London Visitors Hotel

Competition is fierce between London's bed-and-breakfasts, but this traditional establishment has been going strong since 1954. Tiny rooms here are no-frills, and some share bathrooms, but downstairs areas retain the 1870-built charm. Echoing stone-carved exteriors, interiors sport the Victorian look typical of small London hotels. The entrance's paneled woods and forest-green carpeting continue in the parlor lounge, where leather armchairs in tufted blacks are cozy around an open fire. Chess-board tables, a grandfather clock, and white ceiling molding are quaint, and blue embellished glass and satin drapes add more color. There's no bar, and basic breakfasts are the only meal offered, but guests mostly spend their days out. Note that there's no elevator and the front desk isn't staffed 24/7.

Situated on a quiet street surrounded by Victorian houses and traditional pubs, the hotel's Kensington location is pleasant and relatively central. Olympia Exhibition Centre is a seven-minute walk away, and the Earl's Court counterpart is twice that. Tourists are also well-placed here, being a two-minute walk from Kensington Olympia tube/overground station, although weekend-only operation here means the 14-minute walk to Shepherd's Bush tube is the best bet for journeys to sights. Trains here run to Oxford Street's shopping, Marble Arch, and London's financial district "The City". Travelers can also get to Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and most other sights within 40 minutes, by bus or tube. A supermarket is next door, and Kensington High Street's boutiques are a 12-minute walk. Also nearby is Notting Hill, famous for its markets and role in the movie of the same name. Heathrow Airport is a 35-minute drive, or one hour by public transport, while Gatwick Airport is twice as far by car.

Clean, cozy rooms come in a range of categories, although all are small. Palettes vary from plain white, to patterned monochromes or blush pinks, while wood-paneled or exposed-brick walls, carpeted floors, and old-fashioned wood furniture are to be expected. Unfortunately, so is a disparage in amenities -- not all rooms have a TV, desk, or en-suite bathroom, and note that shared bathrooms aren't necessarily on the same floor as rooms. There are also no safes or AC, but fans offer summer relief, and rooms have wash basins, hairdryers, free Wi-Fi, daily-replaced towels, and toiletries. Tiny Singles measure 65 square feet (six square meters), while Twin/Double, Triple, and Quad Rooms are slightly larger. Family Rooms have comfy leather couches and a sleeping capacity of four. Studios in an annex building have loft bedrooms, plus kettle and fridge-equipped kitchenettes. Most rooms are too small for cribs. Note, rooms are reached by stairs, can suffer road noise, or have the occasional unsavory odor.

Limited features are in keeping with the value rate, although guests can enjoy a few nice additions. A free buffet-style breakfast is served in a room bedecked in paneled woods and a chandelier. Spreads consist of continental breads, croissants, jams, cold hams and cheeses, cereals, and yogurt, plus muffins and waffles. Juice, tea, and coffee come standard. The latter two are free all day (alongside cookies) in the Victorian-style lounge with a fireplace, and classical music here is relaxing. Guests can purchase snacks and sodas from the front desk. The lounge's books and board games are free-to-borrow. No parking is offered, although travelers here tend to be without vehicles. Pets aren't permitted. Wi-Fi is free throughout.