Radisson Blu Hotel, London South Kensington – formerly Vanderbilt

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about the Radisson Blu on Cromwell Road? Walking in, I honestly expected another generic chain hotel – I mean, it’s right there on one of London’s busiest thoroughfares with all that South Ken tourist traffic. But there’s actually something quite charming about this place once you get past the street-level bustle.

The location is pretty brilliant if you think about it. Sure, Cromwell Road can be a bit mad with traffic (especially during rush hour when you’ve got all those commuters heading toward Earl’s Court), but you’re literally a five-minute walk to the Natural History Museum. And here’s the thing most people don’t realize – if you cut through the side streets toward Exhibition Road, you dodge most of the tourist crowds and end up right by the Science Museum and V&A without dealing with the main drag chaos. The staff seemed to know this too, which I appreciated – they actually gave useful walking directions instead of just pointing vaguely toward the Underground.

What really sold me on this place was how it manages to feel both polished and lived-in, if that makes sense. The rooms aren’t huge (this is London, after all), but they’re thoughtfully laid out with proper blackout curtains – crucial when you’re dealing with those summer nights when it stays light until nearly 10 PM. The bathrooms are surprisingly spacious, and honestly, the water pressure was better than some five-star places I’ve stayed. I was on the seventh floor facing away from Cromwell Road, so nights were actually pretty quiet despite being in the heart of everything. Though I’d probably request a higher floor if you’re sensitive to street noise – those double-decker buses start rumbling by pretty early.

The breakfast situation is solid without being fancy – proper English breakfast if you want it, but also lighter options that won’t weigh you down if you’re planning to walk around Hyde Park (which is right there, by the way). Staff turnover seems low, which always tells you something about a place. The concierge knew about the little Italian place tucked away on Harrington Road that I never would have found otherwise.

Look, it’s not going to wow you with cutting-edge design or knock your socks off with luxury touches. But sometimes you want a hotel that just gets the basics really right – comfortable beds, reliable WiFi, hot showers, and people who know the neighborhood. Plus, you’re paying South Kensington prices without the South Kensington pretension, which feels like a win. If you’re the type who spends most of your time out exploring rather than lounging in hotel amenities, this place makes a lot of sense. Just book early if you’re visiting during museum exhibition season – it fills up fast when there’s something big on at the Natural History Museum.

Rooms

• Single Room with 1 single bed for 1 adult
• Standard Room with 2 single beds and 1 double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Premium Room with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Family Room (2 Adults + 2 Children) with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Superior Single Room with 1 single bed for 1 adult
• Junior Suite with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child

Facilities