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The 12 Best Hotels in Kensington, London

The 12 Best Hotels in Kensington, London

Within a short stroll of many major London landmarks, Kensington is a convenient and upmarket choice for a city base. With its sought after postcode there are a bevvy of hotels to choose from in the area. To make selecting the perfect option for you a quick and easy decision our hotel experts have compiled a collection of the best hotels in Kensington selected on their design, amenities, and service. Our list is relatively broad with everything from standout luxury stays to great value options too. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next city break?

For a Townhouse Hotel

The Gore Hotel on Queen's Gate is on the quirky side of grand, with plush, traditional bedrooms, an inviting restaurant, oak-panelled bar and walls which are covered in over 5,000 paintings and prints. The service is spectacular, the G&Ts are spot on and it's an excellent location for city exploring.
The Kensington Hotel in Queen's Gate is a roomy four star with a mixture of traditional and modern decor. As with many established hotels the rooms tend more towards the traditional and the public areas are more modern in design. Plus there's a restaurant and a popular bar.
Number Sixteen might be a surprise to the list of the best hotels in Kensington, it’s a bit of a hideaway hotel, with decor that’s a wonderful mix of chic and homely. Crisp, feminine rooms and a charming courtyard garden and library make it feel insulated from the bustle and traffic noise of the outside world.

For a boutique hotel

No list of the best hotels in Kensington could possibly be complete without the grand daddy of boutique hotels, the first and original, Blakes. Anoushka Hempel's 1979 creation has more than stood the test of time and is a deliciously sybaritic and sexy place to stay. Guests keep returning and the restaurant is deservedly popular with the locals.
The Exhibitionist Hotel is a hip luxury boutique with fabulous quirky design in high-end South Kensington. A range of rooms and suites are uniquely styled with sculptures, artworks, velvet fabrics, and plush headboards. With a lively cocktail bar and restaurant — this is a trendy base.

For the design

The Ampersand Hotel is an impressive elegant hotel in the heart of South Kensington. Rooms are individually designed with a hip spin on traditional design. The restaurant, Apero, offers fresh Mediterranean cuisine and The Drawing Rooms serve wonderful traditional afternoon tea. A stylish city base.

For luxury

The Pelham Hotel is a country house without the country — it is immaculate but also very homely; some parts traditional, some parts modern. And, as with many of the best hotels in Kensington, the bedrooms are not only extremely comfortable, they also look fabulous. The bistro is popular with Kensington locals.
For a five star property across the road from Kensington Gardens, book the Milestone Hotel. It's a cosy, traditional property with elegant rooms and suites plus fabulous afternoon teas and a fine dining restaurant.
The big, comfortably masculine Baglioni overlooking Hyde Park is mostly made up of suites and there is a highly attentive butler service, so it’s definitely one of the best hotels in Kensington for lovers of luxury. Choose a view over Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens.

For great value

Kensington isn’t known for being a budget destination, and the majority of the best hotels in Kensington are fairly pricey. But it is possible to stay in the area for less at The Resident Kensington. This row of converted townhouses offers neat rooms with kitchenettes, plus it's close to everything, and transport links. There are 67 rooms including some bunk options, so definitely one to book if you’re looking for good value.
The Sydney House Chelsea is also worth having a look at. In the heart of Chelsea this is a simple but stylish hotel — think blonde wood floors and recessed lighting.
The Rockwell Hotel is a well-designed townhouse that is great value considering its central location, landscaped gardens, and facilities. Expect fresh modern rooms, a fine wine list in the elegant bar and restaurant, and a reasonable price tag.

Still not sure where to book?

You could check out our list of the 10 best hotels in Knightsbridge, which is right around the corner or browse through our list of all the best places to stay in London.
You might also find what you're looking for in our recommendations for theTop 5 Luxury London Hotels or on our list of London's 10 Best Boutique Hotels.
Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.
- The Pelham London London (South Kensington) 52 rooms from €265
  
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  Local exploring  -  With its prime South Kensington location, The Pelham is ideal for exploring London's sights.
  Value chic  -  With rooms starting from only £230 per night, this is 5* luxury without the price tag.
  Restaurant  -  La Trattoria by Alfredo Russo offers authentic, relaxed Italian all day dining.
  Sights nearby  -  Steps from the South Kensington museums
  Recommended by  -  Tablet, Fodors, Good Hotel Guide
  
  A stunning luxury townhouse hotel in the heart of South Kensington. Individually designed rooms and suites are filled with beautiful objets and the decor is country house chic. Relax in the drawing room or library, and enjoy authentic Italian cuisine in La Trattoria. Simply superb! See More
  
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- The Gore Hotel, Starhotels Collezione London (Kensington) 50 rooms from €219
  
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  Restaurant  -  Restaurant 190 Queen's Gate is overseen by Michelin starred chef Daniel Galmiche.
  Sights nearby  -  Great location for the Royal Albert Hall and Hyde Park.
  Romantic  -  Good for couples.
  Full of character
  Recommended by  -  Tablet
  
  A quintessentially British townhouse that prides itself on spectacular service with laid back vibes. Classic-styled rooms house period pictures, antiques & comfortable beds. Restaurant 190 Queen's Gate offers contemporary classic dishes and Bar 190 superb G&Ts! Spot on location for city exploring See More
  
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- Number Sixteen London (South Kensington) 41 rooms from €318
  
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  Sights nearby - Well located for major sights.
  Recommended by - Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape, Tablet, Fodors, Frommers, Michelin Travel
  
  Quiet, homey but super-chic townhouse hotel in a great residential location in South Kensington - no restaurant but a charming courtyard garden. See More
  
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- The Kensington London (South Kensington) 151 rooms from €267
  
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  Local exploring  -  The ideal location for accessing London's highlights.
  Sights nearby  -  Well located for major sights.
  Restaurant  -  Recommended.
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Tablet
  
  Delightfully chic and cheerful luxury boutique hotel in ideal townhouse location for culture-seekers and shoppers See More
  
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- Sydney House Chelsea London (Chelsea) 21 rooms from €172
  
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  Local exploring  -  Outstanding location, within walking distance of several tube stops, plus a multitiude of major sights and museums.
  Romantic Break  -  Choose the romantic 'Top Room' with private rooftop garden, chic interiors and sweeping views of the city.
  Great walks  -  Spend a lazy afternoon in nearby Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens, ideal locations for walking and picnics.
  Restrictions on children  -  Children cannot be accommodated at this hotel.
  
  A pretty and chic little grade II listed townhouse in the popular residential borough of South Kensington. Compact, modern rooms at attractively affordable prices and prime positioning for Chelsea shopping. Breakfast only restaurant, however there are plenty to try nearby. See More
  
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- Blakes London (South Kensington) 45 rooms from €392
  
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  Romantic  -  Good for couples.
  Quirky  -  An experience!
  Landmark  -  Comes with a reputation.
  Boutique
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Tablet, Frommers, Kiwi Collection, Michelin Travel
  
  The grandaddy of boutique hotels, theatrical creation of actress and designer Anouska Hempel; a decadent and moody institution on the edge of Chelsea. Individually themed rooms are crammed full of oriental and Indian antiques, plus there's an excellent restaurant. See More
  
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- Baglioni Hotel London London (Kensington) 67 rooms from €317
  
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  Local exploring  -  An elegant hotel located in the heart of London right besides Hyde Park.
  Spa  -  Small spa with three treatment rooms, steam rooms and experience showers
  Views  -  Great view of Kensington Gardens and Palace
  Sights nearby  -  Just minutes from Kensington Palace.
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Tablet, Frommers, Kiwi Collection, Michelin Travel
  
  European glitz behind an unassuming facade, predominantly suites, well positioned across from Hyde Park. Featuring an exemplary Italian restaurant and offering warm and efficient service. See More
  
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- The Resident Kensington London (Kensington) 65 rooms from €133
  
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  Value chic  -  Self catering facilities can cut your costs in half, with no compromise on style or location.
  Local exploring  -  Proximity to centre of town and main attractions makes this a great stay for local exploring.
  Great walks  -  Hyde Park is a large space in the heart of the city and offers miles of walkways and trails for cyclists.
  Local markets  -  The Acklam Village Market is open every Saturday and Sunday, come rain or shine.
  Recommended by  -  Sawdays, Frommers
  
  The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea's famously grand townhouses are converted into streamlined, designer accommodation. Light rooms with high ceilings, bay windows and kitchenettes are a good choice for longer stays. Proximity to the tube network makes it prime location. See More
  
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- The Milestone Hotel & Residences London (Kensington) 62 rooms from €323
  
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  24 Hour room service  -  Round the clock butler service.
  Views  -  Great views of Kensington Palace and Gardens.
  Restaurant  -  Recommended.
  Traditional
  Recommended by  -  Frommers, Kiwi Collection, Michelin Travel
  
  Cosy, traditional hotel across from Kensington Gardens, with vibrant colour schemes and four poster beds - a chintzy haven with views of Kensington Palace. See More
  
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- The Rockwell Hotel London (Kensington) 40 rooms from €167
  
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  Value chic  -  With double rooms starting from just £145 per night, it's great value for money
  Local exploring  -  Location Location Location!
  Local markets  -  Earls Court is home to a local market as well as boutique shops and independent cafe.
  Sights nearby  -  Natural History Museum welcomes visitors with the skeleton of a dinosaur.
  Recommended by  -  I Escape, Tablet, Good Hotel Guide
  
  Townhouse turned contemporary independent hotel in West London is great value for its central location, landscape garden and facilities. Modern, light rooms make the perfect base for exploring the city or visiting on business. Modern British dishes at the airy restaurant matched by a fine wine list. See More
  
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- The Ampersand Hotel London (South Kensington) 111 rooms from €270
  
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  Great walks  -  Both Hyde Park and the Royal Kensington Gardens are nearby for great walks
  Sights nearby  -  The Ampersand is well placed for a visit to the iconic Albert Hall
  Restaurant  -  Recommended.
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Small Luxury Hotels, Good Hotel Guide, Tablet
  
  An impressive, elegant hotel in the heart of South Kensington. Rooms are individually designed, and themed bold wallpapers reflect the museums which are close by. In-house restaurant Apero offer fresh Mediterranean cuisine and The Drawing Rooms serve wonderful traditional afternoon tea. See More
  
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- The Exhibitionist Hotel London (South Kensington) 37 rooms from €218
  
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  Local exploring  -  Well located in South Kensington within walking distance of the Natural History Museum, Royal Albert Hall, and Harrods
  Romantic Break  -  Pick one of the sexy Splash Suites with moody design and enormous hot tubs — perfect for a romantic hideaway
  City Style  -  A hip art hotel with truly quirky (yet luxurious) design
  Private Hot Tub  -  Squint Splash Suite Room and the Drop Dead Gorgeous Splash Suite have spacious hot tubs in their bathrooms
  
  A quirky luxury hotel located in upmarket South Kensington. A range of doubles and suites are all individually styled with bold design; think plush headboards, velvet fabrics, sculptures, & modern artwork. The best have terraces and hot tubs. With a cocktail bar and restaurant, this is a hip stay. See More
  
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