Ms. Tollman’s Royal Treatment

The Milestone Hotel

hf_Milestone1Most historic buildings have their tales of previous lives and notorious occupants. In the case of The Milestone Hotel in London, they range from an owner who believed he was Shakespeare’s son, to being the residence of Lady Susan Belasye, a mistress of King James II. At a different time, rumour has it that a dubious investment promoter, Baron Albert Grant, set up shop in the grand old building. And The Milestone also has a past incarnation as a private “lunatic asylum”.

The history books tell us that it wasn’t until 1922 that the building started its new life as a hotel for the well-heeled. All went famously until a mysterious fire burnt it to the ground in the autumn of 1986.

hf_Milestone2The hotel sat shuttered until 1998, when Bea Tollman’s Red Carnation Hotel group bought and restored it. Today, five-star service meets home comforts in The Milestone’s 12 sumptuous suites, 45 gracious bedrooms and six lovely two-bedroom apartments, which are ideal for longer stays.

But it’s the afternoon tea, in our minds, that rivals London’s finest, and Ms. Tollman’s comfort food also steals the show. Yes, home-made here takes on a new meaning, with The Milestone’s chefs serving up Bea’s legendary chicken pot pie and a number of her other family treats.

The Milestone’s little extra claim to fame? Location, location, location. Many of the rooms overlook Kensington Palace, the new home of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and, of course, little George.

After a few days here, it’s not hard to realize why plenty of people call The Milestone their London home away from home. I guess we’re not the only ones who enjoy Ms. T’s personal touches.
www.milestonehotel.com

Photos: The Red Carnation Hotel Collection

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