The Ampersand – Hotel Review

Don’t be fooled by its stately, late-19th century exterior: The Ampersand is one of the most creative hotels in the city. The magic of science, music and art is woven into this luxury hotel’s bedrooms, public spaces and even its afternoon tea, a clever nod to the (very) nearby Science Museum. Read on for the full review.

The rooms, lift and corridors are decorated with elegant sketches of flora and fauna, and there’s a light installation in the central stairwell, which is often altered to match the season. The staff add blooms to mark the Chelsea Flower Show and if you stay during the festive season, you’ll find artificial snow. It’s all part of the whimsy of the place, which, thankfully, never comprises comfort for quirk.

Where is The Ampersand Hotel? 

The Ampersand Hotel is on Harrington Road and is a one-minute walk from South Kensington Tube station. It’s a 40-minute Tube ride from Heathrow Airport to South Kensington or a 15-minute Heathrow Express ride to Paddington, then 10–15 minutes in a cab.

What’s near The Ampersand Hotel?

The Science Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum are all within a five-minute walk. It’s a 10-minute stroll to the Royal Albert Hall and Hyde Park, 30 minutes to the Thames and about 15 minutes up Brompton Road to Harrods in neighbouring Knightsbridge. South Kensington Tube station is on the Piccadilly, Circle and District Lines, offering easy access to all of central London.

Room types 

The hotel has 111 rooms, with six accessible for guests with a disability. Each room type is themed, with everything from wallpaper to soft furnishings bearing subtle and chic references to various disciplines. Single and Double rooms pay homage to astronomy; Superiors praise music (a reference to the nearby Royal College of Music). Deluxe rooms have freestanding baths overlooking the streetscape and are all about birds, while Deluxe Studios favour botany and the fourth- and fifth-floor Suites celebrate geometry (and great views of London’s rooftops). All have L’Occitane toiletries, plush beds and tea-making facilities. The Deluxe Studios and Suites also have coffee machines.

Restaurants and bars 

Mediterranean-themed restaurant and bar Apero serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner as well as a special Italian family brunch called Pranzo Della Nonna for Sicilian classics such as caponata and cuttlefish linguini. If you’re travelling with kids, book a table in The Drawing Rooms for the award-winning Science Afternoon Tea — the spread is inspired by the nearby Science Museum and includes edible “fossils”.

Sustainability 

The hotel uses local producers and suppliers where possible to limit its carbon footprint, with up to 85 per cent of fish and meat sourced from producers in Britain. It has LED lighting throughout and 100% of its electricity is from renewable sources. In order to prevent waste going to landfill, the hotel separates glass and cardboard in-house for recycling. The hotel also communicates its sustainability processes to guests via its website to encourage them to support its green aims. 

Travel for work

There are three meeting/event spaces, each with wi-fi, Apple TV screens and sound systems: the Wine Room for private dinners or board meetings, the Library with its curated book collection and the playful, quirky Games Room that can fit up to 50 people.      

Gym  

There’s a 24-hour gym with machines and free weights. Staff supply jogging maps and can helpfully book activities such as rollerblading and horseriding in Hyde Park. Guests can also play table tennis in the Games Room – a great rainy afternoon activity if you’ve exhausted the nearby museums.      

What you need to know

Check in advance whether you need to book for the gym — restrictions can often apply so call ahead to make sure you’ve got a spot.

SEE ALSO: The Best Hotels in and Near Kensington, London