Royal Garden Hotel

Owned by the daughter of a late Singaporean businessman, the busy, vibrant Royal Garden Hotel was gifted to its owner by her father for her 21st birthday. While the hotel has a reputation for business-oriented and well-heeled clientele, it also has a 1960s rock-star heritage: Former guests include Sonny and Cher. The lobby is minimalist and sleek in style, with super-polished black granite floors, cherry-wood paneled walls, and metal-frame chandeliers. Bertie's Bar, on a separate mezzanine level, houses a blue-lit bar and lounging chairs, and can be hired out for meetings and events. Royal Garden Hotel's modern, corporate look is a big departure from the traditional English decor and period charm of many Kensington hotels.

The Royal Garden Hotel is situated comfortably between one of Kensington's busiest shopping districts and one of London's most beautiful parks. Some rooms have excellent views over sprawling Hyde Park. The hotel is only a five-minute walk from the Kensington High Street tube station. Close proximity to this tube stop means that any destination in central London is easy to reach via public transport.

• Three-minute walk to High Street Kensington shopping district
• Three-minute walk to Hyde Park
• Six-minute walk to Kensington Palace
• 30-minute walk to Portobello Market
• 15-minute walk to Notting Hill Gate
• 15-minute walk to Royal Albert Hall
• 25-minute walk to Knightsbridge shopping district (including Harrods)
• 22-minute tube ride to Piccadilly Circus and the theater district
• 25- to 30-minute tube ride to Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, London Eye, and scenic walks along the Thames
• 26-minute tube ride to Covent Garden

The Royal Garden Hotel has four room categories and two suite types. The Queen Room is the most basic room type and is tight on space; it's intended for single occupancy. Even so, it features a work desk and cushioned window seat. The King Room has considerably more space; the Garden Room is the same size as the King, but has beautiful views over Hyde Park, plus a separate shower and tub. The Executive Room is billed as an ideal family room or executive business room. Upgrading to a suite means a considerable price jump, but guests will get even more room, beautiful views over Hyde Park, and a separate lounge and dining room.

Decor across room categories is contemporary and minimalist; some feel that the rooms lack a strong or imaginative design concept, while others find them understated and sophisticated. All rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, minibars, and coffee/tea facilities. Upscale bathrooms have heated towel racks, rainfall showerheads, and toiletries from English heritage brand Penhaligon's.

There are two appealing restaurant options at the Royal Garden Hotel. Min Jiang serves traditional Chinese cuisine for lunch and dinner. Located on the 10th floor, Min Jiang has floor-to-ceiling windows that panoramic views of London. Booking ahead is wise. Park Terrace, on the ground floor, is committed to serving sustainable and seasonal fare, in addition to a good breakfast buffet and afternoon tea. The hotel's spa offers a long list of treatments, from manicures to massages, and the fitness center features a good assortment LifeFitness cardio equipment. Meeting rooms and board rooms with a wide range of capacities are also available.