Chien Bleu
The Milestone Hotel. One of the most sought after boutique properties in Kensington and Hyde Park, the five-star Milestone Hotel is a country mansion set in the heart of London. Voted “One of The Best Places in The World to Stay” in the Conde Nast Traveler's Gold List 2011, your butler will take you on a tour of the hotel's facilities, ensure your dog has the bedding and toys of his or her choice, hand you a complimentary glass of champagne (or any other drink of your choice) and your dog a complimentary treat, offer to unpack for you both, and ensure you both are familiar with the in-room dining menu (including meals for both you and the dog).
Ultimate luxury for you and your dog in the heart of London. Need more? How about service as good as it gets, personalisation beyond your wildest expectations, London’s best shopping a five minute chauffeured Bentley ride away, and a royal park to walk your pooch in right out the door.
First visited by Erin, Ray, & Blue in May 2011.
Why we love it. Nestled in the heart of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, it’s hard not to feel like royalty when staying at the Milestone Hotel. Brimming with all of the amenities you’d expect from a five-star luxury hotel, it’s the giving and execution that makes the Milestone the truly special place it is. No request ever seems a burden, each need is anticipated before you have a chance to even dream it, all by staff who seem rather like old friends genuinely interested in your and your dog’s well-being. Even on your first visit, you can’t help but feel as though you’re among the regulars who have stayed a thousand times. We don’t know how they do it, but we are happy to indulge.
Of course, whilst it’s the unexpected that sets the Milestone apart, there’s plenty to knowingly anticipate – a tailor made welcome hamper, a choice of custom made bedding, a turndown service complete with turndown treat, a room service menu featuring steak and Cumberland sausage. Did we mention this is all just for the dog?
It doesn’t stop there. From a selection of dog toys and treats to dog first aid kits and veterinary and emergency details, your dog will never go wanting whilst in the care of the Milestone. Don’t worry, though, as you will be equally spoiled by the sumptuously comfortable rooms likewise personalised through your choice of bedding and other tempting goodies, the serene spa that immediately calms and relaxes even the most frazzled nerves, and the superbly stocked bar that mixes the perfect drink to be enjoyed in either the cosy bar or adjacent conservatory, both of which are brilliant rain or shine. In between the perfect afternoon tea and a truly memorable dinner, why not pop across the street for a relaxing stroll with your pup through the splendors of the 625 acres of Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, complete with a Milestone lead, dog tag identifying your dog as a hotel resident, and complimentary clean-up bags. If instead, the theatre or shopping is calling, don’t worry as the Milestone will make sure your pup is lovingly looked after. Who says the city can’t be the perfect place for a relaxing escape with your dog? A few short minutes in the Milestone and you’ll see this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Not to miss. The vast knowledge and power of the Head Concierge, Jim Cameron, and his amazing team. How so, you ask? Left home without your dog’s medication but keen to spend the day enjoying the royal parks before seeing that sold-out play just after a special dinner with both partner and pooch by your side? Not a problem as Jim and his team can arrange for the medication to be delivered whilst you chart a tailor-made walking route chosen such that you pass by your favourite flowers in bloom and to include a gourmet picnic with your and your dog’s favourite foods in a secret spot, followed later in the evening by a seat at the best table at a brilliant dog-friendly restaurant capped by separate rides for you and partner to the theatre and your pup back to the hotel. And this is keeping it simple!
Rooms welcoming to dogs start from. £339/night B&B.
Chien Bleu exclusive. A complimentary bottle of Bouchard Finlayson House wine with dinner in the restaurant.
Treats for the four-legged friend. A choice of custom made Milestone Hotel pet bed, cushions and duvets, floor mats, “Do Not Disturb/Pet Sleeping” card, food and water bowl with fresh mineral water and in-house Pet Menu, turndown treat, grooming service, treats, toys, leashes, taxi service, and first aid kits.
Treats for the two-legged. Spa treatments, fires in the lounge, heated resistance pool, gym, sauna, chauffeur-driven Bentley, green tea or glass of Champagne served on arrival, 24-hour butler service, Bose iPods and docking stations, free unlimited wired Internet, and DVSs/CD players.
Driving times. Birmingham – 2 hours, Bristol – 2 hours, Exeter – 3 ¼ hours, Edinburgh – 7 hours, Glasgow – 6 ¾ hours, London, West (M25/M4 Intersection) – 20 minutes, London, East (M25, Dartford Crossing) – 45 minutes, Manchester – 3 ½ hours
