You know what struck me first about The Premier Notting Hill? It’s tucked away on this quiet little square that feels worlds apart from the tourist chaos just streets away. I mean, you’re literally a five-minute walk from Hyde Park and all the Notting Hill madness, but Princes Square has this almost residential calm that’s honestly pretty rare for central London hotels.
The building itself is classic Victorian – white stucco facade, those tall windows that make you feel like you’re in a period drama. Inside though, they’ve done this nice balance between keeping the character and actually making it functional for modern travelers. The lobby’s compact but welcoming, and I appreciated that check-in was quick without feeling rushed. The staff genuinely seemed to know the neighborhood well – when I asked about getting to Camden Market, the guy at reception gave me this whole spiel about avoiding the weekend crowds and taking the 27 bus instead of the tube. That kind of local insight you can’t fake.
Rooms are what you’d expect for a solid 4-star in this area – not huge (this is London, after all), but thoughtfully laid out. The beds are actually comfortable, which isn’t always a given, and the bathrooms are properly updated. I stayed on the third floor facing the square and it was blissfully quiet at night, though I imagine the rooms facing busier streets might be different. What I really liked were the little touches that showed someone was thinking – decent lighting for reading, enough outlets near the bed, and blackout curtains that actually work. The WiFi was reliable too, which matters when you’re trying to sort out dinner reservations or figure out transport.
Location-wise, you’re in this sweet spot between Bayswater and proper Notting Hill. Queensway tube is practically around the corner, and you’ve got all those great restaurants along Westbourne Grove within easy walking distance. If you’re into the whole Portobello Road market scene, it’s right there, but you’re far enough away that you won’t be dealing with the Saturday morning tourist stampede outside your window. Hyde Park’s your backyard essentially – I found myself cutting through it constantly to get to other parts of the city, and there’s something pretty nice about having Kensington Gardens as your morning jog route.
Honestly, the 7.7 rating feels about right. It’s not going to blow you away with flashy amenities or ultra-modern design, but it delivers on the fundamentals really well. The service feels personal without being overly formal, the neighborhood genuinely has character, and you’re positioned perfectly to explore London without feeling like you’re staying in a tourist bubble. I’d definitely come back – sometimes the best travel experiences come from places that just get the basics right and let the city do the rest of the talking.