It’s pretty cool to know that when you stay at K West Hotel, you are following in the footsteps of many a superstar who graced this place in the 60’s when it was the BBC Building Kensington House.
An endless list of Rock ‘N’ Roll royalty has stayed, played and misbehaved at K West – Bob Marley and the Wailers, Bowie, The Kinks and Roxy Music to name a few. Since becoming a hotel, the venue has continued to strike a chord with musicians, who often stay whilst playing at nearby music venues O2 Shepherds Bush Empire and the Apollo. So, I am feeling pretty rock chick when I enter the clean, contemporary, Philippe Starck lamp adorned reception, noticing immediately a rather pleasant looking cocktail bar running the length of the Studio Bar area. It’s been a long day!
The Studio Bar is light and airy and the perfect spot to catch up on my work emails. Plugs are conveniently situated by every seating area, and with a few friendly-on-the-eye, trendy bodies dotted around the space, this seems to be the place where creative types meet up over coffees and laptops. There are also complimentary iMacs for guests to use in the snug area around the corner of the bar.
Situated in one of London’s most up-and-coming districts, Shepherds Bush, the urban retreat is on the doorstep of Westfield shopping centre, one of the largest retail destinations in Europe with over 240 shops. Fashionable areas such as Notting Hill, Portobello Road and Kensington are also just a short walk away, which also makes this hotel the perfect weekend-up-town shopping trip bolthole.
All 220 guestrooms offer generous space, in cool calm colours, a great sound system and huge beds, with the smallest room being just under 300 sq ft. At the upper end of the scale, the six spectacular K Suites offer the ultimate experience. Dramatic walls of glass divide the bedrooms from the lounge areas, which are fitted with Bose surround sound entertainment systems, a 42” plasma screen television and ultra-comfy sofas. Two-metre square beds to properly spread out in and Aromatherapy Associates toiletries are also in the suites, and the bathrooms have been fitted with designer Philippe Starck double-ended baths and fixtures.
After a delicious Bloody Mary burger (they do a large range of US style ‘dude food’) served in a New York style space on the mezzanine floor above the Studio Bar, I can’t help but hear the music floating up from where the DJ has set up for the night (Friday and Saturday evenings). Time to sample a cocktail or two. The studio bar is now a moodily lit, music infused hub of activity and the cool kids.
Industrial style pendant lamps hang low over raised tables, and textured silver wallpaper by Dixon & Turner gives the bar a modern edge. The polished dark walnut-wood flooring brings warmth to the area, which is opened up with the use of floor-to-ceiling mirrored pillars and relaxed seating arrangements. Up-cycled furniture is used to create high backed booth seating along the back wall, separated by silver and black voile curtains to create intimate VIP style corners, which make th eperfet place to cuddle up with a partner. Chic black and white artwork depicting musicians hang above each booth and even the drinks menu has been injected with some Rock ‘N’ Roll swagger, with six signature Bourbon Whiskey Cocktails available, plus the quirky K West special ‘Pickleback’ shot of Jack Daniels whiskey accompanied with a shot of pickle. I also sampled a Mojito as I can normally suss out a good cocktail anywhere on just this….It was very, very good!
Walking back to my room I passed The Library Room where about ten or so ladies were lounging on comfy sofas and armchairs, surrounded by statement Andy Warhol style artwork. With a large flatscreen and low coffee tables filled with photography and design books, I can see why this would make the perfect spot for a chill out zone for guests and these chicks look very comfortable indeed.
Food and beverage full, I slept like a log to get up early enough to try out the spa. Awarded the top rating of “5 Bubbles” in the 2014 Good Spa Guide, K West’s holistic spa not only looks fabulous with a twinkling hydrotherapy pool, steam room and sauna, but also offers a range of exclusive treatments, such as the ‘Snow Paradise’, which mimics the Finnish experience of alternating between freezing and steamy environments (which is apparently very good for you!) Alas my energy levels and a slightly hungover head didn’t allow for me to use the K Fit gymnasium but at a glance (and normally being quite the gym bunny), I could see that this is a properly functioning fully equipped gym and not just some afterthought.
It would seem that K West Hotel and Spa has it all under control, in one urban, yet restful place to stay.
Prices start from £125 per room per night, and the K Suites are from £540 per night including VAT. Spa packages are also available and include overnight accommodation and treatments.
K West Hotel & Spa, Richmond Way, London W14 0AX
For reservations, please call: 020 8008 6600 or visit www.k-west.co.uk