London (Fodor's 2012) - Fodor's [142]
KENSINGTON
Astons Apartments.
££–£££ | Three redbrick Victorian town houses on a quiet residential street hold Astons’s comfortable studios and apartments; all are simple and small but well designed with tiny kitchenettes, and the apartments (£££) have marble bathrooms and other extra touches as well. Some sleep families of four; others are barely big enough for two people. The decor has a modern (if rather functional) blond-wood look, and it all makes a decent alternative to full-service hotel rooms. Pros: kitchenettes free you from restaurant tyranny; good way to save money on long stays. Cons: furnishings advertised as “designer” but look a bit cheap; few customer services; weekly discounts are hardly generous. TripAdvisor: “very helpful staff,” “well looked after,” “great location.” | 31 Rosary Gardens, South Kensington | SW7 4NH | 020/7590–6000, 800/525–2810 in U.S. | www.astons-apartments.com | 43 rooms, 12 suites | In-room: no a/c, safe, kitchen, refrigerator, Internet. In-hotel: parking (paid), some pets allowed | AE, MC, V | Gloucester Rd.
base2stay Kensington.
££–£££ | In a creamy white Georgian town house in chic Kensington, this hotel is a near-budget option with comfortable double rooms; some even have bunk beds for traveling friends or children. Bathrooms are small but well designed. The rooms are not big, but have a stylish, modern look with white walls and bedding, and dark throws and pillows. Tiny kitchenettes give you alternatives to another restaurant meal (although if you feel like one, room service will go and fetch it for you). Its “arrival base” system allows you to use a room before your check-in time for £15 an hour. Pros: attractive rooms; handy mini-kitchens; guests can hire electric car for £4 an hour. Cons: prices are a bit high for what you get; bathrooms are tiny. TripAdvisor: “room was compact but very clean,” “has every amenity one needs,” “great location, honest staff.” | 25 Courtfield Gardens, South Kensington | SW5 OPG | 020/7244–2255, 800/511–9821 in U.S. | www.base2stay.com | 67 rooms | In-room: a/c, kitchen, Internet. In-hotel: Wi-Fi | MC, V | Earls Court Station .
The Bentley London.
££££–£££££ | This opulent hotel is an elegant escape in Kensington; housed in a creamy-white Victorian building, its lobby is a gorgeous explosion of marble, with high ceilings and chandeliers, and bedrooms are almost palatial in size (by London standards), with silk wallpaper, golden furnishings, and fine marble bathrooms with whirlpool baths—some even have steam rooms. The restaurant serves modern British cuisine with Continental touches, and Malachite is a quiet bar for a brandy after dinner. The marble Turkish steam room is a unique haven from the stresses of the day. Pros: luxurious rooms; gorgeous spa; great location. Cons: can be a bit stuffy; old-fashioned style won’t please everyone. TripAdvisor: “nice neighborhoods,” “comfortable smallish hotel,” “no complaints.” | 27–33 Harrington Gardens, South Kensington | SW7 4JK | 020/7244–5555 | www.thebentley-hotel.com | 52 rooms, 12 suites | In-room: a/c, safe, refrigerator, DVD, Internet. In-hotel: restaurant, room service, bar, gym, spa, laundry service, parking (paid), some pets allowed | AE, D, MC, V | Gloucester Rd.
Best Western Premier Shaftesbury Kensington.
£££ | Just steps from Earl’s Court Tube station at the edge of Kensington, this hotel complex offers a lot for your money. Its look is fresh and relaxing, with cool grays and earth tones in the guest rooms, and firm queen-size beds. Bathrooms are small but handsome, with modern bowl sinks, towel warmers, and big walk-in showers. Pros: good neighborhood; two-minute walk from the Tube; free Wi-Fi; frequent online sales. Cons: small rooms; temperamental booking system, so make sure you bring your confirmation details; at the far edge of Kensington, farther than you might expect. TripAdvisor: “staff were friendly and obliging,” “clean and modern,” “good value and very