Meliá London Kensington – Hotel Review

Although this Kensington stay includes chic rooms, a 24-hour fitness centre and on-site restaurant, Meliá London Kensington’s best amenity is its incredibly central location in the heart of west London. Just minutes from the wonders of the museum district, the shaded grasses of Hyde Park and boutiques of Chelsea, the best of the area is all within walking distance. Read on for the full review.

With less than 100 rooms, it’s a boutique stay in both form and function: service is attentive and rooms are cosy yet thoughtfully decorated (spot the William Morris-inspired prints alongside marble furniture and designer couches). Those little extras that even the big guns sometimes overlook — Nespresso machines, complimentary bottled water — are here, adding to Meliá’s charm.

Where is Meliá London Kensington?

The hotel is on Kensington’s Gloucester Road, near the corner of central Cromwell Road. It’s about 25 minutes to Heathrow Airport by car or mere metres from Gloucester Road tube station, which has easy links to wider London.

What’s near Meliá London Kensington?

The Natural History Museum, as well as the must-see Victoria and Albert Museum, are wonderfully close — less than 10 minutes away – and the stroll takes you through the museum’s surrounding Wildlife Garden. Gloucester Road tube station, which is just a few stops from Harrods – adjacent to Knightsbridge station – is the key to easy London transport… and it’s also just steps from your front door. Kensington Palace, and the sprawling Hyde Park, are less than 10 minutes away, too.

Room types

Both rooms and suites apply the same clean, chic aesthetic: gold accents on the wall panelling, thick velvet curtains and plump, scalloped bedheads in a range of soothing shades. All guest rooms have minibars with free water and some with soft drinks but the Deluxe Room is the frontrunner, thanks to the hydromassage bathtub. Premium King Rooms (and above) have the added benefit of slippers and bathrobes.

Restaurants and bars

The on-site eatery Sw7 Brasserie & Bar is an all-day British-Mediterranean fusion joint. For breakfast, there are the English classics (think baked beans and tomatoes, berry-topped porridge), with a similar approach to lunch and dinner.

Travel for work

While there’s free wi-fi throughout the hotel, rooms don’t give guests too much space to work with, although some include small round tables to perch a laptop and a drink on while you’re tapping away. The hotel does have a selection of bookable meeting rooms, as well as some space in the lobby to perch and work.

Gym

The on-site fitness centre is small but does the job — you’ll find all the necessities, from treadmills to exercise balls to free weights.

What you need to know

There’s a dry- cleaning and laundry service available on-site.  

SEE ALSO: The Best Hotels in and Near Kensington, London