By Sunny Andrea
Some hotels are just places to sleep. Others feel like part of the trip itself. The Ampersand Hotel absolutely fell into the second category for us—and honestly, it set the bar dangerously high for future London stays.
Tucked away in the heart of South Kensington, The Ampersand Hotel feels both grand and intimate at the same time. From the moment we arrived, it felt like stepping into a stylish London townhouse rather than a typical hotel. If you think of pure classic elegance with a playful twist—and yes, that playful side becomes very important later (Let me just say for now three words – Science Afternoon Tea).
As a family, we stayed in two Deluxe Double Rooms and these were simply Spacious, Stylish, and Pure Comfort.
The deluxe double room was indeed “spacious” by London standards almost feels like an understatement. There was room to actually breathe, unpack properly, and not trip over suitcases or each other for that matter — the room was just beautiful in so many ways and one I am still talking about now that I am home.
The décor was beautiful without feeling stuffy: rich colours, thoughtful details, and that lovely mix of modern comfort with classic charm. The bed was incredibly comfortable, the kind you sink into and it just relaxes your whole body. The bed was a great size and just every inch of comfort.
One of my favourite little details of the room was that there was a fully complimentary minibar. Not just “complimentary water and one soda,” but a genuinely stocked minibar that made us feel ridiculously spoiled every time we opened it. It’s a small thing, but it makes a big difference when you’re unwinding after a busy day in the city and especially with having children so they loved the free popcorn, biscuits and drinks.
The bathroom deserves a special mention. Gorgeous, sleek, and indulgent, with heated floors (absolute heaven on chilly mornings), fluffy bathrobes and slippers, and a deep bath that basically begged you to cancel your evening plans and soak instead. It felt like proper, no-corners-cut luxury—especially impressive for a boutique hotel. The TV is a lovely large size and the views ahead show off some lovely landmarks such as the London Eye and other beautiful buildings
What I really loved about The Ampersand is that everything feels intentional. The hotel has elegant lounge areas that invite you to sit and linger, whether that’s with a coffee, a book, or a cocktail later in the evening. It’s not overwhelming or flashy—it’s just beautifully done.
There’s a calm, relaxed atmosphere throughout the hotel, which makes it perfect whether you’re travelling as a couple or, like us, as a family. It manages to be refined without feeling formal, which is a surprisingly rare balance to strike.
The Science Afternoon Tea: A Family Highlight
Another memorable part of our stay—the Science Afternoon Tea. This wasn’t just afternoon tea; it was an experience, especially for us as a family.
Inspired by the nearby Natural History Museum, the Science Afternoon Tea is playful, creative, and genuinely fascinating. Everything is themed around science, discovery, and curiosity, and it’s presented in a way that makes both kids and adults equally excited.
Instead of traditional tiered stands, the food for the children arrived in clever, lab-style displays—think test tubes, petri dishes, and edible “experiments.” The children even got to make their own lemonade!!!! This was a lot of fun and really did taste lovely. The sweet treats were so beautifully crafted, from galaxy-inspired desserts to chocolate “soil” and fossils that look almost too good to eat.
The savoury options were just as impressive, with delicate dinky shaped jam sandwiches and creative bites that still felt comforting and familiar. And of course, there’s a wonderful selection of teas to go with it, alongside hot chocolate options for little ones—just seeing their little faces light up was worth every second.
Food wise for the adults, I have to give a huge shout out to the chefs as the beef buns were DELICIOUS as were the chicken rolls and quiche. The staff even asked if we wanted anything else and they were just so kind and attentive. The food was more than plenty and then the sweet treats were next. This included a selection tango by from freshly made scones to macaroons to rich chocolate treats. The drinks selection was just perfect, whether you are into tea or coffee or just juices, there is a large selection on offer my favourite was the herbal teas and they also make great coffee! The kids loved the hot chocolate with lots of chocolate dips and a really nice creamy, chocolatey taste and they colour changing mugs made for bigger smiles!
What I loved most was how interactive and relaxed it felt. The children were genuinely engaged, asking questions and pointing things out, while we could still enjoy a proper, luxurious afternoon tea. It’s rare to find something that feels special without being stuffy, and The Ampersand absolutely nailed it.
Location-wise, The Ampersand couldn’t be better. Sitting right in South Kensington, it’s perfectly placed for exploring some of London’s best attractions. The Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and Victoria and Albert Museum are all just a short walk away—ideal if you’re travelling as a family or just love a culture-filled itinerary.
South Kensington Underground station is literally around the corner, making it incredibly easy to get anywhere in London without hassle. The area itself is lovely—elegant streets, great cafés, and that unmistakable London charm that makes you want to wander without a plan.
Our stay at The Ampersand Hotel felt like a treat from start to finish. From the spacious deluxe room and indulgent bathroom to the thoughtful facilities and unforgettable Science Afternoon Tea, it delivered on every level.
It’s pure luxury without being intimidating, family-friendly without losing its elegance, and perfectly located for making the most of London. For a boutique hotel in South Kensington, it punches well above its weight—and I wouldn’t hesitate to stay there again.
If you’re looking for a hotel that feels special, personal, and genuinely memorable, The Ampersand might just steal your heart like it did ours. For more on this beautiful and luxurious hotel, and also their Afternoon Teas, do checkout their website at https://ampersandhotel.com