London (Fodor's 2012) - Fodor's [144]
Holland Park YHA.
£ | Ah, the 1970s. In what other decade would the London authorities have agreed to let someone convert a historic Jacobean mansion, in one of the city’s most exclusive residential districts, into a gigantic youth hostel? Happily for the modern-day traveler, the result is perhaps the most celebrated (and certainly the most pastoral) of London’s super-cheap places to stay. Clean, bright, modern dorm rooms overlook the wooded park, where peacocks strut around the Kyoto Gardens. High Street Kensington and all of its offerings are just a few steps away. Breakfast is included in the price—and if you’re really on a shoestring, the canteen serves inexpensive lunches and dinners too. Pros: friendly and bright; beautiful setting. Cons: youthful atmosphere can be quite boisterous. TripAdvisor: “comfortable and well-kept,” “nice place but not for sleeping,” “security was paramount.” | Holland Walk, Kensington | W8 7QU | 0845/371–9122 | www.yha.org.uk | 200 beds | In-room: no a/c, no phone, no TV. In-hotel: bar, tennis courts, laundry facilities, Internet terminal | AE, MC, V | Breakfast | High Street Kensington
Kensington House Hotel.
££–£££ | This refurbished 19th-century town house off High Street Kensington has streamlined rooms with a creamy, contemporary look. All have large windows and plenty of light, and comfortable beds with luxurious fabrics and soft comforters. Rear guest rooms have views of trees and mews houses, and all rooms have extras such as tea/coffeemakers and bathrobes. Pros: attractive design; relaxing setting; free Wi-Fi. Cons: rooms are small; bathrooms are minuscule; the elevator is Lilliputian. TripAdvisor: “room was smaller than expected,” “polite and efficient staff,” “no traffic noise at all.” | 15–16 Prince of Wales Terr., Kensington | W8 5PQ | 020/7937–2345 | www.kenhouse.com | 41 rooms | In-room: no a/c, safe, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: room service, bar, laundry service, parking (paid) | AE, DC, MC, V | Breakfast | High Street Kensington
Milestone Hotel & Apartments.
££££–£££££ | This pair of intricately decorated Victorian town houses overlooking Kensington Palace and Gardens is an intimate, luxurious alternative to the city’s more famous high-end hotels. Great thoughtfulness goes into the hospitality, and everything is possible in this special place. You’ll be offered a drink upon arrival and, if you so desire, you can return to a post-theater midnight snack in your room or leave with a picnic basket for the park across the street. Each sumptuous room is full of antiques; many have canopied beds. A favorite is the Ascot Room, which is filled with elegant hats of the kind worn at the famous races. Pros: beautiful space; big rooms. Cons: service can be a bit stuffy (it seems you’re not expected to do anything for yourself). TripAdvisor: “service is world class,” “definition of refined elegance,” “great location to all the shops.” | 1 Kensington Ct., Kensington | W8 5DL | 020/7917–1000 | www.milestonehotel.com | 44 rooms, 12 suites, 6 apartments | In-room: a/c, safe, kitchen (some), refrigerator, DVD, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: 2 restaurants, room service, bar, gym, laundry service, some pets allowed | AE, DC, MC, V | High Street Kensington
Millennium Gloucester.
££–£££ | Refurbished in 2007, the hotel has a sleek lobby with polished wood columns, a warming fireplace, and glittering chandeliers; guest rooms are done in neutral creams and earth tones, and blond-wood desks and leather chairs have a blandly masculine look. The hotel is popular with business travelers, so rooms come equipped with satellite TV and broadband. Bathrooms are relatively small but have all you need. There are two bars and several restaurants, which means that