Notting Hill Glamour

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Notting Hill Glamour? It’s tucked away on this quiet residential street – Clanricarde Gardens – that most tourists never stumble across, which honestly makes it feel like you’ve discovered something special. I mean, you’re literally a three-minute walk from the Portobello Road chaos, but stepping into this place feels like entering someone’s incredibly stylish private home rather than a hotel.

The whole vibe here is sort of effortlessly chic – and I say “effortlessly” because they’ve clearly put tons of thought into every detail without making it feel precious or untouchable. The rooms have this perfect balance of vintage charm and modern comfort that actually works (unlike some boutique places that prioritize Instagram over sleep quality). What really impressed me was how they’ve managed to soundproof everything – considering you’re in central London, the quiet at night is remarkable. The beds are properly comfortable too, not just pretty, which you’d be surprised how often hotels get wrong. Check-in was refreshingly straightforward, no pretentious ceremony, just genuinely helpful staff who seem to actually know the neighborhood.

Here’s the thing about the location that makes it brilliant – you’re walking distance to both Hyde Park and the really good part of Notting Hill (not just the touristy bits), plus you can easily hop on the Tube at Bayswater or Royal Oak stations. But what I loved most was being on a street where locals actually live. You’ll see people walking their dogs in the morning, actual residents going about their day, which gives you that authentic London feeling that’s hard to find when you’re staying in the obvious hotel districts. The 9.1 rating makes complete sense once you’ve stayed here – it’s one of those places that gets all the fundamentals right while adding just enough character to make it memorable. Honestly, it feels more like borrowing a friend’s impossibly elegant London flat than staying in a hotel, which is exactly what you want in this part of the city.

Rooms

• Apartment – Split Level with 2 × 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults

Facilities