Afshas 40th came round in a blur, literally a blur I tell you, and that meant its time to party. Although initially we were planning Birmingham, somehow we ended up in London. As always. And who am I to complain really? I love London.
This was probably the first time, I didn’t plan anything. The sisters took over. My only responsibility was to get her to London. Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy.
Planned for the day was The Bentley Hotel Afternoon Tea and Hammam Experience.
The Bentley Hotel in London is a luxurious and elegant hotel located in the heart of Kensington. On entrance the beautiful large marble flooring, the insanely huge ceilings, the dropping of the chandeliers, and the intricacy of the winding staircase takes your breath away. The hotel has a grand and sophisticated design with luxurious furnishings, rich velvet curtains, chesterfield style sofas…..
But…
Maybe its just me….
It felt old, it felt worn, it lacked something. it lacked the rich grandeur that I expect from a Bentley Hotel. The hotel felt empty.
Read here: Sketch London- Afternoon Tea in the pink room
Large, spacious and Empty.
Hammam – Le Kelon Spa
After a little excited jump by Afsha at seeing her sisters, we were taken up to experience the Hammam- Le Kelon Spa.
The Bentley Hotel offers guests a luxurious and rejuvenating hammam experience in their spa facilities. The traditional Turkish bath features a steam room, marble slab for massages, and a relaxation area for optimal pampering.
They gave us the whole area. The changing area was small and private with old money charm with gold brass taps and black marble, yet it did feel old and worn.
With 2 showers and a sauna at one end. Lockers were given for us to safely put away valuables and gowns awaited us.
We were taken into the Hammam which fit 6 of us perfectly. We were given the whole space to ourselves, with black soap, scrubs and mittens.
It was nice to just talk and pamper ourselves, and each other.
Their was lounging space outside should we wish to get away from the heat. This was my favourite spot for sure, it was set at the right setting of dim, and it was cool, and calm and really relaxing
Including with the Hammam we had a treatment. I went for the back massage. It probably was the best massage I have ever had.
It was meant to be back only, but the masseuse gave us a full body massage and I did not stop her) and it was a full 45 minutes, although we were advised 30 minutes. I almost fell asleep. This was exactly what I needed after the ride up. 100/10 for the massage.
Read here: Afternoon Tea at the Corinthia London
Next up
Afternoon Tea at the Bentley Hotel
For afternoon Tea we were given a private room. Although 6 of us experienced the Hammam, for the afternoon tea we were joined by more people who gave a secondary surprise to Afsha.
The room was grand, rich in design. Golds and rich blues, royal and luxurious, yet dated and worn.
One large table accommodated all 16 of us.
Afternoon Tea started with option of Tea or Coffee (you know how I feel when only two options available) It’s only when someone asked for Indian Tea that we realised more options were available.
Oopsie a little late right? And the Indian Tea? Sachet tea. I didn’t miss out on too much to be honest.
Next up the sandwiches,
All halal we were given coronation chicken, smoked salmon with dill and creme fraische, cucumber, cream cheese and mint, red pepper and houmous and lastly egg mayonnaise and spring onion
I started with the Coronation chicken and after having just the one I was stuffed, too big, bulky and bready. Could it be the Hammam that made me feel this way?
Read here: Afternoon Tea on a bus
For the sake of having not eaten all day, I tried half (yes I split it in half) of the cucumber, cream cheese and mint. I did enjoy this, but the bread they were using was too heavy. After this I could not have any more at all.
On the positive side, the scones, were the best. I Can’t deny I enjoyed them the most, with the generous portions of jam and clotted cream. They were delicious, but once again I only had half, as I couldn’t stomach any more.
and Now. Desserts. Inedible.
Service
Service at the Bentley Hotel was on point, from our initial entrance in the morning for the hammam to the point where we left. I could not fault it. The staff were very hospitable and friendly and answered our every call.
My Verdict of the Bentley Hotel Afternoon Tea and Hammam Experience
How did I really find the Bentley hotel Afternoon tea and Hammam experience?
I have mentioned quite a bit above.
The whole experience from the Hammam, the massage and the Afternoon Tea cost £105 per person. which in all honesty is a really good deal. The guests that had afternoon Tea only paid £35. Which for a London hotel is extremely reasonable.
If it had been more I would have felt quite cheated. At this price this was a trip I experienced and enjoyed.
Afsha enjoyed herself, and sometimes that all that matters. right?
The real question is would I go again? And honestly. No I wouldn’t.
Maybe the massage would entice me.
Have you been to the Bentley Hotel? How was your experience?
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Love and regards
