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The Kensington

London, England • Kensington • SPLURGE

avg. $459 / night

Includes $24 / night in cash back

Cash back is redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out

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Cash back

5% cash back on all completed stays (redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out)

Credit card points

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Hotel loyalty points

Points accrual and status eligibility with major hotel loyalty programs: Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, and others

Free breakfast

Breakfast-included rate options available

Room upgrades

Complimentary room upgrades (subject to property availability)

Extend your stay

Early check-in and late check-out (subject to property availability)

Location

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At a glance

Four Victorian townhouses in South Kensington with chinoiserie bedrooms and a 1930s members'-club bar.

Best for: Architecture enthusiasts and collectors of Georgian interiors

Highlights:

  • Four consolidated Victorian townhouses with original sash windows and porte-cochère
  • Bedrooms with chinoiserie wallpapers framed in deep plaster panelling and lacquered four-posters
  • 1930s members'-club bar with coffered walnut ceiling and tiered crystal chandeliers
Georgian-chinoiserieintimate

PB hotel design editorial

Four stucco-fronted Victorian townhouses on Queen's Gate in South Kensington, their white-painted facades and balustraded balconies part of the same speculative terrace grammar that defined mid-nineteenth-century Kensington, were consolidated and converted into The Kensington long before the neighbourhood became a byword for discreet London luxury. The exterior, visible in the images, carries all the hallmarks of that era — bracketed cornices, tall sash windows, the columned porte-cochère that signals arrival without disrupting the residential scale of the street. The interiors work through deliberate contrast. Bedrooms designed by Alex Kravetz deploy chinoiserie wallpapers — pagodas and weeping willows in either sage and indigo or monochrome grey — framed within deep plaster panelling, the pattern contained and given weight by ebonised four-poster beds with lacquered gold detailing and carved Chippendale-style desk chairs that sit squarely in the Georgian-chinoiserie tradition. The bar moves in a different direction entirely: a coffered walnut ceiling, tiered crystal chandeliers, and velvet bar stools in deep teal give it the atmosphere of a private members' club from the 1930s rather than a hotel amenity. The restaurant takes a warmer, more bookish register — sage-painted shelving packed with volumes flanking the entrance, tub chairs in mustard and mint gathered around dark pedestal tables, a Stilnovo-inflected pendant casting warm light through the enfilade of rooms.

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About

Located in the heart of South Kensington, one of London’s most charming neighbourhoods, The Kensington is a luxury 5-star hotel just moments from The Royal Albert Hall, The Victoria & Albert Museum, Kensington Gardens and the world-famous Harrods. Featuring open fires, high ceilings and heritage décor, the hotel’s elegant drawing rooms evoke Victorian grandeur, providing the perfect setting to unwind with a book or catch up with friends. Guests can enjoy lunch, dinner or the quintessentially British tradition of afternoon within the stunning Town House restaurant, or discover cocktails and an expansive wine list in the chic surrounds of The K Bar – a hidden gem in South Kensington. Guestrooms and suites reflect a delicate balance of period charm and modern comfort, while the hotel’s signature suites take luxury to new heights. In essence, it all combines to lend a personal, familiar ambience - reminiscent of a beautifully appointed private home.

Amenities

Internet

Free Internet

Wifi

Free Wifi

Business center

Fitness center

Room service

Restaurant

Suites

Meeting rooms

The Kensington Reviews

4,692 reviews

"It was incredibly easy to book with Noel and he was extremely kind and helpful. The hotel is so comfortable. Many thanks"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Jul 22, 2026

"One of the most memorable experiences of my life! I have been to tea before at other places, but they’re incomparable to the the Kensington! It was well worth every penny. The location is perfect, the interior design impeccable, and the staff overwhelmingly hospitable. The tea itself was superb, along the with the food and desserts provided; we left stuffed (after plenty of refills). Out waiter, Jordan, was incredibly kind and welcoming, and eager to ensure we received a perfect experience. The restaurant manager was also a delight, and he took the time to sit and chat with us, as well as giving us a small tour of the history the downstairs/history of the hotel. An unforgettable experience for our last day, with a meal/staff I will never forget. Will be back!"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Jul 05, 2026

"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I truly cannot say enough wonderful things about The Kensington. My 15-year-old son, Drake, and I are staying here right now during our trip to London, and we have both said the same thing: we will never stay anywhere else when we return. We are already counting the days until we can come back. This hotel is incredibly special. It has all the warmth and charm of a beautiful boutique hotel, with every detail thoughtfully designed—from the stunning wallpaper and elegant china to the cozy, sophisticated rooms and gorgeous common spaces. There is so much to see and do in London, yet we have found ourselves having a hard time leaving our room because we simply love being here so much. What makes The Kensington truly extraordinary, however, is the people. Every single person we have encountered—from the front desk to the concierge to the restaurant staff—has made us feel genuinely welcomed and cared for. A very special thank you to Nnamdi, who my son Drake described as “the nicest person I have ever met in my whole life.” There may not be a greater compliment coming from a 15-year-old! And a heartfelt thank you to Fernanda at The Town House, who is truly one of the warmest, kindest, and most special people we have ever met. Every morning, we genuinely look forward to breakfast not just because the food and the restaurant are so wonderful, but because we get to see her. The way she starts our day with her beautiful smile, warmth, and positive energy has become one of the highlights of our trip. The Town House is absolutely incredible—beautifully decorated, delicious, and such a lovely way to begin each day. Luxury is not just about beautiful surroundings; it is about how a place makes you feel. The Kensington has mastered both. It feels like a home away from home, and we will recommend it to every friend and family member traveling to London. Thank you to the entire team for making our trip unforgettable. We cannot wait to return."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Jun 13, 2026

"We had a fantastic stay at the Kensington. The rooms are beautiful, food is great and the location cannot be beat. Everyone we spoke to was absolutely wonderful, but we particularly appreciated George’s help and kindness. We will absolutely be back on our next trip to London!"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Jun 06, 2026

"Just perfect in every way. I will stay here whenever I visit London. Thank you."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

May 30, 2026

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