You know those London hotels that look impressive online but then you show up and it’s all lobby and no substance? Well, Twenty Nevern Square isn’t one of them. Tucked into this gorgeous Victorian square in Earl’s Court – honestly, the kind of address that makes you feel a bit posh just saying it – this place has that authentic London charm without trying too hard. The building itself is this beautiful white-fronted townhouse that actually fits with the neighborhood instead of sticking out like some modern glass box.
What I really love about staying here is that you’re properly in Kensington but without the eye-watering prices of staying right on the High Street. I mean, you can walk to the Natural History Museum in about fifteen minutes, and there’s this little secret that locals know – if you cut through the residential streets instead of taking the main roads, you’ll stumble across these incredible mews houses that most tourists never see. The Earl’s Court tube station is literally around the corner, which sounds convenient but actually means you hear the rumble of trains if you’re a light sleeper (ask for a room facing the square, trust me). The staff seem to genuinely know the area too – last time I stayed, the guy at reception told me about this fantastic Lebanese place on Old Brompton Road that I never would have found otherwise.
The rooms themselves feel properly lived-in, if you know what I mean. Not in a shabby way, but like someone actually thought about what travelers need instead of just throwing expensive furniture at the space. The beds are surprisingly comfortable – I’m talking proper sleep, not that hotel bed lottery where you’re tossing and turning all night. Bathrooms are a decent size by London standards, though the water pressure can be a bit temperamental in the mornings when everyone’s getting ready. There’s this lovely sitting area downstairs where you can actually spread out with a coffee and plan your day, which is rarer than you’d think in this part of town. Honestly, the whole place has this relaxed atmosphere that makes you want to linger a bit longer than planned. Sure, it’s not going to blow your mind with flashy amenities, but sometimes you just want a place that feels like a proper London base rather than a generic hotel room that could be anywhere in the world.