100 Queen’s Gate Hotel has been stunningly transformed into a luxury hotel

Last weekend, I decided to treat myself to a lovely solo staycation at 100 Queen’s Gate Hotel in South Kensington. Life has been hurtling along at 100mph lately, and I needed time to reflect without distractions. I have been feeling constantly on the go; I wanted to pause and appreciate all the great things I’ve been doing while taking proper time for myself.

Upon arriving at 100 Queen’s Gate Hotel, I was greeted so warmly by the front-of-house staff, especially Rosemary and Rachel. They were sweet, friendly, and made me feel instantly welcome.

Each hotel suite is named after a famous resident of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Mine was ‘Sir Alfred Hitchcock’, the legendary English filmmaker known for masterpieces like Psycho. He famously aimed to “always make the audience suffer as much as possible”, turning viewers into voyeurs through masterful framing that built anxiety and fear.

The Suite

My suite spans two floors. The downstairs living area exudes a homely feel with a flat-screen TV, a fireplace, and a window seat offering views over South Kensington. This allows ample natural light, making the space feel brighter and more inviting upon entry. A comfy brick-coloured sofa provides the perfect spot to relax downstairs with a book, without needing to retreat to bed.

Upstairs, the bedroom features a huge king-size bed with the fluffiest pillows and another large flat-screen TV. The bathroom includes both a shower and a bath. Sliding doors separate the living area from the bedroom, ideal for longer stays.

Food and Drink

ESQ Bar

ESQ Bar is a warm, homely, inviting space for light bites and cocktails. Picture warm orange ambient lighting, brick-coloured armchairs with low tables, and flickering candlelight. It strikes a perfect balance of work and play, with table heights suited to casual dinners, business meetings, or date nights. Tucked-away spots offer cosiness, while open areas provide a casual vibe.

During my stay, I savoured a sweet vanilla latte made with the finest Brazilian coffee beans, served at the perfect temperature—sweet, never bitter. The bar embraces a Japanese concept of small plates for sharing, with generous portions and excellent variety. My standout was the dessert: a strawberry-flavoured mochi ice cream ball that tasted just like strawberry Starburst sweets. I devoured the whole thing myself!

The cocktail menu boasts hundreds of options. I chose ‘The Beach Comber’, inspired by Indonesian summer nights—a delightful mix of pineapple-flavoured rum, mango and bergamot syrup, and lime juice.

The hotel has recently opened Cento, an Italian restaurant showcasing the finest traditional cuisine, and Botanica, a beautiful tearoom serving classic British afternoon tea.