For enthusiasts of period dramas and classic English literature, The Gore London – Starhotels Collezione offers more than just a stay in the fashionable address – it's a meticulously preserved portal to another era (with all the creature comforts of modern living discreetly added in).
Nestled in the heart of Kensington, this exquisite boutique hotel serves as the quintessential London address for anyone who has ever dreamt of stepping into the opulent world of Bridgerton or imagined themselves as the indulgent lords and leisurely ladies often found on the pages of a Victorian novel. The Gore was first established as a hotel in 1892, originally built as serviced residences for visitors to London’s 1851 Great Exhibition under the patronage of Prince Albert. The two townhouses on 189 and 190 Queen’s Gate, quickly became a full-fledged hotel, offering considerable luxuries for the period, including liveried staff, horse-drawn carriages and even a hydraulic lift. Over the years, The Gore has attracted a discerning clientele, including leading figures from the artistic scene, who found a tranquil and inspiring refuge within its walls. Today, The Gore offers guests unparalleled access to London's most celebrated cultural and leisure attractions. Hyde Park and Kensington Palace are mere steps away, while the Natural History Museum, the Victoria & Albert Museum and the Royal Albert Hall are all within easy walking distance. The vibrant shopping, dining and bar scene of South Kensington and Knightsbridge is also readily accessible. Queen's Gate provides an elegant thoroughfare connecting Hyde Park's expansive green spaces with the bustling energy of South Kensington, positioning The Gore as an ideal retreat from which to explore the city. The hotel itself is a masterclass in Victorian eccentricity, a style solidified in the 1890s when the surrounding terrace houses on Queen's Gate saw their stucco façades replaced with red brick and terracotta. This distinctive aesthetic extends seamlessly into the hotel's interiors. Antique tapestries, originally installed for heating but now integral to the décor, alongside 18th and 19th-century classical paintings, complete the rich tableau. The main staircase, descending from the guest rooms, is a remarkable blend of Tudor and Victorian design, featuring brocade-inspired carpets, intricate cornicing and sparkling chandeliers. All of The Gore’s 50 lavishly appointed rooms and suites are individually furnished, making each one truly unique. Many of the rooms are marked by vivid colour, luxuriously heavy drapes, carved four-poster beds, wooden writing desks and distinctive pieces of antique furniture. Each is elegantly decorated with a keen eye for detail while offering every possible comfort, subtly integrating the latest technology for guests to make the most of their stay. Bed linens, gowns and towels are sourced from an English luxury linens specialist, while the bathrooms provide Penhaligon’s toiletries. Originally known as the Elizabethan Room, The Tudor Suite at The Gore Hotel opened its doors in 1953, capturing the fervent Tudor revival fascination of the time. In its heyday, this space, then part of three original rooms, hosted extravagant feasts and parties for up to 400 guests, in an atmosphere so redolent of the 16th century that it ranked with Hampton Court and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre as one of the highlights of any nostalgic tour of the Old Country. Today, The Tudor Suite stands as the last remaining original room from that era. It features its authentic minstrels’ gallery, a towering oak-beamed ceiling and a magnificent Portland stone fireplace. The room is elegantly furnished with a rich mahogany four-poster bed and illuminated by beautiful stained-glass windows. It is said that a sight such as this doesn’t exist anywhere else in modern London. The Judy Garland Junior Suite is named after the celebrated actress who stayed in the hotel during her stint performing at the nearby Royal Albert Hall. Famously, the room features the film star’s own bed, reportedly sent from Hollywood and donated to the hotel to show her gratitude after a particularly long stay. Among the opulent stained-glass windows, plush velvet furnishings and silk wallpaper, sits a pair of iconic slippers too. The Gore hotel, located just moments from the Royal Albert Hall, offers an ideal setting for pre-theatre dining. The original Victorian wood panelling lines the walls of the famous Bar 190, best known as the location for the launch and photoshoot for The Rolling Stones’ 1968 album Beggars Banquet. In-house restaurant 190 Queen's Gate showcases the finest of English culinary tradition, reinterpreted with contemporary flair by former National Chef of the Year Frederick Forster. The restaurant's ambiance is one of refined intimacy – a textbook setup for afternoon tea. Dark green walls adorned with intriguing artworks and gilded mirrors create an alluring charm. This sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere offers an exclusive retreat, tucked away from the bustling streets of South Kensington.