Review of Milestone Hotel and Apartments, by Angela Moore

The Milestone Hotel and Apartments takes its name from a cast-iron milestone which still stands in its original position within its boundary. This luxury hotel is a marriage of two handsome red brick Victorian townhouses, topped off by cupolas, domes and serried ranks of chimneypots. It stands on the westernmost point of Kensington Gardens and many rooms have sweeping views across to the gates of Kensington Palace.

The facilities

Indoors, it's easy to see why this is a listed building. In the little Park Lounge excellent period features remain like leaded windows and beautifully sculpted ceilings. It's plush and cluttered in here: heavy drapes and tapestry-covered chairs, book-lined shelves and little tasselled lamps, ornate gilded frames. Not so much English chic as English tongue-in-chic - but sumptuously comfortable and friendly, with the pleasant murmur of people taking tea.

The racing-themed bar, with its Grand National prints and tartan walls, leads through to the conservatory. In contrast to the rest of the luxury hotel, this is kitted out in dramatic black and white - an airy alternative room in which to have lunch or an evening aperitif. The restaurant, Cheneston's, has the marvellous addition of a tiny eight-person snug called The Oratory, where - should you so desire - you could dine privately or give a press conference (it is often put to this use.) There's also tiny basement gym with a resistance swimming pool.

The rooms

The hotel has 45 rooms, six suites and six apartments attached. All are opulent, strewn with quirky pieces, a mix of antique and retro. Fans of white space and clean lines should go elsewhere. Each room at this luxury hotel is individually designed, some to a theme, so they vary in décor. Due to the nature of the building they also vary in size and shape, so you might discover an unexpected wrought-iron balcony or a pair of armchairs in an elevated nook. Amenities across all rooms are excellent, from the luxurious marble bathrooms to the hi-tech office facilities; extras include free mobile rental.

One large room has Kensington Palace views and a Saville Row theme: the walls are covered in sober pinstriped fabric and a half-made suit hangs on a tailor's mannequin. There are enormous pinking shears displayed on the wall, along with caricatures of besuited Englishmen; furniture includes an antique tailor's chest. Another is more feminine, with pale gold walls and a beautiful roll-top bed, swathed in primrose silk.

Suites are also themed. They vary from the split-level Club Suite with a mini-billiards table in the upstairs sitting room to the Tudor Suite, which has a separate salon complete with original Victorian ceiling, a minstrel's gallery, two working fireplaces and a healthy scattering of sofas.

Perhaps of necessity, with such a variation in room décor, the Milestone has a policy of careful screening of its guests' preferences. If you have an aversion to tophats, they will not put you in the Ascot Suite; if you're in town to work, they'll ensure you get a room with plenty of desk space. You choose from a selection of soaps and repeat guests will find a selection of their favourite CDs and DVDs in their rooms.

Service levels are high across this luxury hotel. You're encouraged to eat or drink when and where you like; if you feel like a midnight feast, a hamper will be delivered to your room. Maid service is twice a day and the turn-down extends to floating votive candles, hot-water bottles and reading torches. If you book a suite, you get a personal butler, on call 24 hours a day. The luxury hotel prides itself on this sort of highly personal, at-home, just-ask-us service. If you make full use of this, and if you can appreciate the sense of fun about the rooms, odds are you will enjoy the Milestone.