Look, I’ll be honest – when I first saw the name “PenthouseStays Notting Hill” I was expecting something a bit more… well, penthouse-y. But actually, this spacious three-bedroom apartment on Linden Gardens turned out to be exactly what you’d want if you’re doing London properly. The location is just brilliant – you’re literally a five-minute walk from Portobello Road (and I mean the good bit where all the antique dealers are, not just the touristy market stalls), and Kensington High Street is right there when you need proper shopping or a decent meal.
The apartment itself feels genuinely lived-in rather than sterile hotel-room clean, which I actually loved. The king beds are properly comfortable – none of that rock-hard European mattress nonsense – and there’s enough space that you’re not tripping over each other’s suitcases. You know what really sold me though? The kitchen actually works. I mean, it’s got everything you need if you want to grab some bits from the Tesco Express down the road or hit up the Saturday farmers market in Notting Hill. The Wi-Fi is solid (important if you’re working remotely), and honestly, the whole place just feels like you’re staying in a friend’s flat rather than some corporate rental.
The area’s got that perfect London vibe where you can walk to Hyde Park in ten minutes, but you’re also surrounded by those gorgeous white Victorian terraces that make every Instagram shot look effortless. Parking’s a nightmare, obviously – this is Zone 2 London after all – but the tube connections are excellent, and you can walk to Paddington Station if you’re heading to Heathrow. The 8.2 rating feels about right; it’s not luxury hotel perfect, but it’s got character and the location more than makes up for any minor quirks. Just don’t expect room service or daily housekeeping – this is proper apartment living, which means you’ll need to handle your own towels and take your rubbish out. But honestly, for the price point and the area, you’re getting a really solid base for exploring London properly.