The Pelham London
Traditional British townhouse with bold, eclectic Kit Kemp interiors — colorful, layered, and unapologetically decorative
Request a room overlooking South Kensington for the best views and natural light
Why It Matters
One of Kit Kemp's earlier design commissions, giving it a distinctive character that stands apart from Firmdale's own properties. Part of Starhotels Collezione, the Italian group's premium boutique portfolio. The combination of museum-quarter location, genuinely characterful rooms, and Les Clefs d'Or concierge service at this price point is genuinely rare.
The Pelham is a 52-room luxury townhouse hotel spread across several classic Georgian buildings on a quiet South Kensington side street. It's one of Kit Kemp's earlier London design commissions — think theatrical clashing palettes, boldly patterned headboards, vintage oil paintings, and wallpaper that refuses to be ignored. Nothing here is sterile or minimal. And the wood-panelled drawing room and library, both open to all guests all day, are the kind of communal spaces that make you want to stay put with a book rather than head out. The location is hard to beat: directly across the street from South Kensington tube, a few minutes' walk from the V&A, Natural History Museum, and Science Museum, and close enough to Harrods to be dangerous.
Where You'll Stay
6 room types available
Cosy Double Room
Also known as the Superior Room — the entry-level category, and genuinely good value for a five-star London address. Queen-sized bed, writing desk, LCD TV, and a granite and oak bathroom. Each room has its own unique style and Kit Kemp touch. These rooms are compact, so if you're spending a lot of time in your room, consider upgrading.
Queen
Deluxe Room
The largest of the queen-bedded rooms. Individually designed with five-star amenities: fluffy robes and slippers, a fully stocked minibar, fine hand-picked materials, an LCD TV, and Penhaligon's bath products. Good choice for travelers who want the Kit Kemp atmosphere with a bit more room than the Cosy Double.
Queen
Executive Room
Double rooms where Kit Kemp's eclectic edge really shows — each one surrounded by bold colors and textiles with elegant furnishings. Many have fabulous views over South Kensington. Contemporary edge meets classic English charm. Can be configured with a roll-away bed or sofa bed for an extra guest.
Double
Junior Suite
Eight Junior Suites ranging from 28 to 30 sqm, each individually decorated and furnished with its own distinct personality. Largest of the king-size room categories, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking South Kensington. Can accommodate a roll-away bed or sofa bed for an extra guest. Twin bed configuration available on request.
King (Twin available on request) · 29 sqmKing Suite
50 sqm with an opulently furnished drawing room and floor-to-ceiling windows giving the best views over South Kensington. The bedroom closes off from the lounge area for privacy. Granite and oak bathroom with twin washbasins. The hotel's standout solo-room choice for guests who want the full townhouse living experience.
King · 50 sqmSouth Kensington Grand Suite
The flagship accommodation — a 158 sqm, four-bedroom suite within the classic London townhouse. There's a sunlit private living room, a separate dining room, and the kind of space that makes a long London stay genuinely feel like a private residence. Booked as a group retreat or for extended stays. Contact reservations directly to book.
158 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The quintessential Pelham experience — afternoon tea served in the wood-panelled drawing room or the cosy library, with finger sandwiches, scones, pastries, and a pistachio tiramisu finish. Open to hotel guests and public visitors alike.
The wood-panelled drawing room and the library are both available to all guests throughout the day. Settle in with a newspaper, take tea, or just use them as an extension of your room — they're genuinely some of the most comfortable common areas in any London hotel.
Five meeting and event spaces including the Library, Gallery One (boardroom and theatre-style), Gallery Two, and a Private Dining Room. Dedicated event manager, AV equipment, and celebration packages available.
The hotel's concierge team (Les Clefs d'Or certified) curates top recommendations for the South Kensington area. The V&A, Natural History Museum, and Science Museum are all walkable, as are the Royal Albert Hall and Harrods.
A hotel offer that pairs a stay at The Pelham with a day at the Natural History Museum — one of London's best free attractions, just minutes on foot from the hotel.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Five private event and meeting spaces: the Library, Gallery One (boardroom, theatre-style, or private dinner format), Gallery Two, and a Private Dining Room. Dedicated event manager and full AV equipment.
Open to all guests throughout the day. Comfortable armchairs, daily newspapers, and a genuinely warm atmosphere — the heart of the hotel's townhouse character.
A quiet, book-lined retreat for guests. Afternoon tea is also served here. One of five private event/meeting spaces when hired for events.
The hotel staffs Les Clefs d'Or certified concierges — a gold standard for hotel concierge service, trained to arrange everything from restaurant bookings to museum tickets and transport.
High-speed Wi-Fi available throughout all areas of the hotel, including all rooms. Complimentary for all guests.
Authorize the charge of your stay to your credit card and skip front-desk queuing at checkout.
In-room safe available in all room categories.
Fully stocked minibar in all rooms.
Penhaligon's toiletries provided as standard across all room categories. Prestige British fragrance brand.
Premium Frette Italian linens in all rooms.
Marshall speakers in guest rooms for in-room audio.
Pillow menu (branded 'Pillowmania') available for guests to customize their sleep setup.
Room service available around the clock. All Day Dining menu available in-room for hotel guests from 11am to 9pm.
Small and medium-sized pets welcome. Pet fee is £40 per night. Must be notified at time of booking.
Gym open around the clock for hotel guests. No spa facilities or pool on-site.
The Pelham does not have a swimming pool.
BUILD YOUR THE PELHAM LONDON - STARHOTELS COLLEZIONE PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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