Henley House Hotel

Hotel Description

You know what really struck me about Henley House when I first walked up to it? It’s tucked away on this quiet residential street in Kensington that feels completely removed from London’s chaos, but you’re actually just minutes from everything that matters. Barkston Gardens is one of those tree-lined streets that locals use as a shortcut between Earl’s Court and South Ken – the kind of spot where you hear birds in the morning instead of constant traffic.

The building itself has that classic Victorian charm without feeling stuffy or overdone. I mean, it’s clearly a boutique place rather than some massive chain hotel, which honestly makes all the difference when you’re trying to get a feel for what London living is actually like. The rooms are proper sized too – and I say that as someone who’s stayed in my fair share of London shoebox hotels where you can’t open your suitcase without climbing on the bed. The staff actually remembers your name after day one, which sounds small but really isn’t when you’re dealing with the usual London service scene. Check-in was smooth, no weird credit card holds or pushy upsells.

What I really appreciated was how easy it was to slip into the neighborhood rhythm. There’s a proper local pub about two minutes’ walk away where you’ll find actual Londoners having a pint, not just tourists comparing notes about the Tower of London. The South Kensington tube station is close enough that you’re not dragging luggage for ages, but far enough that you don’t get the constant rumble of trains underneath you. And honestly? The fact that it’s a 4-star place with an 8.2 rating feels about right – it’s polished and comfortable without trying to be something it’s not. You’ve got the Natural History Museum and V&A within easy walking distance, plus all those little independent shops along Old Brompton Road that you’d never find otherwise. The area gets busy during museum hours, sure, but evenings are surprisingly peaceful. I found myself actually looking forward to coming back to the hotel each night rather than just using it as a place to crash, which doesn’t happen often in London. It’s the kind of spot where you feel like you’re staying in someone’s well-appointed guest room in a nice part of town, rather than just another anonymous hotel bed.

Rooms

• Double Room with 1 double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Twin Room with 2 single beds for 2 adults, 1 child
• Single Room with 1 single bed for 1 adult
• Small Double Room with 1 double bed for 2 adults, 1 child

Facilities