Slumber Party: A Swanky Stay at London's Milestone Hotel

If genius is in the details, the staff at London's Milestone Hotel (1 Kensington Court) may have cracked the code for turning a cozy venue into a five-star hotel.

Part of the Red Carnation hotel collection, the mindset behind the Milestone is one of a perfect bed-and-breakfast that caters to your every need. One night I found mini scones waiting in my room; on another, a midnight feast. Forgot to pack your Kindle? A wee book of quotes from Winston Churchill (other options include Shakespeare and Sherlock Holmes) was on the pillow.

Under General Manager Andrew Pike, the service is almost unparalleled. A damaged laptop resulted in a half hour call to the Apple Store's helpline, facilitated by a smart concierge (Jose, who even gave me a loaner mouse).

Unique Suites

The Milestone became a hotel in the 1920s, converting two historic houses overlooking Kensington Gardens into the boutique property that stands today.

My slightly younger husband enjoys suggesting I'm old enough to remember celebrities from 1910. So I'm not surprised to find myself in The Mistinguett Suite, a slightly over-the-top ode to the "ageless" cabaret star, featuring framed portraits, lobby cards, and other memorabilia, as well as a faux fur duvet. More traditional options include the Prince Albert, Tudor, and Regency Suites.

Each room at the Milestone is unique (adding to the world's best B&B feel) and features personalized business cards for each guest. Pike says some regulars are determined to stay in every room and collect a complete set.

Tea, Smoke & Swordplay

Stay onsite to enjoy dinner at Cheneston's, with high-end comfort food (chicken pot pie and a surprisingly light cheesecake), and try a few of the signature cocktails in the intimate Stable's Bar, including Mrs. T's Tea. Served in teacups from a traditional chintz teapot, it features vodka, Elderflower liquor, Vervain syrup and Earl Grey tea.

The Milestone makes its own bitters, and they're put to good use in its Smoky Old Fashioned, prepared by enthusiastic bartender Angelo Lo Greco. Angelo's a happy kid while concocting this drink, which includes whiskey (or tequila or rum, your call), orange peel and Maraschino cherries, prepared under a glass cloche using a smoking gun. The smoking process creates a distinctive flavor; Food/Drink Director Fabrizio Russo confesses, "The fire alarm has gone off on occasion when the gun is in use."

If you're traveling with a group or need to impress clients, schedule a champagne sabrage demonstration with Fabrizio. Certified by the Confr�rie du Sabre d'Or, he'll demonstrate the correct procedure for opening a bottle of champagne with a sword, a ceremony dating back to Napoleon.

A sweet and savory afternoon tea in the lounge is a great way to get off your feet with �clairs, tartlets, macaroons, salmon finger sandwiches, and a selection of single estate teas (best name: Planters Mistress). Prince and Princess teas for young children are available, as is a gluten-free tea at no extra charge.

Scone overload? Take advantage of the hotel's gym and other fitness options, including private yoga sessions with instructor Jo Shrimpton or an outdoor session with trainer Andy Elliott. After a night of indulgence, cheerful Andy had me enjoying an early spring day in Kensington Park, alternating sprints with pushups and squats.

Explore the Neighborhood

The Milestone has so much to offer, as does the Kensington neighborhood, a mix of historical and new, with lots of green just steps away. If you've become a fan of "Victoria" or "The Crown," the area offers a range of easily accessible historical treats, including private guided tours of Kensington Palace, home to the young Victoria.

Two strong recommendations. Set aside 90 minutes for a walking tour with Russell Nash or another knowledgeable, certified "blue badge" guide, recognized by Visit Britain as the UK's official tourist guides.

And check out the new Design Museum (224-238 Kensington High Street). A mixture of scholarship and fun, exhibits include Mimus - an industrial robot that can sense and respond to visitors (Director Alice Block admits, "Around the office, we call her 'Sharon.'") and the upcoming "Designed in California" covering the state's impact from counterculture 60s through Silicon Valley.

With beautiful accommodations, parks, history, and even great shopping (try Hornets Vintage Clothing, 2 Kensington Church Walk), Kensington, a quiet alternative convenient to most London tourist destinations, may be the perfect alternative to noisier neighborhoods.