Boutique Hotel near Royal Albert Hall

The Royal Albert Hall is located in South Kensington, a short distance away from 54 Queen’s Gate. It is one of the most well-known and prestigious concert venues in Europe and was first opened by Queen Victoria back in 1871. The venue has played host to some of the most celebrated performers and events around, including not only rock and pop concerts, but opera, classical and ballet shows, awards ceremonies and more. It is also the home of the Proms concerts, which have been held there since the early 1940s. The Royal Albert Hall is a Grade I Historical Building.

World-class performances

Almost 400 shows take place at the Royal Albert Hall’s main auditorium each year. 400 more events take place outside of the main auditorium. Interestingly, only 36 shows took place in the first year of opening. The 150th birthday celebrations of the Royal Albert Hall will take place in 2021 and will include a huge project branded The Great Excavation.

Key features

The venue is also noted for its famous record-breaking glass dome, which spans more than 20,000 square feet. The world’s largest unsupported glass dome, it was designed by the same people responsible for the iron and glass room at St Pancras station. The Royal Albert Hall was actually attacked by enemy pilots during the war, though only modest amounts of damage occurred. The staircase at the rear of the venue was originally called the South Steps before they were upgraded and rebranded as the  Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Steps.

More facts about the venue

Another interesting fact about the venue is that its famous organ cost more than £1 million to restore despite only costing £8,000 originally. During the restoration, the Henry Willis organ was increased to 9,999 pipes, with its weight soaring to 150 tonnes. The acoustics of the venue were improved in the 1960s when 135 fibreglass acoustic diffusers were installed to remove the echo many visitors complained about previously. The diffusers are often referred to as the ‘mushroom’s due to their distinctive shape. The foundation stone was laid in 1867 by Queen Victoria during a lavish ceremony to mark the completion of the venue.

The ideal base

At 54 Queen’s Gate, we can cater for you if you need an elegant and well-facilitated place to stay before or after a visit to London’s world-famous Royal Albert Hall. We are located less than half a mile from the venue and are able to offer a host of outstanding facilities to ensure your stay is a successful one. The hotel is found in the heart of one of London’s most desirable areas, offering 24 luxurious bedrooms and high-end dining options. A number of leading local attractions are within close reach of the venue, including Hyde Park, Harrod’s, The V&A Museum and many more. For further information about the venue and what makes it such a great place to stay when visiting the Royal Albert Hall, call +44 020 7761 4000 or send a message to reservations@54queensgate.com.