London (Fodor's 2012) - Fodor's [145]
Fodor’s Choice | Number Sixteen.
£££–££££ | A more boutique-style offering from the same people behind the elegant Charlotte Street Hotel, Number Sixteen is a lovely luxury guesthouse just around the corner from the Victoria & Albert Museum. Guestrooms look like they come from the pages of an interior design magazine—chic yet homey, with new furniture and heavy fabrics, offset by nice little touches like piles of antiquarian books and flat-screen TVs set into the wall. Bathrooms are clad in dark marble and polished oak. The staff is friendly, so lingering in the drawing rooms is a pleasure, and drinks are served in the leafy garden in summer. Pros: just the right level of helpful service; decor is gorgeous. Cons: there’s no restaurant; small elevator. TripAdvisor: “room was clean but small,” “breakfast was a little funky,” “very good service.” | 16 Sumner Pl., South Kensington | SW7 3EG | 020/7589–5232, 800/553–6674 in U.S. | www.firmdale.com | 42 rooms | In-room: no a/c (some), safe, refrigerator, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: room service, bar, laundry service | AE, MC, V | Breakfast | South Kensington
The Pelham Hotel.
££££ | Museum lovers flock to this sweet hotel across the street from the South Kensington Tube station. The Natural History, Science, and V&A museums are all a short stroll away, as is the King’s Road. At the end of a day’s sightseeing, settle down in front of the fireplace in one of the two snug drawing rooms with their honor bars. The stylish, contemporary rooms by designer Kit Kemp—also responsible for the rooms at Number Sixteen—have sash windows and marble bathrooms. Some top-floor rooms have sloping ceilings and casement windows. Downstairs, the Bistro Fifteen offers a contemporary take on British cuisine. Pros: great location for museum-hopping; gorgeous bathrooms; good package deals for online booking. Cons: taller guests will find themselves cursing the top-floor rooms. TripAdvisor: “very charming hotel,” “everything was perfect,” “location is also very good.” | 15 Cromwell Pl., South Kensington | SW7 2LA | 020/7589–8288, 888/757–5587 in U.S. | www.pelhamhotel.co.uk | 48 rooms, 4 suites | In-room: a/c, safe (some), refrigerator, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, room service, bar, gym, parking (paid) | AE, MC, V | South Kensington
The Sumner.
£££–££££ | This elegant Georgian town house on a quiet residential street is the kind of place where you can feel yourself relaxing the minute you enter. Guest rooms are painted in neutral tones with splashes of rich color, and the interior design has a modern flair—even the fruit bowl is arranged creatively. There’s plenty here for the gadget lover, including flat-screen TVs and free broadband. If the weather is good, relax in the small garden; in winter, warm your feet by the fire. In the morning, take breakfast in the sunny conservatory. Pros: small enough that the staff know your name. Cons: services are limited but prices high. TripAdvisor: “tidy bathroom and a massive shower,” “quiet location with excellent staff,” “rooms are comfortable.” | 5 Sumner Pl., South Kensington | SW7 3EE | 020/7723–2244 | www.thesumner.com | 20 rooms | In-room: a/c, refrigerator, Internet. In-hotel: room service, parking (paid) | AE, MC, V | Breakfast | South Kensington
Think Earl’s Court.
££–£££ | Accommodations in this part of town more commonly pretend they’re in Kensington rather than neighboring Earl’s Court, but don’t be fooled by the name—these brand new serviced apartments are a stone’s throw from Kensington High Street. Each apartment