The four-pearl Pelham Hotel is one of Kensington's most charming properties. It’s located opposite South Kensington station, on a busy street that's a short stroll from Kensington Gardens. Interiors showcase an eclectic design sensibility of deliberately clashing prints, colors, and fabrics, plus a mix of antique and contemporary furniture. The 52 rooms are done up in a countryside-home-meets-city-townhouse look, and include Handy phones, free Wi-Fi, and Penhaligon toiletries. Though windows are double-glazed, some guests do complain of street noise from the busy thoroughfare below. Breakfast is served in the hotel’s La Trattoria by Alfredo Russo restaurant, which is also open for lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner. For a cheaper stay in Kensington, without the frills, consider The Gainsborough Hotel.
The four-pearl Pelham Hotel is one of Kensington's most charming properties. It’s located opposite South Kensington station, on a busy street that's a short stroll from Kensington Gardens. Interiors showcase an eclectic design sensibility of deliberately clashing prints, colors, and fabrics, plus a mix of antique and contemporary furniture. The 52 rooms are done up in a countryside-home-meets-city-townhouse look, and include Handy phones, free Wi-Fi, and Penhaligon toiletries. Though windows are double-glazed, some guests do complain of street noise from the busy thoroughfare below. Breakfast is served in the hotel’s La Trattoria by Alfredo Russo restaurant, which is also open for lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner. For a cheaper stay in Kensington, without the frills, consider The Gainsborough Hotel.
The Sanderson is an edgy Soho hotel with original and extravagant design by Philippe Starck. Innovative rooms feature a mostly all-white color palette, layers of sheer curtains that divide different areas of the room (in lieu of interior walls), and luxurious bathrooms, some with separate walk-in showers and freestanding soaking tubs. Beyond the rooms, the Sanderson seems to have one highlight after another, including an iconic lobby bar and a Mad Hatter-themed afternoon tea served in the striking courtyard. Travelers could also consider the whimsical Ampersand Hotel in South Kensington; the five-pearl boutique trades some of Sanderson's overt sexiness for more traditional elegance.
The Sanderson is an edgy Soho hotel with original and extravagant design by Philippe Starck. Innovative rooms feature a mostly all-white color palette, layers of sheer curtains that divide different areas of the room (in lieu of interior walls), and luxurious bathrooms, some with separate walk-in showers and freestanding soaking tubs. Beyond the rooms, the Sanderson seems to have one highlight after another, including an iconic lobby bar and a Mad Hatter-themed afternoon tea served in the striking courtyard. Travelers could also consider the whimsical Ampersand Hotel in South Kensington; the five-pearl boutique trades some of Sanderson's overt sexiness for more traditional elegance.
The 161-room Rubens at the Palace is a luxury property in Westminster’s bustling Victoria neighborhood. It has a royal history stretching back to the 1700s and has been family run since 1912. The hotel embraces its rich past and setting -- opposite Buckingham Palace -- with rooms that are grand, traditional, and outfitted with modern artwork and furnishings. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, coffee-and-tea-making facilities, luxury toiletries, and Royal Mews views, but rooms notably lack minibars and bathrooms can be a let down. The English Grill receives rave reviews, as does the authentic Curry Room. There are also two bars and a gorgeous space for afternoon tea: The Palace Lounge. Several events spaces are available, but sadly there's no gym or spa. For a similar stay, consider The Grosvenor Hotel.
The 161-room Rubens at the Palace is a luxury property in Westminster’s bustling Victoria neighborhood. It has a royal history stretching back to the 1700s and has been family run since 1912. The hotel embraces its rich past and setting -- opposite Buckingham Palace -- with rooms that are grand, traditional, and outfitted with modern artwork and furnishings. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, coffee-and-tea-making facilities, luxury toiletries, and Royal Mews views, but rooms notably lack minibars and bathrooms can be a let down. The English Grill receives rave reviews, as does the authentic Curry Room. There are also two bars and a gorgeous space for afternoon tea: The Palace Lounge. Several events spaces are available, but sadly there's no gym or spa. For a similar stay, consider The Grosvenor Hotel.
The Cadogan is an unpretentious boutique hotel with a prestigious Knightsbridge address. This 54-room hotel occupies a historic Edwardian townhouse on Sloane Street, in close proximity to local shopping. The property has a rich history, including the room where Oscar Wilde awaited his arrest in 1895 and another where King Edward VII met with his mistress, the British actress Lillie Langtry. The Cadogan creates guest profiles to take note of personal preferences, and classy rooms are full of character with antiques, dramatic curtains, and luxe bathrooms. Guests craving modernity will be happy to see big flat-screen TVs and iPod docks. The hotel also offers an excellent restaurant by Chef Adam Handling. With a small fitness center and personal service the Cadogan is an appealing pick, although some guests consider rooms to be a tad small and complain of street noise.
The Cadogan is an unpretentious boutique hotel with a prestigious Knightsbridge address. This 54-room hotel occupies a historic Edwardian townhouse on Sloane Street, in close proximity to local shopping. The property has a rich history, including the room where Oscar Wilde awaited his arrest in 1895 and another where King Edward VII met with his mistress, the British actress Lillie Langtry. The Cadogan creates guest profiles to take note of personal preferences, and classy rooms are full of character with antiques, dramatic curtains, and luxe bathrooms. Guests craving modernity will be happy to see big flat-screen TVs and iPod docks. The hotel also offers an excellent restaurant by Chef Adam Handling. With a small fitness center and personal service the Cadogan is an appealing pick, although some guests consider rooms to be a tad small and complain of street noise.
SoHostel is a two-pearl hostel with a fun atmosphere and a young clientele looking to take advantage of the property’s superb location in London's Soho. The 44 rooms are basic but clean and offer bunk beds and storage lockers for up to 18 people, or private rooms with flat-screen TVs. The area might be a bit noisy for some, making ear plugs a good addition. Features include a bar and an on-site coffee shop; breakfast is served, but it cost a fee. The hostel also offers free walking tours and events such as karaoke nights. It’s hard to beat this hotel’s location and rates, but Travel Joy Hostels Chelsea in Pimlico does offer a free breakfast and some rooms with views of the Thames.
SoHostel is a two-pearl hostel with a fun atmosphere and a young clientele looking to take advantage of the property’s superb location in London's Soho. The 44 rooms are basic but clean and offer bunk beds and storage lockers for up to 18 people, or private rooms with flat-screen TVs. The area might be a bit noisy for some, making ear plugs a good addition. Features include a bar and an on-site coffee shop; breakfast is served, but it cost a fee. The hostel also offers free walking tours and events such as karaoke nights. It’s hard to beat this hotel’s location and rates, but Travel Joy Hostels Chelsea in Pimlico does offer a free breakfast and some rooms with views of the Thames.
There are 55 rooms at this two-and-a-half-pearl property set in London’s Paddington area, a five-minute walk to Hyde Park. The convenient location near the train station and many attractions appeals to both tourists and corporate travelers. The guest rooms are light and bright and have air-conditioning, though style varies from modern to dated. There are a decent amount of on-site features including a bar, courtyard, and a free continental breakfast buffet. It's worth comparing rates with the London Elizabeth Hotel, which is even closer to Hyde Park and has a restaurant and rose garden on-site, though rates are slightly higher.
There are 55 rooms at this two-and-a-half-pearl property set in London’s Paddington area, a five-minute walk to Hyde Park. The convenient location near the train station and many attractions appeals to both tourists and corporate travelers. The guest rooms are light and bright and have air-conditioning, though style varies from modern to dated. There are a decent amount of on-site features including a bar, courtyard, and a free continental breakfast buffet. It's worth comparing rates with the London Elizabeth Hotel, which is even closer to Hyde Park and has a restaurant and rose garden on-site, though rates are slightly higher.
Originally a student accommodation in the 1950s, the ethically conscious 100-room Wesley hotel is a small, independent upscale property proud of its sustainability focus and social awareness. Some of the decor in common areas reflects a functional mindset, but rooms are modern and minimal with ample light and nice touches like flat-screen TVs, kettles, and big bathrooms. A quality breakfast is cooked to order and there's free snacks and bottled water, but some guests complain about noise from the nearby Tube.
Originally a student accommodation in the 1950s, the ethically conscious 100-room Wesley hotel is a small, independent upscale property proud of its sustainability focus and social awareness. Some of the decor in common areas reflects a functional mindset, but rooms are modern and minimal with ample light and nice touches like flat-screen TVs, kettles, and big bathrooms. A quality breakfast is cooked to order and there's free snacks and bottled water, but some guests complain about noise from the nearby Tube.
CityStay Hotel is a 20-room, budget property in East London that is, as the British might say, down at the heels. There are rust stains in the showers and sinks, some of the rooms have bars on the windows, and the lounge has little natural light. But the price is right, a free breakfast is included, and the location, next door to a London Underground stop and a 10-minute walk to the Stratford Olympic Village, is accessible, even if surrounding streets are gritty. There's flexibility in the room sizes too, with triples and one and two bedroom apartments. For tourists and business travelers on a budget who aren't planning to linger, this hotel will work. For those who seek a more reliable, chain hotel, the BEST WESTERN The Cromwell is a solid alternative.
CityStay Hotel is a 20-room, budget property in East London that is, as the British might say, down at the heels. There are rust stains in the showers and sinks, some of the rooms have bars on the windows, and the lounge has little natural light. But the price is right, a free breakfast is included, and the location, next door to a London Underground stop and a 10-minute walk to the Stratford Olympic Village, is accessible, even if surrounding streets are gritty. There's flexibility in the room sizes too, with triples and one and two bedroom apartments. For tourists and business travelers on a budget who aren't planning to linger, this hotel will work. For those who seek a more reliable, chain hotel, the BEST WESTERN The Cromwell is a solid alternative.
The four-pearl Montcalm Royal London House - City of London opened in 2016 in a historic building that once served as the office of the Royal Mail. It’s located on Finsbury Square in the Spitalfields/Shoreditch area, known for high tech companies and trendy shops and dining. Today, it holds a small indoor pool, hot tub, steam room, and sauna, and the hotel also offers a spa (treatments for a fee), two bars, and a restaurant with innovative English cuisine and a rooftop deck with city views. While some of 253 guest rooms run a bit small, all come with plush beds, marble baths, 55-inch flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, espresso machines, and free Wi-Fi. Rates can get a bit high, so those looking for a more affordable hotel without the frills might consider the nearby Citadines Barbican London.
The four-pearl Montcalm Royal London House - City of London opened in 2016 in a historic building that once served as the office of the Royal Mail. It’s located on Finsbury Square in the Spitalfields/Shoreditch area, known for high tech companies and trendy shops and dining. Today, it holds a small indoor pool, hot tub, steam room, and sauna, and the hotel also offers a spa (treatments for a fee), two bars, and a restaurant with innovative English cuisine and a rooftop deck with city views. While some of 253 guest rooms run a bit small, all come with plush beds, marble baths, 55-inch flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, espresso machines, and free Wi-Fi. Rates can get a bit high, so those looking for a more affordable hotel without the frills might consider the nearby Citadines Barbican London.