Lifestyle

The one hotel to check into if you want to literally live like a royal

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge live less than a stone’s throw away... So, what are you waiting for?
Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton

Let’s be honest: our adoration for the British Royal Family extends much further than occasionally googling Duchess Catherine’s go-to beauty buys.

No, really – our Royal intrigue took us as far as the regal capital itself: Kensington, London.

Although, while it’s one thing to take in the quintessential regal sights London has to offer, it’s another to experience what life could be like if you were of royal lineage.

Enter: The Milestone Hotel. Just one night at this five-star luxury hotel will leave you feeling like a true Duchess – and this is why…

The Royal location

Attention ANYONE who wants to feel/eat/drink/relax like a Royal… There’s no better place to immerse yourself in the regal action than London’s Kensington Royal Borough, home to Prince William, Duchess Catherine, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

Indeed, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge reside just a few minutes’ walk, via the sprawling tree-filled park that is Kensington Gardens, from the Milestone at Kensington Palace (the Milestone can organise tickets for you to visit the Palace, yourself).

Not only that, but this super-luxe stay is also close to some of the city’s most significant sights, including the Peter Pan Statue, the Victoria & Albert Museum and the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial.

Oh, and don’t fret about not finding the place; approaching the hotel, you’ll be able to peg the Milestone a (Royal) mile off with a top-hatted, vested-even-in-the-heat-of-summer doorman waiting to welcome guests out the front.

Don’t want to make the commute in yourself? The hotel is happy to collect your from the airport in your choice of Bentley or Range Rover.

The Milestone, in all its Royal Mile glory.

The Royal quarters (specifically, the Garden Suite)

Ever wondered what it would feel like to live in a palace like Queen Elizabeth for a day? We bet this place comes close…

After being given a tour of the hotel’s rooms and facilities (including The Park Lounge, which is fitted with a roaring fire, pianist and serves the best traditional afternoon tea), you’ll be led to your room that just happens to overlook Kensington Gardens.

And FYI: this room is PALATIAL. It essentially comprises of two-storeys of English bliss (cushioned walls, turned-down beds and luxury British bathroom products, included).

With all this opulence, you’ll find it difficult to leave this room to embark on your Royal-inspired adventure…

The TOP storey of the Garden Suite…

The Royal butler

OK, so you may not have the luxury of calling on Prince Philip‘s personal steward, but you will have your own, Milestone-appointed butler to call upon if your heart (or stomach) so desires.

Oh, and don’t be surprised if said-butler and the hotel’s housekeeping just happen to leave delicious surprises in your room while you’re out exploring the city. Our favourite? Just-warm-enough scones with jam and cream.

We’d go as far as to say that these baked goods are fit for a queen…

WATCH Duchess Catherine and Prince William during their tour of Cornwall. Post continues…

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The Royal (beauty) treatment

This is not a drill: You can actually book in for a massage with Kensington Palace’s very own spa therapist, Fiona Keane.

Having worked in the beauty industry for more than 30 years, Fiona’s become renowned internationally for her deluxe treatments, and has even had celebrities like Joan Collins sing her praises.

Our top beauty recommendation to book in with Fiona for at this five-star day spa? The Weary Traveller. After jetsetting 24 hours across the world (#Straya), this luxurious whole-body treatment will help you kick that jetlag in no time.

Hey, if Fiona’s services are good enough for the Royals, they’re good enough for us!

Before your treatment, enjoy the wellness facilities, like the pool, gym and sauna, that the Milestone have to offer.

The Royal fare

If you really want to live/feel/eat like a Royal, make sure you experience everything the Milestone has to offer – and that includes the delicious breakfast offering.

Whether you’re on a health kick or are looking to indulge in a big British breaky, there’s something for every palate. However, knowing Duchess Catherine and Pippa Middleton are into their health and fitness, we opted for a green smoothie and fluffy omelette to power up our day of Royal sight-seeing.

And while the menu changes each season, founder and president of the Milestone Hotel’s Red Carnation Hotel Collection Bea Tollman’s English go-to after-breaky dishes, like the Chicken Pot Pie, are always available.

Now THIS is how you enjoy a spot of five-star afternoon tea in quintessentially British style…

Stop by the hotel’s Conservatory for a custom-made cocktail and bar snacks before hitting the hay in your suite.

Now To Love stayed at the award-winning 5-star boutique Milestone Hotel, the London flagship of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection. Located in Kensington Court directly overlooking Kensington Palace and Gardens, just minutes away from the finest shopping in Knightsbridge. Prices start from $524 per night based on a Superior Queen room.

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