GETAWAY: The Nadler, Kensington

SOMETIMES it’s all too easy to take for granted the fact that an hour east of here lies one of the greatest cities on Earth.

People make the pilgrimage from every corner of the globe to sample the tourist honeypot of old London town. For us it’s a mere 80(ish) miles along the M4. An imperial measurement to take full advantage of.

If you’re planning a stay in the capital, allow me to recommend Kensington as a base (if it’s good enough for our future king…), and, in particular, The Nadler.

Perfectly situated in West London, you won’t have to sample the full horrors of driving right through the heart of the city.

The journey can be done in an hour and a bit, by car or rail (limited parking is available onsite for a very reasonable daily rate, but book in advance).

The Nadler sits on Courtfield Gardens, an area made up of elegant multi-storied terraced mansions, each of which will leave you little change from £3million, as a massively fruitless window-shopping session on rightmove testified.

With rooms at the hotel starting around the £100 a night mark, the prices are very competitive given the illustrious postcode.

The venue is just far enough away from the big attractions to be tranquil, but the Earl’s Court underground situated just around the corner will get you to all the action within the time it takes to make a decent cup of tea.

Unusually, The Nadler does not cater onsite. That means no kitchen. Or dining room. Or (on the plus side) no faint whiff of fried eggs around reception around check-out time.

But why would you want to eat inside the same four walls when you have such an eclectic variety of cuisine on your doorstep? Instead, the hotel has a number of ‘local partners’ - restaurants that offer Nadler guests exclusive discounts.

Most are dotted around the locale on Earl’s Court Road, within a five minute walk of the hotel. And the establishments on the list are diverse; from French to Lebanese, via traditional pie and mash pubs. You can even have your meal (evening or breakfast) delivered to your room.

And if your stay is prolonged and you are on a tighter budget, rooms have a very nifty concealed kitchenette featuring a fridge, sink, kettle, coffee machine and microwave.

Other facilities include free wifi in all rooms and a large, fully internet-enabled TV with music on demand and various helpful menus and guides to local attractions and restaurants.

The hotel is pitched as boutique, but there’s not an electric pink feature wall in sight. The Nadler opts for understated style and luxury, with sumptuous thick carpet underfoot and a dash of faux fur across a giant bed - all in neutral tones, put together in the best possible taste. Rooms are large when you consider the price of real estate in the area and the marble-clad bathrooms follow suit.

The staff are drilled with the kind of military precision you only get in London - but not clinically so, remaining helpful, attentive and charming throughout.

A hamper packed with gel-filled eye masks, bottles of Bellini, high-end tea leaves and all manner of treats is also provided on arrival. Further toiletries and pampering essentials are available at reception, including your own rubber duck on request. A request I was regrettably too embarrassed to make.

Ducky aside, you could not ask for more. A sharp, contemporary, charming venue, brilliantly positioned for you to explore the many delights of our capital city.

The Nadler Kensington
25 Courtfield Gardens, London
020 7244 2255
thenadler.com