The hotel was originally built in 1880 as two homes, and was converted into a hotel in 1975. It's a quaint property that feels traditionally English. The public spaces are attractive and bright, and the restaurant downstairs is modern and well lit. Elegant Louis XVI-style furnishings give the lobby a cozy vibe, with a navy and gold color scheme, flock-patterned carpet and curtains, and a gold chandelier. A small seating area under the window offers comfortable armchairs and a sofa alongside a coffee table displaying a bouquet of fresh flowers. The hotel is geared toward tourists as well as tour groups -- of which the hotel receives plenty. A good number of business travelers pass through as well, many to visit the nearby Olympia London conference center. It’s also a family-friendly property. Cribs can be provided free of charge on request, high chairs are available in the cafe, and babysitting services can be booked for an hourly fee.

Despite being in central London, the hotel is situated in a quiet residential area. The surrounding streets are lined with other small hotels and a wide range of excellent restaurants. It’s a convenient base for guests looking to see this part of London on foot, as it's relatively close to a number of tourist sites. Within a five-minute walk are Holland Park, Earl’s Court Underground Station, and the upscale shops of High Street Kensington. Within a 15-minute walk are famous Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens (home to Kensington Palace and the Princess Diana Memorial), the Royal Albert Hall concert venue, plus the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum. The Olympia London exhibition and conference center is also just a 15-minute walk away. It will take 35 minutes to reach Heathrow International Airport by car depending on traffic, and it's about 75 minutes to Gatwick Airport by car. Both airports can be reached in 45 minutes to an hour by using the tube and/or trains.

The hotel's 28 guest rooms have a simple and classic look. Expect to see traditional decor that includes lots of patterns in everything from carpets, to bed throws, drapes, and wallpaper. Color schemes are largely beige with navy blue and maroon accents. While most rooms are all well-maintained, some are showing their age and guests have reported a few minor upkeep issues. All en-suite bathrooms have a shower and most have shower/tub combos plus hairdryers and toiletries. We spotted some grout that could use replacing in some of the older bathrooms, but they are otherwise clean. The rooms are gradually being refurbished and those that have been look more polished, especially the bathrooms, which have been completely redone with modern fixtures and fittings. All rooms include a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, minibar, coffeemaker, desk, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Most are spacious by London standards and get a lot of natural light, but some, like the Single Rooms, are compact. Half of the rooms have pleasant street views, while the other half have courtyard views. 

The London Lodge Hotel serves a free continental breakfast each morning. It’s a generous spread that includes coffee, muesli and cereal, toast, croissants, oatmeal, yogurt, cheeses, meats, juice, and fresh fruit. Guests can also opt for a cooked-to-order traditional English breakfast if they wish for an additional fee. Breakfast is served in the hotel’s cafe restaurant, which is open every day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and serves a range of international dishes. It also offers a separate children's menu, and there's a bar serving a wide range of drinks. Free newspapers, tea, and coffee are available all day in the lobby. Business guests can make use of the meeting room and the computer station, and there’s free Wi-Fi throughout the property. Free overnight shoe shines are available, and an airport shuttle can be booked for a fee.