Hotel Review: Radisson Blu Edwardian Vanderbilt

London hotel rooms can be quite compact, so when it comes to booking families, agents may face challenges. A single room is often too small, and the price of a full suite is often too high; for families with little ones, two separate rooms won’t always work, either. Radisson Blu Edwardian Vanderbilt has the perfect solution: 51 family rooms, created with multigenerational groups in mind.

According to Dearbhla Mac Fadden, director of marketing for Edwardian Hotels London, the rooms were created because the property was seeing a huge increase in the number of multigenerational travelers visiting the property. All of the family rooms are oversized and can comfortably sleep different group configurations. Each has a king bed and two pullout couches. 

Originally owned by the American Vanderbilt family, the property was once 10 separate 19th-century London townhomes that were joined together in the 1920s and converted into a hotel. While all the rooms have been modernized with Wi-Fi access, air-conditioning and all the expected conveniences, there’s still a classic British feeling to the property.

“Twelve of the rooms have been updated with new furnishings and a more modern look and feel, with more updates to the remaining family rooms planned for the future,” Mac Fadden said.

A historic ambiance is present as you walk through the halls, which are slightly narrower than in modern high-rise hotels, with plenty of turns and winding paths where you least expect them. There are three elevators scattered throughout the hotel, but the classic iron-rail staircases are particularly grand. 

Each of the rooms has a unique layout, dictated by the original architecture of the building. Original details have been preserved wherever possible, so guests might find themselves turning down a hallway and spying a fresco, a stained-glass window or an old fireplace. 

“Comfort and heritage are combined at the Vanderbilt,” Mac Fadden said. “The old and the new mix perfectly in a property that’s ideal for travelers of all ages.” 

The combining of history with modernity can be found in the recently updated on-property Scoff & Banter restaurant, as well. High ceilings and front-facing windows create a light and airy feeling, while reclaimed furniture and industrial accents feel both historic and trendy at the same time. There’s a breakfast buffet and plenty of lunch and dinner options featuring classic British fare employing locally sourced ingredients. Particularly popular, however, is the traditional English tea setting, which is served every afternoon. It offers a literal taste of classic English favorites, such as scones with clotted cream and cucumber sandwiches. Served with champagne, it’s a great way for families to properly celebrate their London adventure. 

The hotel’s location on Cromwell Road in Kensington is family-friendly, as well — close to Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, Kensington High Street, the Natural History Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum. Additionally, Harrods and the Knightsbridge shopping district are just 1 mile down the street from the property. 

Radisson Blu Edwardian Vanderbilt is a great option for families and multigenerational groups looking for an authentic London experience with all the modern conveniences.

The Details