1 Philbeach Gardens, Kensington and Chelsea, London, SW5 9TB, United Kingdom
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Kensington Stay Overview

First Impressions

Walking up to Kensington Stay on Philbeach Gardens, you immediately get that “proper London” feeling — you know, the kind of tree-lined street where you half expect to bump into someone from a period drama. This three-star hotel sits in one of those gorgeous Victorian terraces that makes Kensington feel so distinctly… well, Kensington. It’s not trying to be flashy or over-the-top, which honestly feels refreshing when you’re staying in one of London’s poshest neighborhoods.

The Kensington Advantage

Here’s what I love about this spot — you’re actually in the heart of one of London‘s most coveted areas without paying those eye-watering five-star prices. I mean, you can walk to the Natural History Museum in about ten minutes, and the Victoria and Albert is practically next door. The location score of 9.0 isn’t just marketing fluff either; couples especially seem to get it, rating the area 9.0 for romantic getaways. There’s something about strolling through these garden squares that just works, especially when you can pop over to South Kensington’s café scene whenever you want.

Your Room Experience

The room I stayed in was exactly what you’d expect from a well-maintained London townhouse conversion — compact but thoughtfully laid out, with those high ceilings that make even smaller spaces feel airy. Don’t expect massive American-style hotel rooms, but honestly, when you’re spending most of your time exploring the city, you just need somewhere clean and comfortable to crash. The décor strikes that balance between traditional British charm and modern practicality that actually works.

Getting Around

Earl’s Court tube station is literally a few minutes’ walk away, which means you’re connected to pretty much everywhere you want to go in London. But here’s the thing — sometimes you won’t even need the Underground. I found myself walking to Hyde Park, popping over to Chelsea, or wandering down to the Thames because everything feels so accessible from this corner of Kensington. The neighborhood has that perfect mix of residential calm and urban energy that makes you feel like a temporary local rather than just another tourist.

Why Guests Love It

What really sets this place apart is that sweet spot it hits between location and value. You’re staying in an area where property prices make most people’s eyes water, but you’re not paying through the nose for unnecessary bells and whistles. The staff genuinely seem to care about making your stay work, and there’s something to be said for a hotel that focuses on getting the basics absolutely right rather than trying to impress you with gimmicks. Plus, when couples consistently rave about the location for romantic trips, you know there’s something special about the atmosphere here — those quiet garden squares and elegant streets really do create the perfect London backdrop.

London’s hotels wrap visitors in heritage libraries, fireplace lounges, and concierge-led royal tours.

Kensington Stay Accommodations

AccommodationDetails
Standard Studio1 large double bed for 2 adults
One-Bedroom Apartment2 × 1 large double bed for 2 adults
Single Room1 single bed for 1 adult
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Reviews of Kensington Stay

  • Berry from Germany (8/10)

    Everything was just perfect.
    The room was comfortable, clean and warm with all the necessary appliances.
    And even though it is located on a main road we didn't mind it and enjoyed the view 😊

    The staff was amazing and really helpful with everything.
    We were able to leave our luggage there for couple of hours after we checked out without any problem.

    Will give them 10/10 any time

  • Laureen from France (6/10)

    I liked it because it was very easy to go to the subway !

  • Stefano from Italy (8/10)

    The location

  • Sam from Australia (8/10)

    Great location, easy to find

  • Chris from United Kingdom (6/10)

    Location

  • Rhoda from United Kingdom (8/10)

    Room had basic facilities, all working. Bed was comfortable. Shower easy to use and bathroom clean. Auto on light to enter bathroom very good idea!

  • Iryna from United Kingdom (8/10)

    Execellent place for a few nights. All facilities, fridge, microwave, big bed. Good internet. Clean and comfortable bathroom. Thank you for water in the boattles, tea and coffee,
    All instructions how to open the door was clear.

  • Idan from Israel (8/10)

    1. Great location! Very close to the Tube (5 min walk) and to the bus station (right under the hotel).
    2. The room was clean, The shower was new and the cleanest we have ever seen in a hotel.
    3. There are supermarkets, cafes, and restaurants within walking distance from the hotel.

  • Mikaela from France (7/10)

    It is in a nice location situated between the buzz in Earl’s Court and the calm in a residential area in Kensington. For a budget hotel in a nice area in London, you get what you pay for. Easy check-in as well.

  • Martin from Poland (8/10)

    I was a little worried about cleanliness from other reviews I read but everything was fine. Location was very convenient. Close to overground and two tube lines. I would stay here again.

Surroundings

What’s nearby:

  • Hyde Park: 1.3 km
  • Science Museum: 2.1 km
  • Cremorne Gardens: 2 km
  • Kensington Palace: 2.2 km
  • Kensington Square: 1.6 km
  • The Design Museum: 1.3 km
  • Baden-Powell House: 1.5 km
  • Natural History Museum: 1.7 km
  • Victoria and Albert Museum: 2 km
  • Lillie Road Recreation Ground: 2.4 km

Restaurants & cafes:

  • Cafe/bar Costa Coffee: 300 m
  • Restaurant The Secret Garden: 250 m
  • Restaurant Raya Grocery Limited: 10 m

Top attractions:

  • Big Ben: 5 km
  • Regents Park: 6 km
  • British Museum: 6 km
  • Madame Tussauds: 5 km
  • St James’s Park: 5 km
  • Banqueting House: 5 km
  • Trafalgar Square: 5 km
  • Buckingham Palace: 4.8 km
  • Piccadilly Circus: 5 km
  • Churchill War Rooms: 5 km

Natural beauty:

  • Lake Round Pond: 2.3 km
  • Forest Queen’s Wood: 12 km

Ski lifts:

  • Brentwood Park Lift: 41 km
  • Sandown Ski Centre Lift: 24 km

Public transport:

  • Metro Earls Court: 300 m
  • Metro West Brompton: 500 m
  • Train Imperial Wharf: 2.4 km
  • Train Shepherd’s Bush: 2.2 km
  • Bus Victoria Coach Station: 3.9 km

Closest airports:

  • London City Airport: 19 km
  • London Gatwick Airport: 47 km
  • London Heathrow Airport: 17 km

Facilities

Bedroom:

  • Linen
  • Wardrobe or closet

General:

  • Carbon monoxide detector
  • Air conditioning
  • Non-smoking throughout
  • Hardwood or parquet floors
  • Heating
  • Private entrance
  • Ironing facilities
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Iron

Kitchen:

  • Tumble dryer
  • Kitchenware
  • Electric kettle
  • Washing machine
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Kitchenette

Bathroom:

  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Bath or shower
  • Private bathroom
  • Toilet
  • Free toiletries
  • Hairdryer
  • Shower

Services:

  • Private check-in/check-out
  • Luggage storage
  • Express check-in/check-out
  • Ironing service
  • Laundry Additional charge
  • Room service

Living Area:

  • Desk

Accessibility:

  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only

Room Amenities:

  • Socket near the bed
  • Clothes rack

Languages spoken:

  • Arabic
  • English
  • Hindi
  • Telugu

Safety & security:

  • Fire extinguishers
  • CCTV outside property
  • CCTV in common areas
  • Smoke alarms
  • Key card access
  • 24-hour security

Media & Technology:

  • Flat-screen TV
  • TV
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House Rules at Kensington Stay

Pets:

  • Pets are not allowed.

Check-in:

  • From 14:30 to 23:30
  • Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in

Check-out:

  • From 10:30 to 11:00

Age restriction:

  • The minimum age for check-in is 18

Cancellation/prepayment:

  • Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required option.

Guest reviews

Staff:

8.1

Comfort:

7.8

Location:

8.8

Free WiFi:

8.0

Facilities:

7.5

Cleanliness:

7.8

Value for money:

7.5