Easy Escapes: The Other House South Kensington

If there’s one thing that’s utterly time consuming when it comes to planning a city break, it’s deciding on your accommodation. Do you opt for the fuss-free feeling of a perfectly located hotel, or trawl the internet for a trendy, self-contained apartment that gives you flexibility during your getaway? 

Well, there’s a perfect solution. Enter The Other House - a chic hotel-apartment hybrid that blends a cosy home comfort feeling with 5* service. 

Nestled in the heart of South Kensington you can expect to stay in a fully equipped flat and have access to all the facilities you’d expect from a luxury hotel. 

Indecisive travellers - this one is for you. 

Why Go

Tucked away from the bustling streets of west London, The Other House is made up of eleven traditional Victorian townhouses and oozes charm, fun and opulence from the moment you step into the lobby. But what makes it a stand-out stay is its ability to create a home away from home while also providing all of the luxury touches. 

Of course, there’s a spa to make the most of and a menu of wellbeing treatments on offer (think reiki, tarot readings and breathwork sessions to name a few), but there are also several quiet cosy nooks to settle down with a book or a glass of wine. The Owl & Monkey bar on the ground floor will provide you with mouth-watering small plates in the evening, but each Club Flat has its own a built-in kitchen if you’d prefer to whip up something yourself. Private memberships are available, but forget stuffy and intimidating etiquette - the staff are relaxed, approachable and genuinely friendly.

You've got the option to enjoy a self-sufficient stay or make the most of the stellar service - and it creates an experience you won’t forget any time soon. Whether you’re booking for a night, a week, or a month, it can be whatever you need it to be - and that’s what truly makes it unique.  

The Vibe

From the moment you walk in, you’ll notice that there’s a very clear theme combining elements of the natural world with the glamour of the Gilded age. There are life sized gold flamingos to be found, a velvet chair backed with enormous peacock feathers and bathrooms with shimmering gold basins and swan taps. The different wallpapers feature zebras, leopards and monkeys, and the lobby boasts a gorgeous overhead gold leaf garland. 

There’s a small peaceful library for anyone who wants to bury their nose in a book, and on the club floor you’ll find the Keeping Room - lashings of velvet, a baby grand piano and a general vibe of Gatsby glamour, it’s only accessible to guests and private members. 

The spa - which boasts a pool, sauna and steam room - can be found on the same floor, as can the gym, and the bright adjoining atrium is the perfect spot for a chilled out post-swim green tea. 

The rooms

The hotel houses 200 Club Flats, rooms which include a lounge area and kitchenette to create that open-plan studio apartment feeling. The Club Originals sleep two people, with either a King or Queen sized bed, and an ornate screen separates the bedroom and sitting area. With wood panels, a velvet sofa and gold light fixtures, it’s classic and cosy. 

For families or large groups, the Club Vaults offer space for 4 to 6 people and are located on the Club Floor - conveniently close to the spa… 

The Food 

If you’re feeling peckish but don’t feel inspired to use your Club Flat kitchenette, you can grab some light bites at The Other Kitchen, the hotel’s main onsite eatery which is open from 7am to 6pm and offers casual all day dining, or The Owl & Monkey, the chic and dramatically designed hotel bar which serves small plates from 6pm.  

Enjoy a tasty breakfast at The Other Kitchen, with flat whites, green smoothies and fruit juices sure to wake you up. If you prefer a light breakfast, the continental style buffet features a range of freshly baked goods, cereals and yoghurts for your choosing. But if you want something a little more, take advantage of the full breakfast which includes all of the above, plus Clarence Court poached eggs on sourdough with either crushed avocado, crispy bacon or smoked salmon. And if you’re really feeling hungry, tuck in to the The Humongous sandwich - a toasted ciabatta packed with a Cumberland sausage, eggs, mushrooms, bacon and whiskey chilli jam, cheddar cheese and tomato. It’s not an overstatement - it’s enormous. And delicious. 

Throughout the day, you can also pop in to sink your teeth into a number of delicious sandwiches, soups and salads, but leave room to try something from their selection of homemade cakes, too. 

Evenings are well spent at The Owl & Monkey, where you can take your pick from a list of carefully crafted cocktails. Those who love a classic tipple are catered for - think Palomas, Cosmos and Negronis - but the real jewels are found in the signature cocktails list. The French Kiss is a perfect pre-dinner tipple, while The Other Memory cocktail is one for the bold, starring cacao and chilli infused Avallen Calvados.

But there’s more. The sharing plates will keep you there for a while. There’s a small but tempting selection to choose from, with lamb and cumin kebabs, slow cooked short rib sliders and roasted aubergine with red miso that will make your tastebuds happy. But if there’s one thing not to miss, it’s the whipped feta and Padrón peppers. Trust me, you’ll be dreaming about it for weeks afterwards. 

How to book 

For more information about The Other House South Kensington, or to book a room, visit their website at https://otherhouse.com or call +44 (0)20 3846 6000.