Best Western Burns Hotel Kensington

From the outside, this six-story property looks less like a chain hotel and more like a charming townhouse from an old London tale. Its Victorian brick facade towers over a quiet Kensington street without any extravagance except for a well-lit entrance that opens up into a wood-heavy lobby. While quite modest, this place has a long history that can be felt throughout because of its small details: ornate staircases, crown molding, and giant townhouse windows. Still, there are dated spaces, with older wood paneling, outdated marble details, and sagging leather couches all suggesting a little sprucing up might be in order. 

The on-site bar is named after British actress Dame Ellen Terry who lived in the building during the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Framed photographs of historic art figures line the walls and draw on the building's history. A hidden garden patio lights up the back of the property, for a charming city retreat. Overall, this is humble spot, attracting guests who are looking for affordability while still being within walking distance of London's main attractions.

This property is in the leafy (and ritzy) neighborhood of Kensington, across from the leafy, 19th-century Barkston Gardens. The immediate area is a bit quieter than Kensington proper, but Kensington Gardens, the Natural History Museum, and Royal Albert Hall are all under a 20-minute walk away (five minutes by cab). The hotel is also close enough to Kensington High Street that coffee houses, restaurants, and major department stores like Harrods are all within a 15-minute walk.

The Earls Court Tube station is a five-minute walk from the hotel for reaching farther-flung London sights. Oxford Circus is only a 20-minute tube ride away, while Covent Garden can be reached in 15 minutes. Other main London attractions such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and Leicester Square are all under a 20-minute drive away, and are tube accessible as well. London's Heathrow Airport is a 25-minute drive from the hotel or a 45-minute tube ride, while driving to Gatwick takes just under one hour, or 50 minutes by train.

Most of the 104 rooms are clean, bright, and decorated with simple beige walls, carpet, and oak wood furniture pieces, for a look that's a bit dated and homey, but pleasant enough. Some are more modern and feature light or mid-tone wood-veneer furniture with clean lines plus details like large padded headboards. Standard features include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, desks, and electric kettles. Closets feature safes and luggage racks. 

Rooms come in Standard and Executive categories, with different bed configurations plus larger floor plans in Executive Rooms. Only some rooms have views of the neighborhood, and while windows are huge, they can only be opened a few inches. This can be a problem in the summer months because rooms aren't air-conditioned. Basement level rooms can also pick up street noise. Bathrooms are clean, but small, and get larger in higher-category bookings. They include either stall showers or shower/tub combos plus just a bit of counter space and basic toiletries. Like many rooms, some are looking a bit tired, and the Standard Twin Room we saw had some dirty grout that needed attending. 

As a budget hotel in the middle of London, the features don't go deep here, but what's on offer is generally nice to have. The restaurant serves up continental or traditional English breakfasts every morning in a small but inviting space with views of the garden patio. Guests are welcome to dine on the patio and even smoke there throughout the day. While small, the garden patio adds a homey feel to the property, with its outdoor tables, large umbrellas, and greenery. "Lite Bites" and drinks can be ordered for room service 24 hours a day, and bar snacks are available in the evening. Most guests, however, choose to dine out in the area, as it's packed with options. Reception is open 24 hours and the hotel is also able to arrange theater tickets and sightseeing tours for guests. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.