The 16 Best Hotels in Kensington, London (2025)

Within a short stroll of many major London landmarks, Kensington is a convenient and upmarket choice for a city base. With its sought after postcode there are a bevvy of hotels to choose from in the area. To make selecting the perfect option for you a quick and easy decision our hotel experts have compiled a collection of the best hotels in Kensington selected on their design, amenities, and service. Our list is relatively broad with everything from standout luxury stays to great value options too. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next city break?

For a townhouse hotel

• The Gore Hotel on Queen's Gate is on the quirky side of grand, with plush, traditional bedrooms, an inviting restaurant, oak-panelled bar and walls which are covered in over 5,000 paintings and prints. The service is spectacular, the G&Ts are spot on and it's an excellent location for city exploring.
• The Kensington Hotel in Queen's Gate is a roomy four star with a mixture of traditional and modern decor. As with many established hotels the rooms tend more towards the traditional and the public areas are more modern in design. Plus there's a restaurant and a popular bar.
• 54 Queen's Gate Hotel is a quaint townhouse in South Kensington offering a modern mix of bold wallpapers, cosy soft furnishings, and bright accessories. Hyde Park is on the doorstep and Harrods just around the corner.

• Set in a lovely red-brick townhouse, At Sloane sits just off Chelsea's iconic Sloane Square. Gorgeous rooms feature panelled walls and stained glass windows, plus there's a French-meets-Asian restaurant and a plush speakeasy bar. An elegant choice.
• Number Sixteen might be a surprise to the list of the best hotels in Kensington, it’s a bit of a hideaway hotel, with decor that’s a wonderful mix of chic and homely. Crisp, feminine rooms and a charming courtyard garden and library make it feel insulated from the bustle and traffic noise of the outside world.

For a boutique hotel

• No list of the best hotels in Kensington could possibly be complete without the grand daddy of boutique hotels, the first and original, Blakes. Anoushka Hempel's 1979 creation has more than stood the test of time and is a deliciously sybaritic and sexy place to stay. Guests keep returning and the restaurant is deservedly popular with the locals.
• The Exhibitionist Hotel is a hip luxury boutique with fabulous quirky design in high-end South Kensington. A range of rooms and suites are uniquely styled with sculptures, artworks, velvet fabrics, and plush headboards. With a lively cocktail bar and restaurant — this is a trendy base.

For the design

• The Ampersand Hotel is an impressive elegant hotel in the heart of South Kensington. Rooms are individually designed with a hip spin on traditional design. The restaurant, Apero, offers fresh Mediterranean cuisine and The Drawing Rooms serve wonderful traditional afternoon tea. A stylish city base.

For luxury

• The Pelham Hotel is a country house without the country — it is immaculate but also very homely; some parts traditional, some parts modern. And, as with many of the best hotels in Kensington, the bedrooms are not only extremely comfortable, they also look fabulous. The bistro is popular with Kensington locals.
• For a five star property across the road from Kensington Gardens, book the Milestone Hotel. It's a cosy, traditional property with elegant rooms and suites plus fabulous afternoon teas and a fine dining restaurant.

• The Other House South Kensington boasts plush surroundings in rich jewel tones. There's elegance everywhere here with a chic cocktail bar, a wellness spa, indoor pool, and a hidden courtyard. There's even a private residents' club for the ultimate in relaxation.
• The big, comfortably masculine Baglioni overlooking Hyde Park is mostly made up of suites and there is a highly attentive butler service, so it’s definitely one of the best hotels in Kensington for lovers of luxury. Choose a view over Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens.

For self-catering

• Lexham Gardens by Cheval Maison offers a boutique collection of chic self-catering apartments in the heart of Kensington. Expect elegant interiors, a sleek communal lounge plus a basement gym. The two-bedroom options are ideal for luxurious group stays.

For great value

• The Sydney House Chelsea is worth having a look at. In the heart of Chelsea this is a simple but stylish hotel — think blonde wood floors and recessed lighting.
• The Rockwell Hotel is a well-designed townhouse that is great value considering its central location, landscaped gardens, and facilities. Expect fresh modern rooms, a fine wine list in the elegant bar and restaurant, and a reasonable price tag.

Still not sure where to book?

• You could check out our list of the 10 best hotels in Knightsbridge, which is right around the corner or browse through our list of all the best places to stay in London.
• You might also find what you're looking for in our recommendations for the Top 5 Luxury London Hotels or on our list of London's 10 Best Boutique Hotels.
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.