As explained in my London 101 post, you should take your airport into consideration when choosing a location for sleeping in London. Over the years, I’ve been set on these two strategic areas:
- most budget-friendly: around Paddington Station
- South Kensington
Both neighborhoods are served by the District and Circle lines, connecting you to Notting Hill, Victoria (Buckingham Palace), Westminster (Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey) and Tower Hill (Tower of London, Tower Bridge).
In particular, the area between South Kensington and Earl’s Court is absolutely full of hotels, for all budgets. It is a great place to stay as it allows you to walk to many attractions, the high-end shopping area of Knightsbridge and Hyde Park. As a rule of thumb, the closer to Earl’s Court, the cheaper it gets.
I have explored the area around Paddington in my previous post. Now, my recommendations for South Kensignton – Earl’s Court:
BUDGET HOTELS
The same no-frills concept of EasyJet taken to accommodations and you have EasyHotel. All apartments have an ensuite bathroom and are clean but they are super small, you do not have elevators and you will need to pay for internet or tv. These are budget alternatives to the more expensive hotels below.
EasyHotel South Kensington
It’s 700m from Gloucester Road tube station and so it’s possible to reach the Museum Quarter and other points of interest on foot. Book here.
EasyHotel Earl’s Court
Not far from the South Kensington branch, this one is 500m away from the Earl’s Court tube station (only 1 before Gloucester Road and 2 before South Kensington). Book here.
HOTELS
I have stayed in these hotels within the past 3 years. The neighborhood is great for walking around and the closer to South Kensington, the better. You can reach Harrods, the Natural History Museum and have breakfast in lovely patisseries.
Hotel Oliver **
Hotel Oliver is 400m away from Earl’s Court tube station, full of shops and restaurants around. Attention! Make sure to book the Executive rooms, which are located in a renovated section of the hotel. If you book the standard rooms, you are likely to get the old rooms which are quite bad and run down. Book here.
Best Western The Cromwell****
Just 170m away from Gloucester Road tube station, Best Western The Cromwell is a 4-star hotel with the service and standard to match. There’s a mini-gym too. Book here.
Millennium Gloucester Hotel London****
This one is just a stone’s throw from Gloucester Road tube station, through a pedestrian only passage that brings you to the back street. Another 4-star hotel with everything you can expect from it. Book here.
London Marriott Hotel Kensignton****
A bit further away from the Earl’s Court tube station (400m) but still close enough. It is very affordable for a well-known international chain. The rooms are comfortable and clean, the staff very polite and helpful. Book here.
Read here for hotel recommendations on the more budget-friendly area of Paddington.
Read also:
London 101: Arriving & Getting Around
The Easy Three Rule, feat. London
Pin this post and happy travels!
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