You know what hits you first about Lexham Gardens? It’s how quiet this little stretch of Kensington feels, especially when you realize you’re literally a five-minute walk from all the madness around High Street Ken. I mean, you step out of the hustle on Cromwell Road and suddenly you’re on this tree-lined street that feels almost residential – which it basically is, since Cheval Maison converted these gorgeous Victorian townhouses into serviced apartments rather than cramming in tiny hotel rooms like everyone else does.
The whole setup is honestly pretty brilliant. Instead of that typical London hotel experience where you’re basically living in a shoebox, you get actual space to breathe. The apartments – and I’m talking proper apartments here, not just suites with a mini-fridge – have full kitchens that you’ll actually want to use. There’s something oddly satisfying about grabbing groceries from the Waitrose on Gloucester Road (about a three-minute walk) and cooking breakfast while looking out at those classic white stucco buildings. The furnishings lean toward that understated luxury thing – think quality fabrics and solid wood furniture rather than flashy designer pieces. It works, especially since the ceilings are high enough that you don’t feel cramped even when London’s weather keeps you indoors.
What really sold me on this place, though, is how it sits in the neighborhood. You’re tucked between Earl’s Court and Kensington proper, which means you dodge the worst tourist crowds but still have everything within reach. The Natural History Museum is close enough for an easy afternoon visit, but you’re not dealing with the school groups trampling past your front door at 9 AM. And honestly? The transport links are fantastic without being obvious about it – Gloucester Road tube station gets you basically anywhere in about twenty minutes, but the real gem is how walkable everything is. Hyde Park is right there when you need green space, and you can actually stroll to Harrods or the V&A if you’re feeling ambitious. The staff seem to get that people staying here aren’t necessarily tourists – they’re equally helpful whether you need restaurant recommendations or just want to know the best route to avoid construction on Kensington High Street. That 9.2 rating makes perfect sense once you’ve been there; it’s the kind of place that just works without trying too hard to impress you.