NOX Kensington Gardens

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about NOX Kensington Gardens? The location is absolutely perfect, but not in that obvious touristy way everyone talks about. Sure, you’re literally across from Hyde Park – I mean, you step out the front door on Queensborough Terrace and there’s Kensington Gardens right there – but what I really loved was how it sits in this lovely residential pocket that feels properly London. You’ve got the Italian Gardens just a few minutes’ walk north, and honestly, most tourists never even find that spot.

The hotel itself has this modern, sleek thing going on that somehow works really well in the Victorian terrace building. I was expecting it to feel a bit cramped (because, well, London), but the rooms are actually surprisingly spacious. The design is all clean lines and dark wood – very NOX brand if you know their other properties – and the beds are genuinely comfortable, which you can’t always count on. What really impressed me was how quiet it stays at night, even though you’re on a fairly busy street. The windows must be properly soundproofed because I barely heard the traffic, and trust me, Bayswater Road can get noisy with all those buses heading to Paddington.

The area is brilliant for getting around – Queensway tube is maybe three minutes away, and you’ve got both the Central and District lines right there. But honestly, I found myself walking everywhere because you’re so well positioned. Notting Hill is an easy stroll west, you can cut through the park to get to South Ken’s museums, and if you’re feeling ambitious, Paddington Station is totally walkable when you’re not dragging massive suitcases. There’s a Tesco Express practically next door, which sounds mundane but is actually a godsend when you want to grab snacks or a decent bottle of wine without paying hotel prices. The staff seem to genuinely know the neighborhood too – I asked about a good Sunday roast spot and got directed to this lovely pub on Westbourne Grove that I never would have found otherwise.

What sets this place apart from other boutique hotels in the area is that it feels like they’ve thought about what business travelers actually need without forgetting about leisure guests. The lobby works perfectly for meetings (I saw several people camped out with laptops), the WiFi is properly fast, and check-in was seamless even when I arrived early. But it’s not sterile – there’s this warm, welcoming vibe that makes it feel special rather than corporate. The 8.6 rating makes total sense when you experience it, because while it’s not trying to be the flashiest place in London, everything just works really well. It’s the kind of hotel where you’d happily stay again, and honestly, in a city with as many accommodation options as London, that’s saying something.

Rooms

• Double Studio with 1 double bed for 2 adults
• Standard Double Studio with 1 double bed for 2 adults
• Signature Jacuzzi Suite with 1 double bed for 2 adults
• Double Studio Lower Ground floor No Windows with 1 double bed for 2 adults

Facilities