From the outside, this hotel doesn’t scream budget-friendly. It’s one of the many beautiful Victorian townhouses which characterize the Kensington area. Inside, the surprises continue, with a spacious and stylish lobby area and workspace. It’s all low-slung copper light fittings and marble-effect table tops in here. The result is an attractive and welcoming vibe that's far removed from the other budget-friendly hotels nearby. Everything from the furniture to sharp hues on the walls looks fresh, and guests tend to make the most of the sprawling workspace or head out to explore London. As a result, there’s a steady hum of activity in the common areas, but the atmosphere is still hushed. It’s clear that this isn’t a party place, but instead makes a good base for budget-conscious travelers to explore London. This hotel is a step above the other affordable options nearby, and as a result is popular most of the year. 

This hotel’s location is ideal for sightseeing if you’re happy to take the train. It’s on a quiet street just off of bustling Earl’s Court Road, which has plenty of chain cafes, restaurants, and grocery stores. Affluent Chelsea, West Kensington, and South Kensington districts are all nearby and generally have more to see and do. Earl’s Court Tube station is about a two-minute walk away and connects travelers to some of London’s best-loved spots. Kensington Palace and Gardens, are a 20-minute journey on the train. It takes around the same amount of time to walk to the Natural History, Science, and Victoria and Albert Museums. For shopping, High Street Kensington is a convenient 15-minute walk, while Harrods is a 15-minute train ride from the property. The immediate area doesn’t have much in the way of exciting restaurants or nightlife, but it is home to decent local pubs like The Blackbird. If you’re looking for something more authentic, it’s a 10-minute walk to Old Brompton Street. This area is steeped in history and Diana, Princess of Wales, used to live here. Heathrow Airport is a 30-minute drive, or 40-minute train ride from the property, while Gatwick takes 50 minutes to reach by a combination of tube and overland trains.

The 138 rooms are undeniably simple, verging on bland, but they're still a step above the budget options nearby. There’s a muted color palette of grays, whites, and browns, which keeps things looking clean, but boring. From the bare walls to the lack of desks and bedside tables, rooms are sparse and stripped back. Configurations here range from Single Rooms to Family Rooms, the rooms are almost universally small. Most guests drop off their bags and head out into the streets, so the size won’t be an issue for everybody, but be prepared for close quarters if traveling with others. Standard features include flat-screen TVs, carpeted floors, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, safes, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. All feature en-suite bathrooms with showers, attractive dark gray tiling, and shiny chrome fixtures. The full-size Ebony bath products are a nice surprise. Evenings are quiet here as there’s little outside noise and most guests are sightseers rather than party people.

It should come as no surprise that this mid-range hotel has limited features, even so, there are some unexpectedly generous touches. Breakfast is included in the rates and is served in the hotel’s Diana Restaurant. The restaurant itself is more like a cafeteria, with hard chairs and simple decor, but it does offer an ample continental breakfast. Similarly, free bottles of water, as well as tea and coffee, are available all day in the lobby and workspaces, something previous guests seem to appreciate. The workspace itself is the most impressive thing about this hotel. It’s modern and sleek, with plenty of outlets for business guests and comfortable, plush white chairs. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and reception can arrange for airport transfers.