Has anyone stayed at the Kensington Gardens in London? It's in the RS London book, and seems to be a real bargain, with rates of about 89 pounds a night, breakfast included. I'm also booked into another, rather pricier hotel in the same neighborhood. Any feedback about the Kensington Gardens would be welcome, to help me decide which reservation to cancel. Thanks.
Posted by
Clarksville, TN, USA
956 posts
I check every hotel on Tripadvisor before I book. Here's the link for the reviews on Kensington Gardens: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g186338-d195311-Reviews-Kensington_Gardens_Hotel-London_England.html
Just curious, what time of year are you going that you got such a great deal?
Posted by
OP
Sapulpa, OK, USA
6302 posts
I have checked Trip Advisor, thanks for the tip. We're going in mid to late February, bracketing a RS Best of London tour. The tour hotel was way too pricey for us to stay at before and after the tour.
Posted by
Clarksville, TN, USA
956 posts
Nice! That's sort of like when we go to Chicago in January. We get crazy cheap rates right by Michigan Ave because no one wants to go in the dead of winter. Sounds like a super deal! I noticed that although the rating on TA was only 3 1/2 out of 5, most of the first page of reviews were really good! It's so hard to find a good rated hotel with breakfast that's cheap in London! Looks like you found a good one!
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
The listing sounds fine and I would normally go with the cheaper one, especially since London's many attractions keep me out late. If you must have Wi-Fi in your room, then confirm that with the hotel. Since the Kensington Gardens is described as "tall and skinny," it puts me in mind of the nearby Vicarage Gate Hotel, where I've stayed a few times, but where my old-standby 5th-floor walk-up room did not have good Wi-Fi reception ("forcing" me to carry my iPad up and down the stairs each morning and evening).
Posted by
London
231 posts
No experience with the hotel but the neighborhood is very central and you have great transport links and shopping on your doorstep.
If you can stretch the budget at all, have a look at the Darlington Hyde Park. Great reviews; all my American friends stay there and speak highly.
Posted by
OP
Sapulpa, OK, USA
6302 posts
Thanks again, for the comments. Laura, wifi isn't a big issue for the short length of time we will be staying there. I, too, tend to lean toward the less expensive choice, unless there is some compelling reason not to. Mincepie, the Darlington is actually the second hotel at which we have reservations! It looks lovely, and the reviews are great, but it's at least 20 pounds a night more. Still cheaper than the tour hotel, though.