This article reviews the recently opened Kensington Park Hotel, a Marriott property in London’s Kensington area. It provides details about the hotel’s location, amenities, service, and overall value for money.
A Modern Hotel in a Residential Neighborhood
The Kensington Park Hotel is a newly refurbished Marriott property with around 200 rooms and one suite. It’s situated in a residential neighborhood on Cromwell Road, in close proximity to three tube stations: Earl’s Court, Gloucester Road, and Kensington High Street. We found the Gloucester Road station to be the most convenient as it offers better food options and connects to the Circle Line. While the hotel doesn’t have tourist attractions nearby, its location provides a tranquil and residential feel.
A Mixed Bag of Experiences: Service & Amenities
Despite the hotel’s recent opening, we encountered some issues with the front desk staff. Our pre-arrival requests for a king-size bed and early check-in were overlooked. This wasn’t a unique experience as we overheard conversations where other guests also complained about similar issues. One guest, who had booked a room for three people and requested early check-in, was ultimately forced into a higher category room at rack rate, after waiting over six hours. Thankfully, the front desk manager intervened and resolved the situation. However, it highlights potential training concerns for newly hired staff.
On the plus side, we were pleasantly surprised with a junior suite upgrade which was spacious and well-appointed, offering a separate shower and bathtub. The room even included a fold-out sofa, a mini-bar, and a safe. This suite would be ideal for families as it provides ample space and access to the executive lounge which offers complimentary breakfast and snacks. However, the hotel suffers from “bedding inflation”, meaning that rooms advertised as king-size beds were actually queen-size. This is a common practice in Europe but less common in Marriott properties.
Food & Drinks: Exploring the Neighborhood
While the hotel’s restaurant offered decent food, we found that exploring the local restaurants was more exciting. The area around Earl’s Court station provides budget-friendly options, including a pub with fantastic two-meal deals. Gloucester Road has mid-range restaurants and offers a step up in culinary experience. For those seeking a more upscale dining experience, Kensington High Street offers a wide range of options. Conveniently, a 24-hour grocery store is located across the street from the hotel, which we found extremely helpful for snacks and beverages.
Exceptional Staff & the Executive Lounge
One of the highlights of our stay was the exceptionally friendly and helpful staff. The hotel’s Executive Lounge was also a gem, offering a relaxing atmosphere and a generous selection of amenities including a full breakfast buffet, snacks throughout the day, a computer with internet access, and a printing and fax service.
Overall Impression
Despite some initial hiccups with the front desk service, the Kensington Park Hotel offers a pleasant stay with comfortable rooms and a welcoming atmosphere. The excellent staff, impressive Executive Lounge, and convenient location make this hotel a solid choice for a London getaway. The junior suite upgrade and the complimentary breakfast in the lounge add significant value, making this hotel a potential money-saver for families. The hotel is a new addition to the Marriott portfolio and it is likely that the initial service inconsistencies will improve with time. We recommend this hotel for a comfortable and reasonably priced stay in London.
