Kensington Close Hotel and Health Spa Hotel - Page 1

I arrived from Canada to what I thought would be a relatively modest but clean hotel. As it turns out, it was truly a hotel well below expectations.

The hotel’s rooms were very small and cleanliness was a huge issue. We were moved three times because the security box in the room did not work (this would be an important feature as we would later find out !) . The sheets had not been cleaned, the grime and dirt in the bathroom was apparent despite the cleaning staffs’ best efforts. Three requests for a wake-up call from reception were never followed through. The lack of hotel front line staff with a relatively acceptable command of the English language also made communication most trying.

My father was also staying at the hotel and he was robbed while in the room ! He was taking a shower and someone used a security card, unlatched the chain from the outside, walked in and left with cash and other personal items. Security and management’s response was offering him a drink from the bar (?!)

I would strongly advise against using this hotel strictly due to lack of appropriate security. If you want a good experience in London, I would suggest paying the extra cost for another hotel to fully enjoy your experience in London without worrying about your personal belongings in the room.

We paid £110 for a night in a double room at the Kensington Close.

The room itself was very compact, but well designed, with a huge mirror facing the bed acting as the door to the bathroom. The bed was exquisitely comfortable - certainly the most comfy bed I've ever slept in - and clean. I couldn't figure out the TV controls and there was little welcome from the hotel staff, but if you just want a room, it's perfect.

It's a hotel that seemed to be mostly populated by American tourists, and staffed by Polish workers. The mis-spellings on some of the signs were hilarious.

The breakfast buffet was acceptable, although they literally started clearing away the dishes when it was officially finished, not checking whether the other diners wanted any more breakfast.

Location-wise, it can't be faulted, less than 2 minutes from a tube station.

Located in the heart of London near Kennsington Park, the Kennsington Close hotel is located only one block from both bus and Underground stops, making it easy to get around London on your own. The hotel offers a large indoor swimming pool, on site restaurant featuring good food at cheap prices, and an internet café. The hotel staff are friendly, and the concierge team are more than willing to help you plan your day in this fascinating city. Many city and outskirt tours pick up from the Kennsington’s front door, as well as airport shuttles to both Gatwick and Heathrow. Another nice offering is a Night in the West End. The concierge will help you book package plans for dining, theater tickets, and transportation to the West End.

Although none of the rooms offer great views, they are spacious, clean, and comfortable. The bathroom is a good size, and spacious enough to hang up your rain-soaked clothes at the end of the day. Amenities such as tea/coffee service, a trouser press, and color television are standard (but don’t expect a lot of cable stations). The large king or queen bed can easily be divided for those wanting two twin beds in the room.

In short, the Kennsington Close is a perfectly placed hotel for those exploring London on their own.