It is difficult to have missed mention of the 1999 romantic comedy "Notting Hill", starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant, which is one of the most successful British productions ever made. The story was set and filmed on its eponymous street, resulting in the images of an old-world Victorian streetscape flavored by Bohemian influences, quaint independent boutiques and the vibrant activity of Notting Hill's Portobello Market entering the consciousness of the movie-going public.

Today, the fame of Notting Hill is three tiered - being the site of the famous film, being one of the most fashionable addresses of London's hip and trendy (owing largely to the popularity created by the film) and being the host site of the largest and most colourful street festivals outside of Rio.

The Notting Hill Carnival traces its origins back to Britain's first race riots in 1958, which first sparked in this area. The Carnival came together as a positive response to the violence; a healing balm unifying and celebrating London's legacy of Caribbean immigrants.

Today, the festival has grown to encompass the many other ethnicities of London's massive immigrant community and draws over a million tourists to the streets of Notting Hill every year, in a dazzling celebration unrivaled in colour and spectacle. Sassily-costumed Latin dancers swirl to samba beats while long-haired Rastafarians set up speakers blaring the sounds of reggae. The festivities culminate in a 3-mile parade of floats which is the undisputed highlight of the London street scene.

The Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington is one of the most desirable hotels near Notting Hill, as it enjoys the dual advantages of being located in a quiet corner of the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea (to which Notting Hill belongs), as well as access to all other major hubs. This hotel is very highly regarded and offers guests excellent services with real attention to detail.