Welcome to our review of the Gainsborough Hotel, a slice of Victorian charm nestled in London’s posh Kensington and Chelsea area. This place scores big points for its location, cleanliness, and roomy digs. The staff here are as friendly as a pub full of Brits on quiz night.
Now, let’s be honest: some guests might find the decor a bit dated, and the Wi-Fi can be as temperamental as British weather. But if you’re looking for a comfy base to explore London’s greatest hits without breaking the bank, the Gainsborough could be your ticket.
This hotel is perfect for budget-conscious travelers who want to be close to the action but don’t need all the bells and whistles. History buffs will get a kick out of the Victorian vibes, and families will appreciate the spacious rooms.
So, if you’re ready to dive into London’s vibrant scene with a dash of old-world charm, the Gainsborough might just be your cup of tea.
Key Points
- The Gainsborough Hotel is a charming Victorian house conversion located in the Kensington and Chelsea area, near popular attractions in London.
- The hotel offers a variety of accommodation options, including triple, double, single, deluxe double, family suite, quadruple, and budget double rooms.
- Guests can enjoy a diverse breakfast selection, including continental, full English/Irish, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, served in a cozy dining area.
- The hotel has an excellent location score of 9.4/10 and is conveniently situated near South Kensington Tube Station, providing easy access to major airports.
- The Gainsborough Hotel has an overall guest satisfaction score of 7.9/10, with high marks for staff, cleanliness, and comfort.
Hotel Overview
The Gainsborough Hotel is a charming conversion of a Victorian house, offering guests a classic style and an informal atmosphere.
Located in the heart of Kensington and Chelsea, the hotel is close to renowned attractions like the Natural History Museum, South Kensington Tube station, and the iconic Harrods department store.
With a rating of 7.9/10 from over 3,900 reviews, the Gainsborough is praised for its excellent location, scoring 9.4/10 on location.
The hotel’s style and proximity to popular sights make it an attractive choice for travelers seeking a comfortable and well-situated London stay.
Amenities and Services
Free WiFi, family rooms, and 24-hour front desk service are among the popular amenities at the Gainsborough Hotel.
Along With these, the hotel offers a range of room types to suit various needs, including triple, double, single, deluxe double, family suite, quadruple, and budget double rooms.
Breakfast options are diverse, with continental, full English/Irish, vegetarian, and gluten-free choices available in a buffet format.
The hotel also provides tea and coffee makers in all guest rooms.
With free WiFi accessible throughout the property, guests can stay connected during their stay.
Guest Reviews and Feedback
Guests have appreciated the Gainsborough Hotel’s excellent location, spacious and clean rooms, friendly staff, and good breakfast, based on their reviews.
The overall satisfaction score is 7.9/10. Guests highlighted the hotel’s perfect location near museums and the underground, as well as the friendly and helpful staff.
Review scores reflect high marks for the staff (8.9), cleanliness (8.4), and comfort (8.4). Guests also praised the free WiFi, which scored 8.6.
While the facilities (7.7) and value for money (7.9) received slightly lower scores, the Gainsborough Hotel’s strengths lie in its prime location and quality of service.
Booking and Check-in
Guests can check in at the Gainsborough Hotel from 3:00 PM onwards. A photo ID and credit card are required at check-in.
Check-out is until 12:00 PM. Cancellation and prepayment policies vary by room type.
Children of all ages are welcome, but those 18 and above are charged as adults. The minimum age for check-in is 18, and pets aren’t allowed.
Special requests are subject to availability and may incur additional charges.
- Check-in: From 3:00 PM
- Check-out: Until 12:00 PM
- Cancellation/Prepayment: Policies vary by accommodation type
- Child Policy: Children of all ages welcome, 18+ charged as adults
- Pets: Not allowed
Nearby Attractions
The Gainsborough Hotel enjoys an excellent location, with the Natural History Museum and Baden-Powell House among the nearby landmarks.
For those traveling by air, the hotel is well-situated, with London City Airport just 9.8 miles away, London Heathrow Airport 11.9 miles away, and London Gatwick Airport 23.3 miles away.
Guests can easily access the city’s public transportation, as the South Kensington Tube Station, which provides direct service to Heathrow Airport, is just a short walk from the hotel.
The Olympia Exhibition Center is also located just 1.6 miles away, making the Gainsborough Hotel a convenient choice for those attending events or exhibitions in the area.
Transportation Options
For travelers arriving at the Gainsborough Hotel, convenient transportation options abound.
The hotel’s prime location in Kensington and Chelsea puts it within easy reach of several major airports:
- London City Airport (LCY) is just 9.8 miles away
- London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is 11.9 miles away
- London Gatwick Airport (LGW) is 23.3 miles away
Plus, the nearby South Kensington Tube Station provides direct service to Heathrow Airport, making it a breeze to get to and from the hotel.
Whether arriving by air or public transportation, the Gainsborough Hotel’s accessibility ensures a seamless travel experience.
Room Types and Rates
Offering a range of accommodation options, the Gainsborough Hotel caters to diverse traveler needs. Guests can choose from Triple Rooms, Double Rooms, Single Rooms, Deluxe Double Rooms, Family Suites, Quadruple Rooms, and Budget Double Rooms.
Each room is equipped with essential amenities, including free WiFi, tea and coffee facilities, and heating. Rates vary depending on the room type, with Double Rooms starting from £89 per night and Family Suites from £159 per night.
The hotel’s pricing remains competitive, providing good value for money in the sought-after Kensington and Chelsea neighborhood. Whether traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, the Gainsborough Hotel has a suitable room to meet guests’ requirements.
Dining and Breakfast
Guests at the Gainsborough Hotel can enjoy a hearty breakfast each morning, with a range of options to cater to various dietary needs.
The hotel offers a continental breakfast buffet, as well as a full English/Irish breakfast. Vegetarian and gluten-free choices are also available.
Breakfast is served in the hotel’s cozy dining area, providing a great start to the day.
The hotel’s breakfast options include:
- Continental breakfast
- Full English/Irish breakfast
- Vegetarian breakfast
- Gluten-free options
- Breakfast buffet
Guests can fuel up on a variety of delicious and nutritious items to power them through their day’s activities around London.
Common Questions
Is There a Restaurant or Bar On-Site?
The hotel has a continental and English breakfast buffet, but does not have an on-site restaurant or bar. Guests can find various dining and drinking options in the surrounding neighborhood.
Do They Offer Any Fitness or Wellness Facilities?
The hotel doesn’t have its own fitness or wellness facilities. However, guests can access nearby gyms and wellness centers, which are within walking distance or easily accessible by public transportation.
What Are the Parking Options at the Hotel?
The hotel doesn’t have its own parking facilities, but there are public parking options nearby, such as on-street metered parking and nearby public parking garages. Guests should check with the hotel for more details on the closest and most convenient parking options.
Are There Any Disability Access or Mobility-Friendly Features?
The hotel has wheelchair-accessible rooms and bathrooms. It also offers assistance with luggage, a lift, and ramps at the entrance. Guests can request disability-friendly amenities at the time of booking, subject to availability.
Can Guests Book Airport Transfer or Shuttle Services?
The hotel doesn’t offer airport transfer or shuttle services directly, but guests can arrange private car services or use public transportation options like the nearby South Kensington Tube station for connections to the major London airports.
The Last Word
After our delightful stay at the Gainsborough Hotel, we’re excited to share our firsthand experience of this charming Victorian gem nestled in the heart of Kensington and Chelsea. We were thoroughly impressed by its prime location, diverse room options, and the warmth of the staff. Our team found the spacious, spotless accommodations and the mouthwatering breakfast spread to be highlights of our visit. If you’re looking for a comfortable and convenient base to explore London’s top attractions, we wholeheartedly recommend the Gainsborough. Ready to book your own stay? Click the button below to reserve through Booking.com, our trusted partner for competitive rates and hassle-free reservations.