Latest reviews for Hotels & Travel in Kensington, London, United Kingdom

Exhibition Court Hotel 4 - A very nice hotel by antilope83

antilope83 — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:51:15 +0000

Review by antilope83

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7370 2414

Website: http://www.exhibitioncourthotel.co.uk

The hotel is in a very beutiful area, within easy reach of 2 metro stations, the Earl's Court and the Gloucester Road. It's managed by affable and helpful people, The rooms are not so big but very comfortable and have all you need, even the phon and the iron with its ironing board! The cost for a day is not very expensive comparative to other hotels (also in worse areas),
Very recommended!!!The hotel is in a very beutiful area, within easy reach of 2 metro stations, the Earl's Court and the Gloucester Road. It's managed by affable and helpful people, The rooms are not so big but very comfortable and have all you need, even the phon and the iron with its ironing board! The cost for a day is not very expensive comparative to other hotels (also in worse areas),
Very recommended!!!

The Manor Lodge Hotel - by tica

tica — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:07:14 +0000

Review by tica

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7229 0530

this is nasty, all the people who lives here are psykoos like really nasty ass peoples, and the staff cant speak english so they dont undertstand a word of what you are saying. dont stay here with all the homeless and retarded peoplethis is nasty, all the people who lives here are psykoos like really nasty ass peoples, and the staff cant speak english so they dont undertstand a word of what you are saying. dont stay here with all the homeless and retarded people

Roland House - Good location, but service lacking by 7PBthetis

7PBthetis — Thu, 14 May 2009 13:01:37 +0000

Review by 7PBthetis

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 3291 2252

Website: http://www.rolandhouse.co.uk

Tags: short let apt

I stayed in the Roland House studio for 3 months. Its location is very good for the London area. However, it is certainly not as advertised. Communication with management was not good. Upon arrival despite having paid a deposit and written numerous notes, the apt was not cleaned and was subsequently cleaned to a modest degree. Cable TV consisted of BBC1 and BBC2, ITV1 and intermittent CNN or Sky News. Broadband would not fuction at times and repairs would occur especially over the weekends. The elevators frequently broke down and took weeks to repair. The gym can only be used after an official "induction" held maybe once or twice a month. The closet is tiny and only comes with 8 coathangers. The kitchen is also small. There is no oven and and no freezer. II stayed in the Roland House studio for 3 months. Its location is very good for the London area. However, it is certainly not as advertised. Communication with management was not good. Upon arrival despite having paid a deposit and written numerous notes, the apt was not cleaned and was subsequently cleaned to a modest degree. Cable TV consisted of BBC1 and BBC2, ITV1 and intermittent CNN or Sky News. Broadband would not fuction at times and repairs would occur especially over the weekends. The elevators frequently broke down and took weeks to repair. The gym can only be used after an official "induction" held maybe once or twice a month. The closet is tiny and only comes with 8 coathangers. The kitchen is also small. There is no oven and and no freezer. I

Halpin House - Worse conditions ever by LOU03

LOU03 — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 17:28:40 +0000

Review by LOU03

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7373 4180

Website: http://www.london-hostels.co.uk

I staid there for three weeks and it was just the worst period of my London lifeâ¬¦
First, itâ¬"s disgusting: I arrived in my bedroom, the floor was full of rubbishes and there was such a bad smell, the shower next to my bedroom hasnâ¬"t been cleaned for two weeks (I let you imagine the result, after two weeks, when you have to share your shower with six others people!).
And secondly, the best of the best: there are bedbugs: (just go on Internet if you donâ¬"t know what it is) those little beatles just ruin your nightsâ¬¦
There is an other hostel called Regina House, two streets from this one, just go there: even if you pay a bit more, better conditions and the food is included!

I staid there for three weeks and it was just the worst period of my London lifeâ¬¦
First, itâ¬"s disgusting: I arrived in my bedroom, the floor was full of rubbishes and there was such a bad smell, the shower next to my bedroom hasnâ¬"t been cleaned for two weeks (I let you imagine the result, after two weeks, when you have to share your shower with six others people!).
And secondly, the best of the best: there are bedbugs: (just go on Internet if you donâ¬"t know what it is) those little beatles just ruin your nightsâ¬¦
There is an other hostel called Regina House, two streets from this one, just go there: even if you pay a bit more, better conditions and the food is included!

Royal Lancaster Hotel - Modern Convenient Hotel by Angella

Angella — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 13:17:48 +0000

Review by Angella

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7262 6737

Website: http://www.royallancaster.co.uk

Hotel Location
Convenience for train travellers is the top advantage for me, when you are visiting a restaurant or a huge meeting and coming into central London from outside.
It's right beside Lancaster Gate underground station. Handy since it's in the Congestion charge zone. It's just around the corner from the station but the giant block has no overhang so if it's raining you get wet. The Victorians built shopping arcade in the UK and the covered five foot ways were mandatory in Singapore. Wouldn't you think that London buildings should have overhangs - like you get on every doorstep for a modest dwelling in the UK.

Entrance Hall/Lobby
Wonderful thick carpet - like walking in on sponge. You just want to walk up and down enjoying it.

Lots of sofa seating. Busy and occupied in the evening.

Alert concierge who greets you as you approach and helps you.

No shops, just windows with some rather nice jewellery. Lovely log fire near receptions desks.

No leisure centre either.

The hotel has a couple of huge reception halls for big weddings and large receptions.
I was invited to a marketing 'Oscars' do in one of the huge suites with a separate entrance. I assumed our reception was catered by the hotel as there was no sign advertising another caterer.

Drinks
Our reception drinks were kir royale, champagne or orange juice. Excellent. And some spicy covered peanut nibbles on a table which probably most people missed but I found them. They did run out of champagne just before we were called to enter the hall.

Starter was Buffalo mozzarello with aubergine and chickpeas. Lovely soft cheese, tasty aubergine, a mouthful of flavours and different textures, the smooth almost creamy cheese and some crunch. Colourful too.

Main course was salmon en croute with new potatoes and spinach. That went down okay without leaving you over-full.

Dessert contained mango, my favourite. Very pretty to look at with orange and green ribbons. I think the orange one was candied orange.

Finally, best of all, excellent chocolates. Half a dozen varieties, different shapes and decorations with different centres, smooth chocolate or softer praline or alcoholic. Some tables seemed to have mini biscuits too. The best chocolates were the white chocolates which had soft centres and crispy, crunchy outside. Not over-sugary.

Water jugs contained lemon which looked pretty. The sound system was perfect and every word could be heard everywhere even when people at the back were talking buzzily.

Toilets down a flight of stairs. Pictures of kings, I presume the House of Lancaster, are on the walls. Pleasant but rather bland.

The hotel is on the central line which zooms frequently about every five minutes at busy hours into Oxford Street and out to Ruislip in the west, on two Ruislip areas with trains running until gone midnight.

Easy to remember: Royal Lancaster Hotel, pictures of the House of Lancaster, Lancaster Gate station is nearby.

To sum up, efficient and modern, doesn't look exciting but excellent food.Hotel Location
Convenience for train travellers is the top advantage for me, when you are visiting a restaurant or a huge meeting and coming into central London from outside.
It's right beside Lancaster Gate underground station. Handy since it's in the Congestion charge zone. It's just around the corner from the station but the giant block has no overhang so if it's raining you get wet. The Victorians built shopping arcade in the UK and the covered five foot ways were mandatory in Singapore. Wouldn't you think that London buildings should have overhangs - like you get on every doorstep for a modest dwelling in the UK.

Entrance Hall/Lobby
Wonderful thick carpet - like walking in on sponge. You just want to walk up and down enjoying it.

Lots of sofa seating. Busy and occupied in the evening.

Alert concierge who greets you as you approach and helps you.

No shops, just windows with some rather nice jewellery. Lovely log fire near receptions desks.

No leisure centre either.

The hotel has a couple of huge reception halls for big weddings and large receptions.
I was invited to a marketing 'Oscars' do in one of the huge suites with a separate entrance. I assumed our reception was catered by the hotel as there was no sign advertising another caterer.

Drinks
Our reception drinks were kir royale, champagne or orange juice. Excellent. And some spicy covered peanut nibbles on a table which probably most people missed but I found them. They did run out of champagne just before we were called to enter the hall.

Starter was Buffalo mozzarello with aubergine and chickpeas. Lovely soft cheese, tasty aubergine, a mouthful of flavours and different textures, the smooth almost creamy cheese and some crunch. Colourful too.

Main course was salmon en croute with new potatoes and spinach. That went down okay without leaving you over-full.

Dessert contained mango, my favourite. Very pretty to look at with orange and green ribbons. I think the orange one was candied orange.

Finally, best of all, excellent chocolates. Half a dozen varieties, different shapes and decorations with different centres, smooth chocolate or softer praline or alcoholic. Some tables seemed to have mini biscuits too. The best chocolates were the white chocolates which had soft centres and crispy, crunchy outside. Not over-sugary.

Water jugs contained lemon which looked pretty. The sound system was perfect and every word could be heard everywhere even when people at the back were talking buzzily.

Toilets down a flight of stairs. Pictures of kings, I presume the House of Lancaster, are on the walls. Pleasant but rather bland.

The hotel is on the central line which zooms frequently about every five minutes at busy hours into Oxford Street and out to Ruislip in the west, on two Ruislip areas with trains running until gone midnight.

Easy to remember: Royal Lancaster Hotel, pictures of the House of Lancaster, Lancaster Gate station is nearby.

To sum up, efficient and modern, doesn't look exciting but excellent food.

Copthorne Tara Hotel - Big but not beautiful by Hmm

Hmm — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 09:48:31 +0000

Review by Hmm

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7937 7211

Website: http://www.millenniumhotels.co.uk

Tags: restaurant, safe, bar / lounge bar

Rather horrific hotel from outside but OK inside. Friendly staff, average rooms. Did not try the breakfast or the restaurant. Avoid the rooms next to the underground if you want a good night sleep.Rather horrific hotel from outside but OK inside. Friendly staff, average rooms. Did not try the breakfast or the restaurant. Avoid the rooms next to the underground if you want a good night sleep.

The Regency Hotel - Nice hotel by Hmm

Hmm — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 10:41:07 +0000

Review by Hmm

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7370 4595

Website: http://www.regency-london.co.uk

A bit off, but nice rooms and friendly staffA bit off, but nice rooms and friendly staff

The Royal Garden Hotel - Dated... by foodbymark

foodbymark — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 01:18:54 +0000

Review by foodbymark

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7937 8000

Website: http://www.royalgardenhotel.co.uk

Tags: restaurant, safe, air conditioning

Whilst the hotel is well located for the tourist, it is in dire need of a renovation. With potentially great views of Kensington Garden and the surrounding area, the hotel is let down by the 70s feel of the rooms which have in most cases had very little updating beyond DVD players and Flatscreens. In the six years I have been to the hotel as a conference guest, they have seemingly only updated the bar. However, the service is great and staff are friendly and helpful.Whilst the hotel is well located for the tourist, it is in dire need of a renovation. With potentially great views of Kensington Garden and the surrounding area, the hotel is let down by the 70s feel of the rooms which have in most cases had very little updating beyond DVD players and Flatscreens. In the six years I have been to the hotel as a conference guest, they have seemingly only updated the bar. However, the service is great and staff are friendly and helpful.

The Albert Hotel - Albert Hotel by Ergaya

Ergaya — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:43:13 +0000

Review by Ergaya

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7584 3019

Website: http://www.thealberthotel.com

Great hotel with an atmosphere of the previous ages. You can take single room with a bathroom ,fridge & TV.
Internet conection downstairs along with a kichen.Great hotel with an atmosphere of the previous ages. You can take single room with a bathroom ,fridge & TV.
Internet conection downstairs along with a kichen.

The Manor Hotel - worst b&b ive ever been in by kesh

kesh — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 21:40:32 +0000

Review by kesh

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7370 6018

Website: http://www.themanorhotel.com

THis place is very deceiving looked fantastic online however very different story when u get there. Outside looked nice,reception was ok then the horror unfolded,every step on the stairs was held together with red electricians tape. The room! net curtains filthy black with dirt, The shower black with mould on the ceiling ,wall,and shower tray carpet covered in stains no tea coffee facilities available as stated online towels were not changed daily.Hot tap held on with white tape.Cant tell you about breakfast as we didnt dare try it as the room was enough to put you off. We would certainly not recommend a stay at this place.THis place is very deceiving looked fantastic online however very different story when u get there. Outside looked nice,reception was ok then the horror unfolded,every step on the stairs was held together with red electricians tape. The room! net curtains filthy black with dirt, The shower black with mould on the ceiling ,wall,and shower tray carpet covered in stains no tea coffee facilities available as stated online towels were not changed daily.Hot tap held on with white tape.Cant tell you about breakfast as we didnt dare try it as the room was enough to put you off. We would certainly not recommend a stay at this place.

The Collingham - What a fantastic find! by clo222

clo222 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 21:41:17 +0000

Review by clo222

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7244 8677

Website: http://www.collinghamapartments.com

Tags: laundry service, maid service

I stayed here last night with a work colleague and was more than impressed!!
We wanted something different than the usual hotel and this was definitely the best place we've stayed. We stayed in the 1 bedroom apartment on the 4th floor. It has everything we could need. The decor was modern, rooms were a fab size and clean. The receptionist was very warm and welcoming. The area was wonderfully quiet and only a short walk from the tube and shops. I have already recommended this to my work colleagues and will definitely be staying again!I stayed here last night with a work colleague and was more than impressed!!
We wanted something different than the usual hotel and this was definitely the best place we've stayed. We stayed in the 1 bedroom apartment on the 4th floor. It has everything we could need. The decor was modern, rooms were a fab size and clean. The receptionist was very warm and welcoming. The area was wonderfully quiet and only a short walk from the tube and shops. I have already recommended this to my work colleagues and will definitely be staying again!

Hilton London Olympia - Definitely not 4 star by DanT

DanT — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:01:03 +0000

Review by DanT

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7603 3333

Website: http://www.hilton.com

Tags: restaurant, helpful staff, internet access

I never really enjoy my stay at Hiltons. I get this paranoid feeling that they're trying to rip me off... The Olympia was no exception.

On leaving our room in the morning we were greeted by the woman next door arguing with the waiter as she'd been charged Â£17.99 for scrambled egg on toast. He informed her that breakfast was this price, whatever the order.

It's a 3 star at best, the rooms are small and our view was of the dismal area in between the blocks - all pipes and grey. The staff are rubbish too.

It's location is a short walk from the Kensington High Street which is good, but it's in Zone 2 on the tube which is bad.

Unless you get a bargain off one the bidding websites then don't bother.I never really enjoy my stay at Hiltons. I get this paranoid feeling that they're trying to rip me off... The Olympia was no exception.

On leaving our room in the morning we were greeted by the woman next door arguing with the waiter as she'd been charged Â£17.99 for scrambled egg on toast. He informed her that breakfast was this price, whatever the order.

It's a 3 star at best, the rooms are small and our view was of the dismal area in between the blocks - all pipes and grey. The staff are rubbish too.

It's location is a short walk from the Kensington High Street which is good, but it's in Zone 2 on the tube which is bad.

Unless you get a bargain off one the bidding websites then don't bother.

The Pelham Hotel - Lovely place by beckyfox

beckyfox — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:07:15 +0000

Review by beckyfox

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7589 8288

Website: http://www.firmdale.com

Recently went to a baby shower held here in august. We had afternoon tea which was delicious. The sandwiches were yummy and the cakes were amazing. The staff were very friendly and did everything they could to make it a lovely afternoon. The hotel is beautifully decorated it has to be seen to be appreciated. Very good location practically opposite south kensington tube station very handy! The conference rooms are decorated like front living rooms which are perfect for a gathering there was also a table with seating for a more formal meetings. the main area had amazing sofas with dvd and cd player with massive plasma screen.Recently went to a baby shower held here in august. We had afternoon tea which was delicious. The sandwiches were yummy and the cakes were amazing. The staff were very friendly and did everything they could to make it a lovely afternoon. The hotel is beautifully decorated it has to be seen to be appreciated. Very good location practically opposite south kensington tube station very handy! The conference rooms are decorated like front living rooms which are perfect for a gathering there was also a table with seating for a more formal meetings. the main area had amazing sofas with dvd and cd player with massive plasma screen.

The Barkston Gardens Hotel - Not the best, but value for money for London by ClaireN

ClaireN — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 20:18:24 +0000

Review by ClaireN

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7373 7851

Website: http://www.cairnhotelgroup.com

Tags: restaurant, air conditioning, bar / lounge bar

This hotel is not outstanding, however it is a good price, clean (if rather well worn) and extremely well situated, especially for Earl's Court. When I stayed I was in a large twin room with views out over roof-tops (not over the garden). It was quiet and perfectly adequate for our needs (cheap hotel near Earl's Court and Olympia).

The staff were friendly and there was plenty for breakfast (even if it did showcase the more stereotypical view of English food). You are right next to Earl's Court so on my upcoming trip to London for a show at Earl's Court I have chosen to stay there again. The price and location are difficult to beat.

The bottom line however is that compared to other cities it is only an adequate hotel. Unfortunately, for London this is already above average for this price point. If you want a more generally central hotel I would rather recommend the Cherry Court Hotel instead, but that has its own draw backs (miniscule rooms, no privacy between room mates).This hotel is not outstanding, however it is a good price, clean (if rather well worn) and extremely well situated, especially for Earl's Court. When I stayed I was in a large twin room with views out over roof-tops (not over the garden). It was quiet and perfectly adequate for our needs (cheap hotel near Earl's Court and Olympia).

The staff were friendly and there was plenty for breakfast (even if it did showcase the more stereotypical view of English food). You are right next to Earl's Court so on my upcoming trip to London for a show at Earl's Court I have chosen to stay there again. The price and location are difficult to beat.

The bottom line however is that compared to other cities it is only an adequate hotel. Unfortunately, for London this is already above average for this price point. If you want a more generally central hotel I would rather recommend the Cherry Court Hotel instead, but that has its own draw backs (miniscule rooms, no privacy between room mates).

Holiday Inn Kensington - Feel Like Royalty by x_simmy_x

x_simmy_x — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:06:57 +0000

Review by x_simmy_x

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7370 5757

Website: http://www.ichotelsgroup.com

Tags: bar / lounge bar, car parking, televisions

The Holiday Inn is one of my favourite chains of hotels. This is due to the simplistic nature of their rooms; their many facilities available at usually each hotel; and their standard room rate.

I particularly enjoy the breakfast they provide at the Plymouth branch of their chain. This is because of the extensive nature of the food provided, the spacious tables and chairs arrangement (not too close to other guests, room to push your chair out a little, etc.) and the beautiful view of Kensington gardens.

However, they do have impersonal customer service, but isn't that what we all expect anyway from such a large business? Surely if we're just traveling for business and are tired most of the time, we don't need some customer service person asking us how we're doing every hour, do we?

I think for the money, chains of hotels like this are brilliant. If you didn't want the corporate feel, you could stay somewhere else and pay less.
The Holiday Inn is one of my favourite chains of hotels. This is due to the simplistic nature of their rooms; their many facilities available at usually each hotel; and their standard room rate.

I particularly enjoy the breakfast they provide at the Plymouth branch of their chain. This is because of the extensive nature of the food provided, the spacious tables and chairs arrangement (not too close to other guests, room to push your chair out a little, etc.) and the beautiful view of Kensington gardens.

However, they do have impersonal customer service, but isn't that what we all expect anyway from such a large business? Surely if we're just traveling for business and are tired most of the time, we don't need some customer service person asking us how we're doing every hour, do we?

I think for the money, chains of hotels like this are brilliant. If you didn't want the corporate feel, you could stay somewhere else and pay less.

The Holland Court Hotel - Be wary of booking here by jfmrsh

jfmrsh — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 14:06:53 +0000

Review by jfmrsh

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7371 1133

Website: http://www.hollandcourthotel.com

We have booked here twice. The first occasion was satisfactory, average in all categories, for the price. The second was for our son's wedding nearby, in which we had a key organisational role. The booking for 3 nights was made 2 months in advance, and PREPAID. With 2 weeks to go an e-mail was received cancelling the booking, and returning payment on credit card. Likewise a booking for family friends made at same time as ours. Reason? -- urgent refurbishment. Phoned hotel, but couldn't get past reception, who were unhelpful, and their explanation unconvincing. Spent worrying few days trying to arrange alternative at short notice (LateRooms very helpful here). Have never encountered such disgraceful behaviour from a British hotel before, and advise anyone thinking of booking here to consider carefully. Is this operation basically unreliable?We have booked here twice. The first occasion was satisfactory, average in all categories, for the price. The second was for our son's wedding nearby, in which we had a key organisational role. The booking for 3 nights was made 2 months in advance, and PREPAID. With 2 weeks to go an e-mail was received cancelling the booking, and returning payment on credit card. Likewise a booking for family friends made at same time as ours. Reason? -- urgent refurbishment. Phoned hotel, but couldn't get past reception, who were unhelpful, and their explanation unconvincing. Spent worrying few days trying to arrange alternative at short notice (LateRooms very helpful here). Have never encountered such disgraceful behaviour from a British hotel before, and advise anyone thinking of booking here to consider carefully. Is this operation basically unreliable?