Kensington House Hotel

15–16 Prince of Wales Terr., London, W8 5PQ, England
https://www.facebook.com/kenhousehotel/

Why We Like It

The hotel feels like the way living in High Street Kensington should feel; refined, luxurious and cultured. Rooms are well-priced given the hotel’s qualities and its enviable location. While Tiger Bar is a surprisingly intimate place for a drink, the nieghborhood is rife for exploring and the staff are happy to help point you in the right direction to search out the best of its culture. Finally, we must insist that you see a show at the Royal Albert Hall (if you can) before making the short stroll back to the hotel.

Fodor's Expert Review

Everything you’d expect from a hotel wearing the name of one of London’s wealthiest neighbourhoods as a badge of pride, the Kensington House Hotel is a luxe alternative to larger boutique hotels in the area. While no superstar designer has lent their name to the décor, it’s as charming as anywhere, with its mellow color palette, jute carpets and high ceilings creating a regal yet personal atmosphere. In a neighbourhood where grand stucco townhouses fill every single block, this 19th century building stands out.

Tip Just a few minutes from the Royal Albert Hall, the hotel is in the ideal location to make the most of one of London’s most iconic cultural institutions.

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Room

Cozy and contemporary with a conservative use of color, the neutral rooms are serenity defined. Huge windows fill each space with natural light, and offer views over the garden or the quiet street outside. The beautiful suite comes with a private balcony for enjoying those whimsical London nights.

You Should Know While relatively small, the old townhouse hotel has the benefit of a lift that serves all rooms.

Bathroom

Decorated in clean white tiles, the bathrooms feature a dual bathtub and shower, with robes laid on for that extra boutique touch.

Lobby

A formal lobby area deals with the routine of checking in and out and while guests shouldn’t expect a hang-out spot in this small hotel, the welcome is warm and friendly.

Drinking

After the business of serving the hotel’s continental breakfast, the Tiger Bar reverts to the business of serving pre-theater/Albert Hall drinks in the evenings. A huge space, this was probably the grand drawing room of the original 1862 house. Original features include the triple bay windows and intricate panelling which coexist well with the modern art hung on the walls.

What's Nearby

Getting Around

In a safe neighborhood as leafy and architecturally extravagant as High Street Kensington, you’ll want to get out and explore by foot. Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are a short walk away and the various mews and gorgeous side streets will often have sweet pubs, independent delis and quirky boutiques hidden among them. Close to Notting Hill and the museums of South Kensington, those destinations become even closer if you hop on the Tube at High Street Kensington Underground. An 18-minute journey into the West End keeps you conveniently close to the major attractions.

Restaurants

If you want to get out of the Kensington House Hotel comfort zone—because it is really very comfy—then head Dirty Bones (6-minute walk), an American diner that serves up sticky ribs and burgers crammed with mac & cheese to the sounds of an always lively music policy, both live acts and DJs. Or, just keep it refined and go to the opposite end of the foodie spectrum with some fresh sushi at Yashin (8-minute walk), a hip Japanese dinging experience close by.

Bars

When in Rome… go to Kensington Roof Gardens (7-minute walk) because the elevated oasis is a Kensington institution. And yes, those flamingos are real. If you don’t like rooftop gardens (you don’t like rooftop gardens?!) then head for the Kensington Wine Rooms (9-minute walk), a bar at ground level where you can sample a range of dynamic wines and book a tasting course if you like.

Quick Facts

HOTEL INFO

Phones: 020-7937–2345