Appealing budget hotel with modern interiors and chic rooms
Within walking distance of restaurants, shopping, and public transportation
Sleek rooms with flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and kettles
Free breakfast with cold items and pastries
Front desk sells a selection of drinks
Laundry facilities available on the property
Charming outdoor patio with tables
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Not walking distance to major tourist attractions
Small rooms and complaints of thin walls
No on-site parking or full restaurant
No elevator
This 65-room, two-pearl hotel sets itself apart from other budget properties with its sleek decor and free breakfast. The property is a bit far from West End attractions, but its close enough to the tube to still be a convenient base for tourists. Rooms are small but sleek, with flat-screen TVs, kettles, and air-conditioning, however they suffer from thin walls. Amenities are limited to a free breakfast and free Wi-Fi, plus drinks are sold at the front desk. Overall, it’s a good pick for those who just wants the basics. Travelers may also want to compare rates at the Blair Victoria & Tudor Inn Hotel, which has similar amenities but a location closer to the action of the city center.
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Scene
Budget hotel with a modern, sleek design and a few public spaces
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.
Location
In Kensington, a five-minute walk from the nearest tube station
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.
Rooms
Small but handsome rooms with flat-screen TVs, kettles, and AC
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.
Features
Free basic breakfast buffet, charming outdoor patio, laundry room, and free Wi-Fi
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.
