What they say
“Number Sixteen forms part of a mid-Victorian white stucco terrace situated in the heart of lively South Kensington. Hyde Park and world-renowned museums, including the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum are all within short walking distance.”
Sleep
Made up of three-period townhouses, Number Sixteen has 41 bedrooms, each one individually designed and decorated by creative director and owner, Kit Kemp.
Kit’s playful design ensures that the rooms feel intimate and welcoming, whilst the high ceilings, elaborate headboards and marble bathrooms stocked with the owner and designer’s Rik Rak bathroom goodies ooze luxury.
Each room includes Wi-Fi, a flat-screen television and a writing desk, which on arrival was very sweetly sporting a welcoming note and complimentary Rik Rak hand cream that I am now obsessed with.
Looking out onto Sumner Place, I was initially worried our room might allow the sounds of South Kensington to creep in, however, our night’s sleep was incredibly quiet. Should you have keener sensibilities, many of the other bedrooms have views into the hotel’s pretty courtyard garden.
Dine
Having kicked off our evening with a gin and tonic in the peaceful courtyard garden before exploring the neighbourhood’s watering holes, we returned to the hotel very much looking forward to getting stuck into the 24-hour room service menu – and it certainly didn’t disappoint. A generously-filled club sandwich (a room service must) and bowls brimming with deliciously skinny French fries, topped off with a glass of white wine and coke were as speedily devoured as they were delivered.
For all those staying at the hotel and eager to set themselves up for a day of sightseeing, the hotel’s breakfast has you well covered. Bacon and maple syrup-topped pancakes, fresh fruit, porridge and eggs any way you choose are all available, as well as a full English breakfast and avocado on toast, of course.
The Crowd
Laptop laden guests in town for work and visitors from abroad looking to take in some of London’s finest shopping and sightseeing opportunities.
Out & About
Number Sixteen is perfect for guests looking to throw themselves into the heart of all that London has to offer. Boasting some of the capital’s finest and oldest museums, notably, the V&A, Science Museum and Natural History Museum, South Kensington is ideally located for culture-loving travellers and families with curious little ones. Royal Albert Hall and Hyde Park are also only a short stroll away along Exhibition Road, and as a base for those heading further afield, the area is exceptionally well-connected by bus routes and tube lines.
The Best Thing
I’m going to have to be greedy and go for two things: the stunning, mood-boosting interiors and the picturesque garden, which, as a London-dweller, I am incredibly enviable of and, since staying, have been dreaming up ways to find myself back in.
The Worst Thing
Not having had more time to settle down in the sumptuously decorated Library with a good book and drink from the honesty bar.
The Details
16 Sumner Place, South Kensington, London SW7 3EG
www.firmdalehotels.com
Rooms range from £242 – £411 per night
