Hello:
I've narrowed down my hotel choices to:
Citizen M Tower of London, Baileys Hotel, Sanctuary House, or The Resident Kensington.
I'd appreciate any info/reviews from those who have stayed at these properties.
i.e location, area - does it feel safe (travelling solo), cleanliness & maintenance of property, noise level.
Any input is appreciated.
We stayed at The Bailey’s last year and overall, we were pleased. Being shortly after Covid, 90% of its staff had turned over and things didn’t run as smoothly as they should. One day, housekeeping didn’t ensure our room door was locked after cleaning it, so when we returned a couple hours later, we didn’t need the card key. When I informed the front desk, the employee didn’t seem to care.
We did have breakfast there and it was very good. The breakfast staff was very attentive, friendly and helpful. The hotel’s location is great, being right next to the Gloucester tube stop. On our next trip to London later this year we’re going back to our “go to” hotel, Radisson Blu Edwardian Vanderbilt on Cromwell Rd. It had been closed for a couple years due to Covid. While not stated, I believe it was hired for use as a quarantine hotel by the government.
I can strongly recommend the Citizen M chain, but I haven’t stayed at the particular hotel. I’d definitely spend some time on their website making sure it’s a good fit for you.
For me, it’s the urban atmosphere I love and I would happily stay at any Citizen M property.
Sanctuary House; stayed there twice. Like it
We stayed at the Park City Grand Plaza on Lexham Gardens several years ago - it's just a few blocks from the Resident Kensington. We found the area to be perfectly safe, with no concerns even after riding the tube back from the West End evenings post-theater. Multiple tube lines serve the nearby stations, so it's easy to get around, even though you're a bit away from the main action - buses as well. And of course an easy, cheap ride to/from Heathrow on the Piccadilly line.
I have stayed twice at Baileys--first time in 2011 on my very first solo trip, and then again last April. Both stays were excellent! I opted for a deluxe room and it was enormous, quiet, clean, very charming decor, large bathroom with a separate tub and shower, and immaculate housekeeping, staff as helpful as I needed and I did not eat in their restaurant. I love the neighborhood and it's right across from Gloucester Rd tube station--couple of pubs on the block and other useful shops. As a solo female I felt very comfortable even if out later in the evening for a show.
I was told last month that I hold the record for the most number of nights stayed at the Resident Kensington.
The hotel is less than a five minute walk to the tube station. It's safe, there are plenty of shops, restaurants and pubs nearby.
The hotel is a 4 star hotel with 5 star service. It's very clean and quiet. The kitchenette comes in handy, they offer free wine or prosecco between 6 and 7 PM every day, and the wifi is fast. It's airconditioned, the kitchenette has a built in Brita water filter and the location is more residential than tourist/commercial.
I was there last month and I'll be back next month.
My word Frank! Will they be adding a blue plaque to your usual room? Awesome the staff acknowledged it to you as well!
My word Frank! Will they be adding a blue plaque to your usual room? Awesome the staff acknowledged it to you as well!
Pam, the manager of the hotel told me. She started working at the reception desk two weeks after my first stay so we have known each other for a long time. Unfortunately, they can't give me an actual number because they changed reservation systems a few years ago and the records were lost. I also don't have my travel records from before that.
I keep asking about a plaque but she just gives me strange looks. I'm thinking of having one made up--one that can easily be removed--and putting it up just before I leave.
I stayed at the Baileys multiple times between 2002 and 2010 and it was fine. About 2010, I stayed at The Resident Kensington (when it was called Base2Stay) and it has been my go-to hotel in London ever since. I’ve stayed there almost every year (except 2020 and 2021) since. It has AC, a good shower, fridge, kettle, and microwave, and is always clean. Rooms are compact but that is the norm in London. I’ve also stayed a number of times at the Hotel Indigo Kensington; it is nicer than the Resident, but too expensive when I am paying. I’ve only stayed there on free nights using IHG reward points.
I haven't stayed in the London location, but Citizen M hotel rooms are very small. As Dale mentioned above, look closely at the format to see if it suits you. If you're only staying a night or two that may be fine. I'd probably pick a more spacious hotel based on the recommendations already provided or check the reviews on booking.com.
