Arrival/Check-In: I arrived at the hotel on a rainy, grey afternoon and was immediately greeted by a bright, welcoming lobby, a friendly doorman and efficient reception staff. Check-in was quick, and I was escorted to the Harlequin Suite, a junior suite named for its black-and-white diamond motif.
Guest Quarters: My suite at The Milestone, part of the Red Carnation Hotels Collection, was stylish and comfortable. It featured a king-sized bed, a spacious desk with multiple outlets (including a U.S. socket), a supportive desk chair, two overstuffed armchairs with ottomans, and a console table with a chair. The dressing area included a chair, a suit butler and a generous closet housing a minibar and a safe. The bathroom offered modern conveniences: a bidet, a tub with both an overhead and handheld shower, and a heated towel rack—typical of many European properties.
Services and Amenities: The Milestone emphasizes personalized service. Guests receive custom business cards during their stay, useful for deliveries or sharing contact details. Wellness facilities include a spa with a sauna, a lap pool and a Jacuzzi. The fitness center I used was well equipped with a stationary bike, a rowing machine, a treadmill and free weights.
The hotel’s restaurant, Cheneston’s, presents contemporary British cuisine in an intimate setting and highlights several signature dishes from the owners’ collection; I sampled one and found it excellent. The bar, Stables, evokes a pre-automobile era with equine-inspired décor and is a pleasant spot for afternoon tea, light bites or a more substantial drink. The Milestone caters to both leisure and business travelers with its Business Ready services—personal fax/printer/copier access, laptop rentals, office supplies and secretarial support.
The Experience: Like much of London, The Milestone sits within a historic context. Its name comes from an old milestone adjacent to the building, and the site has links to residents connected with Stuart and Georgian courts due to its proximity to Kensington Palace. The palace grounds across the street are perfect for a leisurely walk or daily run, and the current royal neighborhood adds to the area’s appeal.
What truly distinguishes The Milestone is its staff. Across every interaction, team members strive to deliver attentive, unobtrusive service with genuine warmth and professionalism, ensuring a consistently positive stay.
GT CHECKLIST
Doorman/valet: yes
Check-in under 10 minutes: yes
Separate tub and shower: no (combined tub with overhead and handheld shower)
Large vanity: yes
High-quality towels: yes
Powerful, unattached hair dryer: yes
High-quality bed linens: yes
Large, flat-screen television: yes
Large desk with convenient outlets: yes
Large, complimentary laptop safe: yes
Complimentary in-room WiFi: yes
Complimentary bottled water: yes
Stocked minibar: yes
Ample lighting: yes
In-room coffeemaker: yes
Iron and ironing board: yes
On-site restaurant: yes
24-hour room service: yes
24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center: yes
Turn-down service: yes
The Milestone Hotel
1 Kensington Court
London, W8 5DL
United Kingdom
tel 44 20 7917 1000
milestonehotel.com