Barkston Gardens

Let’s have an honest chat about something that’s probably crossed your mind while planning your London trip: “Why do Londoners seem so annoyed by tourists?” First, I should introduce myself […]

After fifteen years of welcoming American guests to my Kensington hotel, I’ve learned that missing familiar holidays and traditions can be one of the biggest concerns for US visitors to […]

As a London hotel owner who’s welcomed thousands of American guests over the years, I’ve become something of an unofficial translator of “British-isms.” While we may speak the same language, […]

As a London hotel owner who has welcomed countless New York visitors over the years, I’m often drawn into friendly debates about which city reigns supreme. While both capitals hold […]

“But isn’t London all about tea?” As a London hotel owner who’s greeted thousands of caffeine-craving American guests, I hear this concern almost daily. Let me put your mind at […]

After welcoming American visitors to my Kensington hotel for over 15 years, I’ve heard every London travel horror story imaginable – from the £300 family dinner in a tourist trap […]

When my American guests arrive at my Kensington hotel, they usually have the same London landmarks on their must-see list: Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace. While these iconic […]

As a London hotel owner, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve drawn little maps on napkins, directing guests to my favorite food markets. “Skip the tourist trap restaurants,” […]

Picture this: you’ve just arrived at your London hotel after a long flight, ready to freshen up before exploring the city. You pull out your hair dryer, plug it in […]

After fifteen years of welcoming American guests to my Kensington hotel, I’ve witnessed every imaginable cultural confusion – from accidental queue-jumping catastrophes to tea-time tension. While London might speak English […]