The W14 Kensington

The W14 Kensington is a small but modern budget hotel spread across four Victorian town houses in a residential neighborhood. The exterior is charming, with light brick, dark roofing, and white trim. Inside, things are more modern thanks to a 2014 renovation. The lobby is narrow, with a long sleek white-and-navy front desk edged in neon lighting, but there's no seating area. The hotel lacks an elevator as well, not a minor drawback for those with heavy luggage. The only common spaces are the simple outdoor patio -- a wooden deck surrounded by pea gravel and topped with picnic tables -- and the contemporary breakfast room, a paired-down space of white cabinets, ash-wood paneled flooring, and floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the patio. Given its rates and location, this hotel tends to attract budget tourists.

As the name suggests, this hotel is located in Kensington, a five-minute walk away from the nearest tube stations at Barons Court and West Kensington. There are a fair amount of shops and restaurants in the neighborhood, but getting to most tourist attractions requires a tube ride. It's about a 25-minute ride to Westminster attractions such as the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey, or about at half-hour tube ride away to the West End. Heathrow Airport is a half-hour car ride away (without traffic) or about 45 minutes on the tube or by train.

Guest rooms at The W14 Kensington are small, but they're also surprisingly handsome for a budget property, with a dark color scheme and streamlined furniture. Espresso-colored furniture, pearl-gray walls, and tufted headboard give rooms a high-end feel. And striped carpeting adds a dose of zip and color to the look. However, even the Triple Rooms can feel a bit cramped. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, kettles, desks, and air-conditioning. Bathrooms are snug, but they still feel posh, with walk-in rainfall showers and ebony tiles. Toiletries are stocked in wall dispensers, and hairdryers are provided. Note that there have been some complaints of bothersome noise due to thin walls. Also, the hotel can rent rooms for day use only, a good option for those who need a few hours of rest before moving on in their journey. 

Travelers aren’t going to get much at the W14 Kensington beyond the basics. There’s no bar, full restaurant, or gym. Rather, the hotel focuses on providing a free simple breakfast of cold cuts, cheeses, fruit, pastries, and hot and cold drinks. During the warmer months, guests can take breakfast on the charming outdoor patio. The front desk sells a small selection of drinks and there’s a laundry facility in the basement. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. There’s no on-site parking, but nearby parking is available for a fee.