Ashburn Hotel

111 Cromwell Rd., London, SW7 4DP, England, London, England
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Why We Like It

We like the traditional style of the rooms and the convenience of the location for the museums of South Kensington. Plus, the classy bar is a highlight because who doesn’t want the option of 24-hour drinking in their hotel?

Fodor's Expert Review

A converted townhouse hotel in the heart of Kensington, the appeal of the Ashburn Hotel is its homely vibe and prime location close to the Museums of South Kensington. A solid boutique pick if you want to be close to the culture of the Museum Quarter and enjoy the relative calm of the leafy Gloucester Road location while just a 15-minute Tube ride from the West End.

You Should Know Gloucester Road is a neighborhood located close to a range of appealing sights with South Kensington in one direction and High Street Kensington in the other, however, the immediate vicinity of the hotel lacks a little life and soul-which could be a drawback depending on what you want from your hotel's area.

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Room

A historic converted townhouse, guests can expect a range of rooms in a variety of sizes and shapes. Each room is decorated in a traditional style that feels more home from home than luxury boutique stay with regency style antique furniture.

Bathroom

Basic bathrooms feature large gilt mirrors and marble vanities which add a touch of style. All have bathtub showers and complimentary toiletries.

Lobby

The spacious lobby has a polished marble floor and original cornicing for those 19th century details. Not a space to hang out in but it provides a handsome entrance to the hotel and leads onto the bar.

Dining

Breakfast is served in the drawing room where the complimentary buffet breakfast can be upgraded to a full English should you want something a little more substantial.

Drinking

The drawing room bar comes straight out of an interiors magazine with its gorgeous parquet floor, deep sofas and impressive chandeliers.

Tip The bar is open 24-hours should you wish to sneak downstairs for a tipple in the deep of the night.

What's Nearby

Getting Around

10 minutes from South Kensington’s Museum Quarter, the hotel is well placed for the Natural History Museum, Science Museum and the V&A. Not exactly prime position for sights beyond the museums, the location will appeal to guests who want to stay in a more relaxed neighborhood. Gloucester Road Station is close and provides a quick link into Central London via the District Line. An alternative to the green space of Hyde Park, Brompton Cemetery is the perfect place for a stroll surrounded by gothic beauty.

Restaurants

It may be a chain but Comptoir Libanais (3-minute walk) is well worth a visit for a delicious—and inexpensive—Lebanese feast. For something fancier, take a walk down Brompton Road and visit Wright Brothers (12-minute walk) for excellent oysters and Champagne.

Bars

Despite the fact that Gloucester Road is hardly renowned for its bar scene, the hotel still has two excellent drinking spots close by. First, visit Evans and Peel Detective Agency (10-minute walk) for speakeasy fun, then head to Balans Soho Society (15-minute walk) for lively, late night cocktails. If you prefer something a little simpler head to one of the many traditional pubs in the neighborhood, starting with the Gloucester Arms.

Quick Facts

HOTEL INFO

Phones: 020-7244–1999;020-7938–5930-for reservations