212 Old Brompton Road, Kensington and Chelsea, London, SW5 0BX, United Kingdom
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Charming and full of character Overview

First Impressions

Walking up to Charming and full of character on Old Brompton Road, you immediately get why this four-star hotel has such devoted fans. The Victorian facade fits perfectly into this leafy Kensington street, and honestly, the name isn’t just marketing speak — there’s something genuinely welcoming about the place that hits you the moment you step inside. I mean, you’re literally in the heart of one of London’s most coveted neighborhoods, with that location score of 9.5 making perfect sense once you start exploring.

The Kensington Advantage

This stretch of Old Brompton Road is honestly one of those London locations that locals never shut up about, and for good reason. You’re a five-minute walk from the Natural History Museum and the V&A, but more importantly, you’re surrounded by the kind of independent cafes and pubs that make Kensington feel like a village within the city. The couples who rate this location so highly (9.6 out of 10, actually) probably discover what I did — you can walk to Harrods, stroll through Hyde Park, or catch a show in the West End without feeling like you’re schlepping across town.

The Rooms and Comfort

The accommodations here strike that sweet spot between refined comfort and genuine character that’s surprisingly hard to find in London. Each room feels thoughtfully designed rather than cookie-cutter corporate, with those little touches that make you feel like you’re staying somewhere special rather than just anywhere. The beds are properly comfortable — and I say this as someone who’s spent way too many nights in London hotels with mattresses that feel like cardboard. You know what really impressed me though? The attention to soundproofing, because Old Brompton Road can get busy, but you’d never know it from inside.

The Neighborhood Experience

What sets this place apart is how it connects you to authentic London life. There’s a brilliant gastropub called The Anglesea Arms just around the corner that locals actually frequent, and the Saturday farmers market on Bute Street gives you a taste of neighborhood life you’d miss staying in more touristy areas. The South Kensington tube station is close enough to be practical but far enough that you’re not dealing with constant tourist crowds right outside your door. Plus, those tree-lined residential streets make for lovely evening walks after a day of sightseeing.

Why Guests Love It

The 8.8 rating really reflects what you experience here — it’s that rare London hotel that manages to feel both polished and personal. Guests consistently mention feeling like they’ve discovered a hidden gem rather than just booked another room, and the staff genuinely seem to care about making your stay memorable. The combination of that unbeatable Kensington location with genuine character (rather than manufactured charm) creates something pretty special. Whether you’re here for museums, shopping, or just soaking up London atmosphere, Charming and full of character gives you the perfect base without the inflated prices of some nearby hotels.

Charming and full of character Accommodations

AccommodationDetails
One-Bedroom Apartment1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for 3 adults, 2 children
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Facilities

Bedroom:

  • Linen
  • Wardrobe or closet

Kitchen:

  • Dining table
  • Cleaning products
  • Toaster
  • Oven
  • Tumble dryer
  • Kitchenware
  • Electric kettle
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dishwasher
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Kitchenette

Bathroom:

  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Towels/sheets (extra fee)
  • Bath or shower
  • Toilet
  • Free toiletries
  • Hairdryer
  • Bath
  • Shower

Living Area:

  • Dining area
  • Sofa
  • Seating Area
  • Desk

Food & Drink:

  • Tea/Coffee maker

Accessibility:

  • Upper floors accessible by elevator

Miscellaneous:

  • Non-smoking throughout
  • Heating
  • Lift
  • Non-smoking rooms

Outdoor & View:

  • Inner courtyard view
  • View

Room Amenities:

  • Socket near the bed
  • Sofa bed
  • Drying rack for clothing
  • Clothes rack
  • Hardwood or parquet floors
  • Carpeted
  • Fan
  • Ironing facilities
  • Iron

Languages spoken:

  • English
  • Italian

Cleaning services:

  • Daily housekeeping

Safety & security:

  • Fire extinguishers
  • Security alarm

Media & Technology:

  • Streaming service (like Netflix)
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Cable channels
  • Satellite channels
  • Video
  • CD player
  • DVD player
  • TV
  • Pay-per-view channels

Reception services:

  • Invoice provided
  • Express check-in/check-out

Building characteristics:

  • Private apartment in building

Entertainment and family services:

  • Books, DVDs, or music for children
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House Rules at Charming and full of character

Pets:

  • Pets are not allowed.

Parties:

  • Parties/events are not allowed

Smoking:

  • Smoking is not allowed.

Check-in:

  • From 15:00
  • You’ll need to let the property know in advance what time you’ll arrive.

Check-out:

  • Until 12:00

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:

9.7

Comfort:

8.8

Location:

9.7

Free WiFi:

9.2

Facilities:

8.8

Cleanliness:

8.5

Value for money:

8.6