Baglioni Hotel London

The Baglioni Hotel London stood in Kensington, a short walk from Hyde Park’s southern edge. A tall Georgian façade overlooked the park’s plane trees and flowerbeds. Inside, Italian craftsmanship showed in marble floors, gold vases and a central fountain. The public rooms glowed with Murano glass chandeliers and velvet armchairs in grey and gold. A wide fireplace warmed the ground-floor lounge where guests gathered before dinner. The hotel was praised for its refined atmosphere and service. Conde Nast Traveller ranked it fifteenth among UK business hotels in 2007. The Leading Small Hotels of the World listed it among its members. Ristorante Brunello, on the ground floor, held a Michelin star for its Mediterranean menu. Fresh pasta, olive oil and wine travelled from Italy to keep flavours authentic. A Maserati car met guests at the door for special arrivals. Visitors found 67 rooms and 53 suites, each with Italian furnishings and large windows. Three executive suites and two presidential suites offered extra space for longer stays. The restaurant’s long wine list included rare Sassicaia bottles beneath Kensington Gardens’ view. Soft lighting from Murano candelabras softened the evenings. Outside, the quiet street led to Hyde Park’s paths and the museums of South Kensington.