The Bailey’s Hotel London, a four‑star boutique property in Kensington, has been welcoming guests since 1876 — making it one of the capital’s oldest surviving purpose‑built hotels. Behind its Victorian façade lies a story of technological innovation, wartime service, and a surprising link to one of the world’s best‑known liqueurs. This review draws on historical records, booking‑site data, and official sources to give you a grounded picture of what The Bailey’s offers today.

Last checked: 2026-07-19

Hotel name: The Bailey’s Hotel London Kensington · Location: South Kensington, London · Year established: 1884 · Style: Boutique hotel in a Victorian townhouse

How we researched this

Last checked: 2026-07-19.

Sources reviewed: official property website, Wikipedia, Expedia listing, HRS listing, Travel Weekly directory, World Luxury Hotel Awards, Milesfaster travel guide, Hi‑Life corporate magazine, Luxury Lifestyle Magazine, TripAdvisor, Facebook.

We did not conduct an on‑site visit, interview staff, or independently verify published rates. Historical claims are cross‑checked against at least two independent sources where possible.

The Bailey’s Hotel at a glance

1 Rich History
  • Constructed 1874–1876 by Aldin & Sons for hotelier James Bailey, one of London’s first purpose‑built hotels (Wikipedia)
2 Victorian Character
  • Grade II listed Victorian townhouse with original stained glass, marble pillars, and a sweeping spiral staircase (Milesfaster)
3 Technological Pioneer
  • Installed an elevator and electric lighting in 1890, making it one of the earliest London hotels with such amenities (Wikipedia)
4 Prime Location
  • Opposite Gloucester Road tube station, within walking distance of the Natural History Museum, V&A, and Royal Albert Hall (World Luxury Hotel Awards)

Who owns The Bailey’s Hotel London?

The Bailey’s Hotel London Kensington is operated by Millennium Hotels and Resorts, a subsidiary of City Developments Limited (CDL), which acquired the property in July 1994. CDL, part of the Hong Leong Group, had purchased the hotel from Securum Hotel Holdings, which had bought it from the Taj Group in 1992. The hotel retains its historic name but shares some services with the adjacent Millennium Gloucester Hotel and conference centre.

The bottom line: Ownership is corporate, but the hotel’s independent branding and Victorian character remain intact.

What is the history of The Bailey’s Hotel?

James Bailey, a hotelier and later Member of Parliament for Walworth, Newington, commissioned the construction of The Bailey’s Hotel between 1874 and 1876. It opened as a purpose‑built hotel, a rarity in London at the time. Bailey expanded the property along Courtfield Road in 1877 and, in 1881, replaced the original nine stables with a garden and additional buildings (now home to the Bombay Brasserie restaurant). By the 1890s the hotel had over 300 rooms and was popular with international guests.

In 1890 Bailey added an elevator and electric lighting, making the hotel technologically advanced for its era. He sold the hotel to Spiers & Pond Limited in 1894 but stayed on as managing director. During World War II the building was used as a provisional hospital and suffered incendiary bomb damage on 8 March 1941, with a further fire in the staff quarters in 1945. Post‑war renovations occurred between 1952 and 1954, and a complete restoration took place in 1988. The hotel dropped the “Millennium” branding from its name in 2016, reverting to “The Bailey’s Hotel London” after a multi‑million pound refurbishment.

What this means: The Bailey’s has survived wars, fires, and ownership changes while preserving its Victorian architecture — a rare continuity in London’s hotel scene.

Which hotel do celebrities stay at in London?

The Bailey’s Hotel is not among the most famous London hotels — that distinction typically goes to The Ritz, The Savoy, and Claridge’s. But it has hosted notable guests, including Sultan Abu Bakar of Johor, a Malay ruler who died after staying there in June 1895. The hotel’s discreet service and Victorian charm appeal to discerning travellers, though no specific celebrity names are confirmed in available records. For readers specifically interested in celebrity‑frequented hotels, the grand five‑star properties in Mayfair and the West End are more likely destinations.

The catch: The Bailey’s reputation is built on history and character, not celebrity sightings — but its quiet profile may be exactly what some guests seek.

What is the most famous hotel in London?

Commonly cited as the most famous are The Ritz, The Savoy, and Claridge’s — each with a century‑plus history of royal and celebrity patronage. The Bailey’s Hotel is a well‑regarded historic boutique property but operates in a different tier: it offers authentic Victorian ambiance at a more accessible price point than the iconic luxury landmarks.

The pattern: The Bailey’s occupies a niche between budget chain hotels and ultra‑luxury establishments, appealing to guests who value historical character over high‑profile glamour.

Specifications

AttributeDetails
Hotel nameThe Bailey’s Hotel London Kensington
Address140 Gloucester Road, London SW7 4QH, United Kingdom
Year built1876
Current room count212 rooms
Historic peak roomsOver 300 (1890s)
Architectural styleVictorian townhouse, Grade II listed
Operating groupMillennium Hotels and Resorts (CDL)
Last major renovation2015–2016
Nearest tubeGloucester Road (Piccadilly, District, Circle lines)
Notable featuresOriginal stained glass, marble pillars, spiral staircase, electric lighting (1890), elevator (1890)

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Rich Victorian heritage with period features such as stained glass and marble pillars
  • Prime location opposite Gloucester Road tube station, near major museums and Royal Albert Hall
  • One of London’s oldest surviving purpose‑built hotels, with a documented history since 1876
  • Pioneering technology: among the first London hotels with electric lighting and a lift

Cons

  • Some guest reviews note that rooms can be smaller than those in modern chain hotels
  • Not as widely known as luxury landmarks like The Ritz or The Savoy
  • Limited on‑site dining compared to larger hotels (Olives Restaurant and Bar)

Pricing band

The Bailey’s Hotel is positioned in the mid‑to‑upper price range for a 4‑star historic boutique hotel in central London. Published rates on booking platforms typically reflect the hotel’s combination of character, location, and four‑star amenities. No specific current prices are independently verified in this review, but historical data shows a steep rise: approximately US$12 per night in the 1970s compared with roughly US$110 by the late 20th century.

Location and getting there

The hotel is at 140 Gloucester Road, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. The main entrance is on Courtfield Road, opposite Gloucester Road Underground station (served by the Piccadilly, District, and Circle lines). From the station it is a one‑minute walk. Major attractions within walking distance include the Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, Science Museum, Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gardens, and Hyde Park. Heathrow Airport is about 45 minutes away via the Piccadilly line.

Alternatives in the set

For travellers seeking similar historic character in central London, other options include Phoenix Hotel London (a historic hotel nearby) and London Hotel Balmain (a boutique property). Both offer period charm and convenient access to central London’s cultural attractions.

Our pick recommendation

Best for: History buffs, celebrity‑seeking guests (in the quiet sense), boutique hotel aficionados, and South Kensington explorers.

The Bailey’s Hotel London is a strong choice for travellers who prioritise historical authenticity and location over modern luxury. Its Victorian architecture, documented heritage, and proximity to museums and the tube make it a solid option for a research‑stage comparison. While it lacks the glamour of London’s most famous hotels, it offers a genuine piece of Victorian London at a generally more accessible price point.

Timeline

  • 1874–1876 – Construction by Aldin & Sons; opens as one of London’s first purpose‑built hotels
  • 1877 – Expansion along Courtfield Road
  • 1881 – Stables replaced by garden and additional buildings (now Bombay Brasserie)
  • 1890 – Elevator and electric lighting installed
  • 1894 – Sold to Spiers & Pond Limited; James Bailey remains managing director
  • 1895 – Sultan Abu Bakar of Johor dies at the hotel
  • 1914 – Intense competition: 14 hotels in 18 buildings in Kensington
  • 8 March 1941 – Incendiary bomb hits the hotel, causing major fire damage
  • 1945 – Fire in staff quarters while the building is used as a provisional hospital
  • 1952–1954 – Post‑war renovations; bathrooms added in 1954
  • 1958 – New bar opens
  • 1988 – Complete restoration
  • 1992 – Purchased from Taj Group by Securum Hotel Holdings
  • July 1994 – Acquired by City Developments Limited (CDL)
  • 2015–2016 – Multi‑million pound refurbishment; “Millennium” branding dropped
Additional sources

en.wikipedia.org, tripadvisor.com, tripadvisor.com, expedia.com

Frequently asked questions

What is the address of The Bailey’s Hotel London Kensington?

140 Gloucester Road, London SW7 4QH, United Kingdom. The main entrance is on Courtfield Road, opposite Gloucester Road tube station.

Does The Bailey’s Hotel have a restaurant?

Yes, the hotel houses Olives Restaurant and Bar, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The adjacent Bombay Brasserie occupies the former stables building.

Does The Bailey’s Hotel offer afternoon tea?

Afternoon tea is available at Olives Restaurant and Bar, typically served in the Victorian lounge. Booking is recommended.

What is the nearest Underground station?

Gloucester Road station (Piccadilly, District, and Circle lines) is directly opposite the hotel entrance, less than a minute’s walk away.

Is The Bailey’s Hotel part of a hotel chain?

Yes, it is operated by Millennium Hotels and Resorts, owned by City Developments Limited (CDL). Despite this, it retains its historic name and independent character.

Sources cited