery created an atmosphere that was both inviting and refined. The suite included a cosy seating area that made returning after a long day enjoyable rather than tiring. The bed, with its crisp linens and supportive mattress, made resting easy, and the bathroom — modern, spotless and fitted with a rain shower — felt rejuvenating.
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Deluxe double room
What made the stay especially pleasant was the service. Staff were polite, conversational, and genuinely interested in helping. Their attentiveness gave the hotel a personable quality that made it feel less like an anonymous city lodging and more like a warm home base.
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One of the most delightful surprises at The Bailey’s is Bugis Singapore Restaurant, located right within the property. After being away from Singapore for some time, the meal I had there felt genuinely comforting. What was nice was hearing several tables speaking in the unmistakable Singaporean accent. And that’s when you know a restaurant is authentic.
Authentic Singaporean flavours at the Bugis Singapore Restaurant
Sitting inside the restaurant, surrounded by warm lighting and the sound of woks and simmering sauces from the kitchen, I felt a connection to home that I hadn’t realised I was missing. For anyone who has spent extended time abroad, you will understand the relief and pleasure that comes from encountering flavours so tied to memory and familiarity. The team at Bugis delivered that experience with sincerity.
The hotel’s location is one of its greatest strengths. South Kensington’s museums — the Natural History Museum, the V&A and the Science Museum — are within easy walking distance and the Tube station was just conveniently across the front door.
The Chelsea Harbour Hotel & Spa
Suite-style indulgence with a marina view
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The Chelsea Harbour Hotel & Spa offers a very different experience — one centred around space, light, and a sense of calm that is difficult to find in busy London city. Located along the marina, the property is London’s only all-suite hotel, which means every guest enjoys more room than typical city accommodations provide.
My Marina View King Suite overlooked the harbour, with a balcony that allowed me to take in the view of gentle movement of boats and the wide expanse of sky reflected on the water. The suite itself felt more like a well-appointed apartment than a hotel room, with a separate living area and a large bedroom with soft lighting and a serene ambience.
Marina suite
The design used neutral tones, clean lines, and elegant textiles, creating a modern yet inviting feel. The bathroom was spacious and fitted with a bathtub and walk-in shower, offering the kind of layout that encourages long, unhurried evenings. The entire space conveyed a sense of relaxation that stayed with me throughout the stay.
Lunch at The Anchor, the hotel’s main restaurant, was one of the highlights of my visit. With large windows overlooking the marina, the setting offers a picturesque backdrop. Watching the day settle over the water while enjoying a well-prepared meal felt like occupying a quieter, more refined corner of the city. The seafood dishes were a particular pleasure.
Breakfast the next morning was equally enjoyable. Enjoying coffee by the window while watching the harbour slowly come alive set a calm tone for the day.
The terrace at The Anchor
The one-hour massage I booked at the spa was another standout of the stay. The spa is designed with a focus on creating quiet, restorative moments: soft and warm lighting with attentive service. My therapist tailored the treatment to the tension in my shoulders and back, using aromatic oils and steady, consistent pressure that eased the stiffness I had built up from travelling.
The hotel’s location by the marina offers a retreat-like quality, but it remains conveniently connected to the rest of the city. A short ride brings you to Sloane Square, the King’s Road and the attractions of West London. For travellers who value space, privacy, and the opportunity to unwind, Chelsea Harbour is an ideal choice.
