The Gore Hotel, Starhotels Collezione

A staple in London’s hotel scene since since it opened in 1892, it’s not hard to see why. Walk in the front door of this redbrick mansion and you feel as if you’re visiting a friend’s house (albeit a friend who lives in a superb location and has impeccable taste in interiors). You are greeted warmly by efficient and jolly front of house staff and quickly shown up to your stunning home for the night. The interiors are nothing short of gorgeous – cleverly chosen fabrics complement bold coloured, deep carpets and walls that are adorned with hundreds of paintings and the most beautiful period style mirrors. It’s classic and traditional but in the most homely manner – nothing is forced or stiff – it’s a bit like having comfort food for supper (warm and cosy and deeply satisfying). There are period features galore, from the lovely stone staircase to the high ceilings, and the whole place is filled with an eclectic mix of furniture, including antique carved beds, which adds to the opulent feel. Each of the fifty rooms and suites are individually designed but all bear the hallmark of the hotel’s style – sophisticated elegance accompanied by the latest modern comforts and technology you’d expect in a top hotel including a complimentary smartphone which enables you to make local and international calls and much more during your stay (at no extra cost). Bathrooms continue the theme, with deep tubs (Classic doubles have a walk-in shower only), Penhaligon toiletries and Victorian style sinks and loos. Bar 190 is the perfect place to enjoy pre or post dinner drinks. Best know as the place where the Rolling Stones launched their “Beggars Banquet” album, the interior remains pretty much the same today. It’s hugely atmospheric with dark wood panelled walls (covered with Stones pictures of course), and a range of seating from deep red velvet high back chairs to a hidey hole with red velvet curtains and gold damask covered sofas – definitely the place to go for a spot of privacy or secret assignation! Just don’t forget to try one of the long list of G&Ts – they will not disappoint! Dining is in Restaurant 190 Queen's Gate where the menu is overseen by Michelin Star chef Daniel Galmiche. There’s an excellent and well priced pre or post theatre menu, or for more choice go a la carte. The style is contemporary classic and the dishes absolutely delicious! It is difficult to put into words how good The Gore really is; superb location, stunning interiors, and great friendly service. Our advice – go see for yourselves (I’d book a room here every time I visited London if I could!).

Why do people love staying in your hotel?
The second you step in the lobby of The Gore, you know this is a place where history happened. Everything from location, the steps taking you to the entrance, the décor of the hotel and rooms reflects the history of the legendary British hospitality and so many of our guests come to stay with us at The Gore for this iconic experience. Our guests also love how close we are to Royal Albert Hall and always have a G&T in our famous Bar 190 before going to a show or enjoy an afternoon tea or dinner in our lovely restaurant.

What is there to do in the area or on site?
Bar 190 is perfect for evening drinks for a party of any size and 190 Queen’s Gate by Daniel Galmiche restaurant offers a contemporary classics, prepared and presented in a captivatingly modern way. To enjoy the most of the location, Royal Albert Hall is just a stone’s throw away as well as Hyde Park. The Victoria & Albert Museum and Natural History museum are also just a 10 min walk away.

What kind of breakfast do you offer?
Continental breakfast

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally?
190 Queen’s Gate by Daniel Galmiche offers lunch, dinner, pre-theatre menu and afternoon tea. Our Concierge team will be delighted to recommend local restaurant depending on your requirements.

Which are your most popular room types, and why?
All of The Gore's 50 lavishly appointed rooms and suites are individually furnished, creating a distinctive atmosphere that makes each one truly unique. We have guests who come back to experience all of our rooms but the Junior Suites at The Gore are most sought-after, each representing The Gore’s most famous guests such as The Dame Nellie.

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms ?
We can accommodate families with children in our rooms and an extra bed is available upon request.

What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers?
The Gore is a real gem of Kensington and is a perfect enclave to explore the heart of London. Kensington Palace is just around the corner, as are Hyde Park’s flowerbeds, the Natural History Museum’s collections and London’s temple of music – the Royal Albert Hall. South Kensington and Knightsbridge’s array of shops, bars and restaurants are also within walking distance. The quintessentially British décor of the rooms, suites and common spaces will enchant the guests from the first moment, while 190 Queen’s Gate by Daniel Galmiche and Bar 190 are perfect spots for pre and post-show dining and an evening of favourite mixtures in iconic surrounds.