Bunk beds are exciting as a child at the best of times, but what about one that’s a rocket? With a button-packed control panel at the foot?
Stay in the Science Family Suite at The Ampersand Hotel in London and you don’t so much nod off as lift off. Taking its cue from the neighbouring Science Museum, this themed kids room (which opened in June 2026) goes all out on detail – complete with planetary duvet covers, a shuttle playhouse, star projectors, celestial wallpaper and space toys – turning this South Kensington hotel into a playful base for families exploring the capital’s museum quarter and beyond.
Family Traveller checked into the hotel to see what it was like for ourselves.
Themed accommodation: Science Family Suite with separate children’s and adult bedroomsFamily-friendliness at a glance
Capacity: Up to four guests
Sleeping arrangements: Rocket-style bunk bed in the children’s room
Family facilities: Games Room, table tennis and family activity packs on request
Food: Science and Jurassic afternoon teas, plus a children’s menu in Apero
In-room extras: Complimentary soft drinks, tea and coffee
Stand-out perk: The hotel is moments from the Science Museum and Natural History Museum
Best for: Primary-school-age space fans and families planning a museum-focused London break
The Science Family Suite at The Ampersand Hotel in London
What is The Ampersand Hotel’s Science Family Suite like?
The children’s bedroom in the two-room suite is undeniably the, ahem, star of the show. Wannabe astronauts are transported to a galaxy far, far away via a rocket-style bunk bed and space-themed decor.
Even as an adult I bash my head in excitement as I clamber up the ladder to press every button on the control panel and listen to the rocket launch countdown. If there’s an activity to get kids closer to bed (if not quite into it), this is it. Sleep time is suddenly an adventure – who knows what planet you’ll wake up on, right? On-brand toys and puzzles are also stocked to keep little minds and hands busy; hey, you might be raising the next Tim Peake!
Exploration of the suite (or outer space, depending on your imagination). There’s a tent that looks like a shuttle where you can hide from aliens (well, mum and dad) and even a tiny hidden door that gives you access to the Mothership (adjoining adult bedroom).
This room interprets the theme more… subtly via celestial artwork, lighting fixtures and cloud-esque wallpaper, so parents can, well, come back down to earth in a grown-up space that still feels connected to the suite’s overall concept.
Elsewhere I find myself particularly taken by the rocket-themed kids’ cutlery and crockery in the small kitchen – that’s dedication to the cause! You’ll also find complimentary soft drinks, tea, coffee and snacks here.
The accommodation additionally includes an en suite bathroom with a combined bath and shower, Malin + Goetz toiletries, free Wi-Fi, an LCD television with films plus room service and access to the hotel gym.
– READ MORE: I stayed in the UK’s first Moomin hotel room – this is what I found inside –
Wannabe astronauts are transported to a galaxy far, far away
What is Science Afternoon Tea at The Ampersand Hotel like?
In my vast experience of UK hotels, afternoon teas claiming to be themed rarely actually are; there’s a nod to the idea… and that’s that. Not so the Science Afternoon Tea at The Ampersand Hotel: as with the out-of-this-world decor in the Science Family Suite, this repast in The Drawing Rooms truly delivers.
We start, fittingly, with a make-your-own-mocktail turned science experiment, employing an assortment of beakers, pipettes and kidney trays, swirling in fizzing powder and squeezing out bright colours to create a fruity concoction.
Next, the kids’ meal arrives on a London bus-red rocket stand, and plumes of dry ice inject further drama. No Darth Vader striding forth from the billowing clouds, though; it’s a be-ringed white chocolate and apricot “planet mousse” – just one of the creative delicacies on offer.
Other treats include jelly in a petri dish, a moon cake, a galactic macaron, a chocolate spaceman and even a dinosaur biscuit with an edible fossil hidden in chocolate ‘soil’ that comes with a paintbrush to help you unearth the ‘bones’, like a Jurassic Park hero (only with more gluttony than gore).
They don’t skimp on traditional sandwiches and scones (complete with curd presented in a squeeze tube for a further chemistry hit, accompanied by toppings such as fruit crispies and crunchy chocolate pearls) – and we’re even offered top-ups, but these scientists are full to the testube-brim.
– READ MORE: Things to do in London with kids this week –
The Science Afternoon Tea at The Ampersand Hotel
What is the Jurassic Afternoon Tea like?
Families more interested in dinosaurs than space can choose the hotel’s Jurassic Afternoon Tea, which is served in Apero. Inspired by the neighbouring Natural History Museum, the experience features creations such as a volcanic eruption, Jurassic mountain and dinosaur egg basket.
This teatime iteration is full of imagination: the children’s feast includes a dinosaur cheese claw and dinosaur biscuits, and food arrives on a dinosaur-shaped stand with dry ice pouring from the top.
Vegetarian and gluten-free Jurassic menus are available alongside the standard adult and children’s options.
– READ MORE: 20 UK attractions to take kids to before they grow up –
The adults’ room in the Science Family Suite interprets the theme more subtly
What else does The Ampersand Hotel offer families?
The Games Room has books, curiosities, board games and a full-size table-tennis table (although families should check availability during their stay as the room can close for private events).
Parents can also request child-sized bathrobes and slippers, children’s toiletries and activity packs.
Most Deluxe Rooms, Deluxe Studios and Suites can accommodate either a cot or a foldaway bed for a child aged up to 12 at no additional charge. Some rooms can interconnect and the hotel’s standard suites include kitchenettes with a microwave, kettle, toaster and fridge.
Children under four receive a complimentary continental buffet breakfast. A children’s menu is also available in Apero.
– READ MORE: 13 new family-friendly UK hotels that opened this summer 2026 –
Expect a rocket-style bunk bed and space-themed decor in the Science Family Suite
Where is The Ampersand Hotel?
The Ampersand Hotel is at 10 Harrington Road in South Kensington, with South Kensington Underground station almost outside.
The Science Museum, Natural History Museum and Victoria and Albert Museum are all within walking distance. This makes it easy to build the hotel’s themes into a wider weekend of family activities.
Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens and the Princess Diana Memorial Playground are also close enough to visit during a family stay.
– READ MORE: The best of British family hotels for breaks with kids this year –
A star projector helps whisk little imaginations away to distant lands
How much does the Science Family Suite cost?
The Science Family Suite sleeps up to four guests and starts from £739 per night (but prices vary according to the dates and availability).
The 2026 Science Afternoon Tea costs £64.50 per adult and £45 per child. The adult tea costs £74.50 with a glass of Wild Idol alcohol-free sparkling rosé or a non-alcoholic Tea Pot Tail. It costs £79.50 with Charles Heidsieck Champagne Brut or an alcoholic Tea Pot Tail and £84.50 with Charles Heidsieck Champagne Rosé.
How to get there Where to stay Afternoon tea How to bookMake It Happen
The Ampersand Hotel is at 10 Harrington Road, South Kensington, London SW7 3ER. South Kensington Underground station is moments away.
The Science Family Suite sleeps up to four guests and starts from £739 per night. Rates vary according to the dates and availability.
Science Afternoon Tea costs £64.50 per adult and £45 per child. The hotel also serves a separate Jurassic Afternoon Tea in Apero.
Visit ampersandhotel.com to check room availability and reserve afternoon tea.
FAQs
Is The Ampersand Hotel suitable for families?
Yes. The hotel offers family rooms, interconnecting options, cots or foldaway beds, children’s amenities, themed afternoon teas and a Games Room.
How many people can stay in the Science Family Suite?
Up to four guests can stay in the suite. It has an adult bedroom and a separate children’s bedroom with a rocket-style bunk bed.
Does The Ampersand Hotel have a kids’ club?
The hotel does not advertise a dedicated kids’ club. Families can use the Games Room when it is available and request children’s activity packs.
Do you need to stay at the hotel to book afternoon tea?
No. The Science and Jurassic afternoon teas can be booked separately from an overnight stay.
Is Science Afternoon Tea suitable for dietary requirements?
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free Science Afternoon Tea menus are available. Families should provide details of allergies or dietary requirements when booking.
The hotel cannot guarantee that its kitchen or suppliers are entirely free from allergens.
What is the difference between the Science and Jurassic afternoon teas?
Science Afternoon Tea is themed around space and experiments and is served in The Drawing Rooms.
Jurassic Afternoon Tea focuses on dinosaurs and prehistoric-inspired treats and is served in Apero.
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