130 Queen’s Gate Apartments

Hotel Description

Look, I’ve stayed at plenty of places in South Ken, but 130 Queen’s Gate really gets it right in ways that honestly surprised me. The building itself sits on one of those gorgeous Victorian crescents that makes you feel like you’re living in a period drama – except with actually functional wifi and modern plumbing, thank god. You’re literally a two-minute walk from Hyde Park’s entrance, which I didn’t fully appreciate until I was jogging there every morning, dodging the early dog walkers and realizing how rare it is to have proper green space right outside your door in central London.

What struck me most was how they’ve managed to keep that authentic London apartment feel without skimping on the details that actually matter. The kitchens aren’t just for show – I mean, you can actually cook a proper meal, not just heat up sad takeaway. The living spaces have that high-ceiling thing going on that makes even a one-bedroom feel spacious, and honestly, after spending time in shoebox hotels around Paddington, the difference is night and day. The neighborhood itself is perfectly positioned if you know London at all – you’re walking distance to the V&A and Natural History Museum (great for rainy afternoons), but you’re also close enough to Knightsbridge that you can easily pop over to Harrods or Harvey Nics without dealing with the Tube. Actually, speaking of transport, Exhibition Road is right there, so you’ve got South Kensington station practically on your doorstep.

Here’s what I really appreciated though – the staff actually knows the area. When I asked about decent coffee that wasn’t Starbucks, they pointed me toward this little place on Gloucester Road that locals use, not some tourist trap. The check-in was refreshingly straightforward, none of that over-the-top hotel theater, just professional people who clearly know what they’re doing. The 8.4 rating makes sense to me because while everything works really well, it’s not trying to be flashy about it. You know what I mean? Sometimes five-star places get so caught up in being impressive that they forget about being comfortable. This feels more like borrowing a well-appointed friend’s flat in one of London’s best postcodes – which, let’s be honest, is exactly what you want when you’re staying somewhere for more than a couple nights. The area gets busy during museum peak times, but evenings are surprisingly peaceful for being so central. If you’re the type who likes having options within walking distance but wants to come back somewhere that feels like an actual home base rather than a hotel room, this place delivers on that balance perfectly.

Rooms

• One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed for 2 adults
• Studio Apartment with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults
• Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 single bed for 3 adults
• Superior One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Deluxe One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Superior Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 double bed for 4 adults, 1 child
• Deluxe Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 single beds and 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults, 1 child
• Three-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed, 2 single beds and 1 extra-large double bed for 6 adults, 1 child
• Deluxe Three-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed, 2 single beds and 1 extra-large double bed for 6 adults, 1 child
• Luxury Four Bedroom Penthouse with Terrace with 2 × 2 single beds and 2 × 1 extra-large double bed for 8 adults
• Executive One Bedroom Apartment with Balcony with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Executive Three Bedroom Apartment with Balcony with 2 single beds, 1 single bed and 1 extra-large double bed for 5 adults, 1 child
• Superior Three Bedroom Apartment with 2 single beds, 1 large double bed and 1 extra-large double bed for 6 adults, 1 child
• Deluxe One Bedroom Apartment with Balcony with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults

Facilities