London - Kensington Close

Such a disappointment. Luckily it was just for one night. The bathroom was shocking. There was mould on the tiles, walls, ceiling, window and the slatted blind. So much so that I didn't even have a... More>

Such a disappointment. Luckily it was just for one night. The bathroom was shocking. There was mould on the tiles, walls, ceiling, window and the slatted blind. So much so that I didn't even have a shower when I left, we just got up early and escaped. The carpet in the bedroom was black with dirt at the edges. Air con unit didn't work properly. It was a horrible experience. When we complained at check out, the receptionist said well we booked a standard room.

I booked this hotel through BA and the price, including a full cooked breakfast, was a great rate for central London so I wasn't expecting too much especially after reading some of the reviews. The... More>

I booked this hotel through BA and the price, including a full cooked breakfast, was a great rate for central London so I wasn't expecting too much especially after reading some of the reviews. The hotel is ideally placed for the London Tube (Kensington High St is about a 3 minute walk) and the shops. I'd read that the the rooms were tiny but they were ok and recently refurbished with good facilities although no bath. The staff in the hotel were very helpful and friendly and watching them go about their work, I was impressed by their diligence, picking up things, clearing tables and making sure the whole place worked well. I was very impressed. Overall, a very good stay.

When booking we were disappointed that the price was bumped up by VAT right at the end of the booking process. I can understand why - the sum they were quoting is what they receive and the rest goes... More>

When booking we were disappointed that the price was bumped up by VAT right at the end of the booking process. I can understand why - the sum they were quoting is what they receive and the rest goes to the Exchequer - but it makes life far more difficult when trying compare value for money with other hotels. I have stayed here several times before, so that probably says as much as anything can about its suitability, convenience and value for money. I can't say that you get good value for money because it is not cheap; but for a central London venue with easy access to the Circle Line at the nearby High Street Kensington underground it is as good a combination of convenience and price as you are likely to get anywhere. We went for a "superior" room; we were staying for a couple of nights so wanted something a bit bigger than the standard sized rooms that I have stayed in previously which are pretty tight on space. The bathroom was small though and could have been better with just a shower than trying to fit a small bath into the minimal space provided. My wife likes to soak in a bath - or just have a shower for quickness - but as the bath wasn't big enough to soak in easily it rather defeats the point of having one. We didn't eat at the hotel, preferring to breakfast at the nearby Muffin Man, but I have had breakfast there before and an evening meal - and both were perfectly satisfactory. I couldn't log into the wifi - but it wasn't a major issue. The room seemed to be well sound-proofed and there was very noise during the night. There is little traffic outside as it is not on a main thoroughfare. The beds are comfortable although I can never seem to get a combination of pillows of the right height for me - but that is the same everywhere... All in all when we are in London next time we will probably stay here again, unless we are going to do something a bit special - but for everyday requirements it is fine.

I stayed at this hotel as part of a week-long coach tour of Britain; reservations and payment were made by the Cosmos/Globus vacation group. It was disappointing how Cosmos dumped us in such an... More>

I stayed at this hotel as part of a week-long coach tour of Britain; reservations and payment were made by the Cosmos/Globus vacation group. It was disappointing how Cosmos dumped us in such an inferior hotel for the last night of our tour - after evaluation forms had been collected. The hotel was far below the standard of the others on the tour adding insult to injury - we've got your money and your evaluation, now the jokes on you (the guest). Having requested double accommodation, we were given a room with two tiny twin beds that, had we tried to push them together would have blocked access to the outdated and cramped bathroom. This is an exceptionally large hotel (# of rooms) served by two public elevators leading to very long lineups as numerous tour groups check-in and out. Definitely not recommended to independent travellers who have a choice.

I was a bit worried after reading all the negative comments, but my own personal experience was fantastic right from the start, as soon as I arrived staff were friendly & prompt. Having read reviews... More>

I was a bit worried after reading all the negative comments, but my own personal experience was fantastic right from the start, as soon as I arrived staff were friendly & prompt. Having read reviews recently about poor rooms etc, mine was a great room for a basic room with ampl room for 2 people plus luggage. Location was fantasic and only 2 min walk to nearest tube station. The only minor points were 1:- the charge of £10 for 24hrs WI-FI, but did not bother us too much as we don't rely on Internet 24 hours a day, & 2:- the charge of £8 per day for use of swimming pool, sauna etc, but you can come & go as you like for the day so wasn't to bad. All in all a great experience & would recommend to anyone :)