Sonder Kensington Town House

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about Sonder Kensington Town House? The moment you step inside, it actually feels like you’re staying in someone’s well-appointed London home rather than a typical hotel. I mean, that’s sort of the point with Sonder properties, but this one on Kensington Gardens Square really nails it. The building itself is this gorgeous Victorian townhouse that fits seamlessly into one of those tree-lined squares that make you feel properly London – you’re literally a two-minute walk from Hyde Park’s northwest corner, which honestly beats being stuck on some busy main road.

The rooms have this modern-meets-heritage thing going on that could easily go wrong, but here it works. Think exposed brick walls, high ceilings with original moldings, but then you’ve got sleek kitchenettes and contemporary furnishings that actually make sense for how people travel now. I stayed in one of their larger apartments and was surprised by how much natural light poured in – the windows are these tall, traditional sash ones that frame views of the garden square. What I really appreciated was the kitchen setup; it’s not just a mini-fridge and microwave situation, but proper appliances if you want to grab groceries from the Waitrose on Westbourne Grove (about a 10-minute walk) instead of eating out every meal. The beds are comfortable enough, though the shower pressure could be stronger – but that’s fairly typical for older London buildings, to be honest.

Location-wise, you’re in this sweet spot where you feel tucked away from tourist chaos but you’re not actually far from anything. Queensway tube station is maybe five minutes on foot, which puts you on the Central Line straight into Oxford Circus or out to Notting Hill. Speaking of Notting Hill, the whole Portobello Road scene is an easy stroll away, and if you’re into that sort of thing, the weekend market energy spills over into the surrounding streets in a way that feels authentic rather than performed. The square itself stays pretty quiet – I was there in September and barely heard traffic noise with the windows open. Check-in is all digital through their app, which worked smoothly for me, though I could see it being frustrating if you’re not comfortable with technology or if your phone dies. There’s no traditional front desk, so you’re sort of on your own once you’re settled in. The 7.7 rating feels about right – it’s a solid choice that delivers on what it promises without being extraordinary. If you want that boutique hotel experience with a bit more independence and you don’t need constant service, this place gets the job done in a neighborhood that gives you a genuine taste of residential London.

Rooms

• One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 double bed for 2 adults
• Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 double bed for 4 adults

Facilities