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Editor John Hill finds a small but beautiful oasis of peace, calm and luxury in the centre of London. Read more.
City of London bankers can escape the Canary Wharf bubble and still enjoy the Best of British living just a few miles away from their Canary Wharf “prisons”
Because I have just discovered the perfect weekend or breakaway bolthole, and it is just a quick walk or cab to Knightsbridge and its world-class shopping, restaurants and boutiques.
I found the aptly-named Bentley tucked away in one of the area’s quietest roads and got an incredibly warm welcome when I checked in at around 10pm to a haven of peace and quiet and let my let my giant king-sized bed swallow me up and sleep with the air-conditioning off and windows open.
I, for once, took a leisurely breakfast in the hotel, which was full of relaxed and pleasant visitors, all chatting happily about the amazing touristic opportunities nearby – because the Bentley is brilliantly on the doorstep for shoppers as King’s Road and Brompton Road and High Street Kensington are all within a short walk and culture vultures will find the world-famous Natural History Museum, V&A, Science Museum and Royal Albert Hall are 10-15 minutes’ stroll.
As I finished my coffee a few taxis were starting to pull up outside bringing bargain-hunters back with large bag loads as the slumping value of the £ has made Britain a bargain basement.
There is much to impress you about the Bentley. For me, a lover of small, classic and quiet hotels away from the hustle-bustle, I loved the Bentley for its understated luxury. It is resplendent all over with polished wood, beautifully-tiled marble floors and bathroom fittings everywhere with sumptuous silks in abundance. Bedrooms and suites were all high-ceilinged and you shut your eyes and think you were in a palace. This hotel also has a spa and fitness room and is in close vicinity to fine restaurants and eateries, although remember the Bentley has an excellent menu and service too. And reasonable prices. Around £379 a night including breakfast. info@thebentley-hotel.com
