I’ll be honest – when I first walked up to the Hux Hotel on High Street Kensington, I wasn’t expecting much from the exterior. It’s tucked into this lovely Victorian terrace that you could easily walk past if you weren’t looking for it, but that’s actually part of its charm. The moment you step inside though, wow – they’ve done something really clever with the space. It’s got this boutique feel that somehow manages to be both contemporary and cozy, which isn’t easy to pull off in London.
What really struck me about this place is how well they understand their location. I mean, you’re literally steps from Kensington High Street tube station (seriously, maybe a 30-second walk), and yet once you’re inside, you don’t hear any of the street noise. The rooms are surprisingly quiet for being right in the thick of things. And speaking of being in the thick of things – Kensington Palace is basically around the corner, Hyde Park’s a quick stroll, and if you’re into shopping, well, you’ve got everything from the high street stores right outside to Harrods just down the road. The staff seemed to actually know the area too, not just the touristy bits. When I asked about good coffee nearby, they pointed me toward this little place on Wrights Lane that I never would have found otherwise.
The rooms themselves are smartly designed – not huge (this is London, after all), but they’ve maximized every inch without making it feel cramped. The beds are genuinely comfortable, and I loved the rainfall showers. You know what impressed me most though? The little details that show they’re paying attention. Fresh milk in the mini-fridge, decent coffee (not those awful pods), and USB ports exactly where you need them. The WiFi actually works properly too, which honestly shouldn’t be noteworthy in 2024 but here we are. Check-in was smooth, no queuing around, and they stored our bags without any fuss when we arrived early. If I had one tiny complaint, it’s that the lift is a bit slow, but that’s pretty typical for these converted Victorian buildings. For the location and the quality, the Hux really delivers – it’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve found a little secret in one of London’s busiest neighborhoods.