Kensington West Hotel

Kensington West is a no-frills property on the corner junction of a quiet, tree-lined residential street surrounded by other Victorian townhouses. It doesn't have much in the way of character and it's on the dated side, but for the location-focused traveler on a budget, it's a decent pick. A simple hallway entrance with clean gray-tiled flooring and pale-green walls leads to a 24-hour front desk and brochure rack. That's all for common areas though, aside from a few benches outside by the entrance. While the reception is air-conditioned, guests should note rooms are not, although fans are available on request. The hotel is clean but in need of a revamp -- with its dated red and green carpet -- but the affordable rates and rooms that can fit up to six person are pros.

Despite being in the city center, the hotel's residential street location is pleasantly calm. A five-minute walk from Olympia and just 10 to Earl's Court, it's fantastic for anyone looking to visit the exhibition centers and equally great for tourists. Kensington High Street, with plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants, is an eight-minute walk and it's a five-minute walk to West Kensington tube station. A small Sainsbury's supermarket is just two minutes from the hotel.

All the big museums can be reached in under 20 minutes by tube and journeys to Oxford Street, St. Paul's Cathedral, and The City financial district take around half an hour. Beautiful Holland Park is a 20-minute walk or 15 minutes from a nearby bus stop. Famous for its live comedy performances, Hammersmith Apollo is just seven minutes on foot. As there's no hotel restaurant, nearby cafes are convenient. A direct tube journey from Heathrow Airport to West Kensington station takes 45 minutes or 20 minutes by taxi. Both Gatwick and London City Airport take around an hour by car or public transport. 

Unfussy and a little on the dated side, rooms are nevertheless clean and decent for the price. Most rooms are a squeeze, but group travelers will find the Triple to six-person capacity rooms a bonus (some have bunkbeds). Crisp white linens and basic light-wood furniture are accented by forest-green drapes and matching carpet, as well as full-length, wood-framed mirrors. Some have a decorative touch of floral-printed throw pillows, wall hangings of inspirational quotes, or tasteful contemporary art. 

All rooms have a 23-inch (58-cm) flat-screen TV, a desk with chair and reading lamp, and tea- and coffee-making facilities, but no fridge or AC. A hairdryer, shelves and hanging space for clothes, and Wi-Fi are also provided. En-suite bathrooms can be tiny, with some having an all-in-one plastic setting of a shower separated with a curtain right next to the toilet. Others are larger with shower/tub combos, and all have Taylor of London toiletries. Note that there have been occasional complaints of noise and maintenance issues.

Features at the Kensington West are limited, but factoring in the often steep prices for Central London hotels, not bad. The hotel doesn't have a restaurant or even offer breakfast, but free Wi-Fi is provided, the front desk is staffed 24 hours, and there's a safe at reception.