Buckingham and Lloyds – South Kensington

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Buckingham and Lloyds? It’s actually tucked into this gorgeous Victorian court building on Cromwell Road – and I mean, the moment you walk into Sherborne Court, you feel like you’ve discovered something special that most tourists completely miss. The entrance has this understated elegance that’s so distinctly South Ken, where everything looks effortlessly posh without trying too hard.

Honestly, the location is pretty brilliant if you know London at all. You’re literally a three-minute walk from South Kensington tube station (which, let’s be real, is a godsend when you’re hauling luggage), and you can actually see the Natural History Museum’s towers from some of the windows. But here’s the thing – even though you’re right in the thick of museum land, Cromwell Road has this weird way of feeling both central and residential. I mean, you’ve got the constant hum of London life, but it’s not that manic Oxford Street chaos. The 4-star rating feels spot-on too; it’s proper comfortable without being stuffy about it.

What really won me over was how the place feels more like a well-appointed private residence than a typical hotel. The apartments – because that’s really what they are – have this lived-in quality that makes you want to actually unpack instead of living out of your suitcase. The kitchenettes are small but functional (perfect for morning coffee or storing those M&S sandwiches), and honestly, having that bit of independence makes such a difference when you’re staying more than a couple nights. The furnishings lean traditional but not in that heavy, overwhelming way – more like your stylish aunt’s flat, if your aunt had excellent taste and lived in one of London’s most desirable postcodes. And can we talk about that 9.3 rating for a second? I was skeptical at first, but after staying there, it makes complete sense. The staff actually remember your name, the place is spotlessly maintained, and – this might sound silly – but the hallways always smell faintly of good cleaning products mixed with something floral, never that generic hotel air freshener smell that makes you slightly queasy.

The whole Kensington and Chelsea thing isn’t just postcode bragging either. You’re genuinely in the heart of what makes London special – Hyde Park is right there for morning runs, you can walk to Harrods if that’s your thing (though honestly, the smaller shops along Brompton Road are more interesting), and the restaurant scene around here ranges from proper gastropubs to those tiny Italian places that somehow always have a queue. Plus, and this is key if you’re not used to London prices, having a kitchenette means you can dodge some of the more wallet-crushing restaurant bills. I’d definitely stay again, particularly for longer visits when you want to feel like you’re actually living in London rather than just passing through it.

Rooms

• One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed for 2 adults

Facilities