Most Romantic Hotels in Kensington, London

The 56-room Milestone is perhaps the most famous boutique hotel in London, and certainly lives up to its expectations, with exquisite traditional English decor, truly exceptional service, and an excellent location near Kensington Palace, Royal Albert Hall, and London’s most exclusive shopping. The attentive, above-and-beyond service is where the hotel really shines, as each member of staff is superbly trained, ensuring that each guest gets the first-rate luxury experience for which The Milestone is known. With ample boutique perks on top of that, it’s difficult to find something wrong with this hotel -- just expect to pay a high price for all these luxuries. Travelers looking for a more contemporary boutique vibe on Hyde Park could try Baglioni Hotel London.

The Park Grand is a chain hotel in the Kensington neighborhood of London. Centrally located, the three-and-a-half pearl hotel is convenient for business and leisure travelers alike, with the Earls Court exhibition center, swanky boutiques, and trendy restaurants all within walking distance. The rooms are sleekly designed and include useful amenities, such as free Wi-Fi, HDMI ports, and kettles for coffee and tea. However, some guests advise steering clear of the rooms on the basement level, as they lack natural light.

For those looking for a lovely spot for an extended stay, the 65-room Nadler Kensington (formerly Base2stay) is an affordable option in a decent area of Kensington. A non-pretentious attitude toward saving money, proactive eco policies, and smartly designed rooms are some definite perks -- and may very well make the relatively small size of the rooms a bearable downside. The hotel also got some stylish upgrades when it rebranded.

Baglioni Hotel London is a four-and-a-half-pearl boutique property overlooking Kensington Gardens and featuring luxurious Italian decor in black and gold. The 67 individually decorated rooms feature black parquet floors, black marble bathrooms with golden sinks, plus high-end amenities like Illy espresso-makers. The chic Italian restaurant and bar, Brunello, is a destination in itself, and the hotel also has a spa and fitness center, plus kid-friendly amenities, though there's no pool. The hotel isn't super close to the tube, but guests are offered free chauffeur service in a Maserati, within a short radius. The Milestone Hotel is a comparable luxury boutique property nearby, offering similar amenities but more traditional English decor.

The K+K Hotel George, a sophisticated, upscale hotel tucked inside a classic townhouse, offers smart, tasteful interior design and close proximity to the Earl's Court tube station. The 154-room property feels intimate, and offers a charming private garden with plenty of roaming space, a location on a quiet side street in Kensington, and bright, homey rooms. It may be worth comparing rates with the nearby Hotel Indigo, however, which is arguably a bit more stylish.

The 162-room Crowne Plaza London Kensington has a lot of local competition, but it's gone to great lengths to stand out from the crowd. The attention-grabbing lobby impresses, while a sleek cocktail bar, Pan-Asian restaurant, and lovely rear garden distinguish the hotel. Rooms are cozy with good technology, though some show signs of wear (renovations are slated for the end of 2014). Location is good for central London, and the Gloucester Road Tube Station is one block away, though the hotel is set on a busy thoroughfare. Rates are average for this caliber of London hotel, however you might save a bit at the nearby Radisson Blu Edwardian Vanderbilt.

As the leading flagship of sorts amongst the Hotel Indigos of London, this Kensington/Earl’s Court branch seems to have more of a cohesive personality driving its brand. It’s a sassy, rococo-themed luxury hotel with a coquettish manor house theme and playful design quirks. With plenty of modernized baroque furniture in bright hues of pink, lime and teal, this Hotel Indigo stands out boldly above its sisters and is an overall delight -- just beware the occasional maintenance faults. The location on the west edge of Kensington isn't within walking distance of many sights, but the Earl's Court tube station is right nearby.

The four-pearl, 212-room Bailey's Hotel offers plenty of historic character, and is packed with grand Victorian architecture. It's popular with both tourists and business travelers, with its enviable central Kensington location, just opposite Gloucester Road Station. Soundproofed rooms are traditionally decorated, with modern amenities such as air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, Nespresso coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi. The elegant restaurant offers fine Italian cuisine, while the chic bar has an extensive wine and cocktail menu. A generous English breakfast is served daily for a fee, and afternoon tea is also available. There are several meeting rooms, and 24-hour access to the Millennium Conference Center, which is in the same building. For an on-site fitness center and sauna, travelers may want to consider the Crowne Plaza instead, which is just one block away.

The Bentley lives up to its name -- this is a serious luxury hotel awash in opulent decor with an air of palatial extravagance. Its Kensington address is as upscale as they come, and it's a short hop to some of the capital's most exclusive shopping. The 64 rooms are spacious and elegant, though not without showing a few signs of wear in places, with flat-screen TVs that include computers with wireless keyboards, minibars, and marble bathrooms with walk-in showers and jetted tubs -- the Imperial Suite has a grand piano and a dining room that seats 12. The hotel's Kalon Spa, which includes a small gym, has a Turkish hamman and offers an array of traditional and innovative therapies, while The Bentley's snug bar is a superb spot to unwind.

The Ashburn Hotel is a cozy, modest boutique option on a quiet side street in Kensington. The 38 rooms represent the historic character of this 19th century townhouse with period details such as sculpted ceilings. Decor is on the traditional side, but rooms have modern features with flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. Details bring extra comfort to the somewhat small rooms, such as plush reading chairs and electric kettles. Personal touches are a highlight here, including a surprise nightly turndown gift, free evening champagne, and option for having breakfast in bed. Other draws are the spacious drawing room and bar and a location near transport.

This three-and-a-half-pearl boutique hotel is situated in upmarket West London, just around the corner from Earl's Court Underground station. The traditional Victorian townhouse has a cozy, homey atmosphere, blending classic features with modern design elements. The 21 rooms are clean and contemporary, though some are much smaller than others. All rooms include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, and free Wi-Fi. Some add balconies with lovely views of Barkston Gardens. There is no on-site restaurant or bar, though a free continental breakfast buffet is served daily in the hotel's conservatory. For a boutique hotel with an excellent on-site restaurant and wine bar, guests should consider The Levin in Knightsbridge, which is just a few blocks away.

A three-minute walk from Earl's Court underground station, the Premier Inn London Kensington (Earl's Court) is a mid-range chain hotel located in a lush green area of South West London. Bland decor is typical of the chain with purple details and mass produced furnishings. Thyme bar and restaurant serves a mixture of pub classics and low calorie salads. Guests under age 16 get free breakfast and there are happy hour specials in the early evenings. This hotel has one of the most convenient locations for the brand, near the Victoria & Albert Museum, and prices reflect that. Cheaper stays within the Premier Inn family can be found at Premier Inn London Ealing. 

Opened in 1892, the 53-room The Gore London is a historic property in the affluent South Kensington area of London. The hotel draws on its past, with rooms that are quintessentially British, and adorned with original paintings and rich tapestries. High-end amenities include large TVs, Penhaligon toiletries, and Handy phones, but notably, there are no accessible rooms. The 190 Queen’s Gate restaurant is popular with locals and residents alike and serves British dishes with locally sourced ingredients. A rock 'n' roll bar is open late and has an extensive whiskey selection, plus there are three meeting rooms and a cozy library that doubles as a lounge. Rates are steep, even for this exclusive postal code. For a more budget-friendly stay, consider DoubleTree by Hilton, Kensington.

There's very little to criticize at this upscale hotel, which is located within walking distance of popular museums and Hyde Park. It offers a generous free breakfast, a somewhat uncommon perk in London. Rooms are airy and elegant; some incorporate lovely Laura Ashley design and have pleasant views of the Victorian-style street below. Expect to see families gathering over a lively breakfast in the hotel's Orchid Room, and more mature travelers enjoying happy hour at the hotel's Checkmate Bar. Wi-Fi is free in the lobby.

The Radisson Blu Edwardian Vanderbilt is a 215-room luxury hotel with plenty of history. Once a cluster of private apartments (one belonging to the renowned family that gives the hotel its name), it is now a modern maze of hotel rooms and public spaces. The hotel successfully blends the historic character with contemporary influences, and the appealing location in South Kensington is near the Victoria and Albert Museum.