For those looking for a lovely spot for an extended stay, the 65-room Nadler Kensington (formerly Base2stay) is an affordable option in a decent area of Kensington. A non-pretentious attitude toward saving money, proactive eco policies, and smartly designed rooms are some definite perks -- and may very well make the relatively small size of the rooms a bearable downside. The hotel also got some stylish upgrades when it rebranded.

There are 28 guest rooms at this value property set in London’s Kensington district. The hotel inhabits a historic townhouse on a quiet street near several transport links plus attractions like Kensington High Street, Hyde Park, and the Natural History Museum are just a short walk away. Guest rooms are basic and a bit dated, but well maintained and have a traditional English style. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and a continental breakfast is included in the room rate as well. The hotel's cafe restaurant stays open into the evening. It's worth comparing with Aster House, a nearby three-pearl property where some suites include fireplaces and four-poster beds.

The Parkcity hotel is a small corporation-run hotel with a sleek, contemporary lobby, restaurant, and mocktail bar/lounge. It’s relatively affordable, well located for direct trips from the airport, and a short walk to the nearest tube station (for access to area attractions). But minimal room amenities and basic facilities may leave some guests wanting more.

The 58-room Presidential Apartments are premium, self-contained, serviced apartments located between Kensington and Earl's Court in west-central London. Apartments are modern with fully-equipped kitchens, and many open to balconies or small courtyards (though some units are in the basement). There isn't much in the way of public areas or any restaurant or bar options on-site. "Presidential" might be a bit misleading, but overall they're a good value, and offer an upscale option central enough for most travelers -- especially those staying longer than a few days.

The huge 833-room Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington is an upper-middle-range property set in a modern, office-like building. Its relatively quiet, upmarket setting is the main draw, plus it's just a short walk from bustling Kensington High Street and its Tube station. Modern, chain-like rooms have electric kettles, mini-fridges, wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, and in some, excellent cityscape views, but bathrooms feel a bit worn. There are several eating and drinking options, including a brasserie open for all three meals. All in all, it's not the most polished of hotels and it lacks quality health facilities, but it's cheaper than many of its nearby competitors and conveniently located for central London. For a slightly higher rate, the nearby Park International Hotel includes a free breakfast and more modern bathrooms.

The 30-room London Town Hotel is a decent two-pearl property in Earl's Court. The underground station is just one minute away on foot and the area has numerous restaurants, shops, and bars. Rooms are basic, bland, dated, and have no air-conditioning, but prices are low and rooms are fine for a simple place to crash at night. Wi-Fi and breakfast are included and there's a guest lounge with free hot drinks. A garden and a terrace are highlights of the property. More modern rooms at a similar price point are available at the BEST WESTERN The Boltons just down the road.

The three-pearl Best Western The Boltons is more upscale than your typical Best Western, but still has a bit of the chain hotel's generic feel. The 57 rooms have iPod docks, flat-screen TVs, and coffeemakers, and some have bathrobes and slippers. However, guests complain of weak air-conditioning and small showers. On-site features include a free buffet breakfast, a business center, concierge services, and free Wi-Fi. For something with a bit more personality, travelers could try Hotel Indigo London-Paddington, another three-pearl property.

The three-pearl Mowbray Court Hotel is an affordable mid-range property located in upscale Kensington. It’s a few minutes away from Earl's Court Road and the train station, on an appealing street lined with the stately townhouses that are typical of the area. Interiors here are simple, with functional, clean bedrooms, and a surprisingly stylish lobby area and workspace. The 138 rooms include tea and coffee making facilities, full-size Ebony bath products, free Wi-Fi, and HDTVs. Breakfast is included in the rates and is served in the hotel’s Diana Restaurant. Rooms are small and fairly unremarkable, and while nearby hotels can be cheaper, they often have shared bathrooms, shabby decor, and extra charges for Wi-Fi. For some extra space, try Hotel Indigo instead. It’s pricier but has generous, characterful rooms. 

West London's family-run Amsterdam Hotel has 27 light and modern rooms and apartments -- some are cramped while the more expensive options have more room. There aren't a great deal of facilities here, but the hotel does offer a free breakfast -- although the variety could be better. The location is great for those visiting the nearby Earls Court Exhibition Centre, and it’s within walking distance from Earl's Court underground station, too. While the Amsterdam is not a luxury hotel, it is a clean, comfortable option for budget travelers wanting to be in a convenient West London location. 

This 35-room upscale Best Western chain property offers comfortable accommodation at a lower rate than many hotels in the affluent Kensington area. Its location is fantastic, right on Kensington High Street and a five-minute walk to the tube, though the entrance can be tricky to spot. Rooms are brightly and elegantly decorated, but some are tiny -- the modern bathrooms, in particular, are miniscule. There’s a free simple continental breakfast, and Wi-Fi is free, though it can be spotty. But the whole place feels a bit cramped -- the breakfast room and lounge bar are right in the lobby, for instance -- and features are next to non-existent. As an alternative, the similarly priced but larger Park International Hotel has a bar and gym, and is walking distance from Hyde Park and museums.

The 48-room Mayflower Hotel & Apartments is an upper-middle-range boutique located on the west side of central London in easy walking distance to restaurants and shops. This hotel is also directly behind the Earl's Court tube station, making it particularly convenient for transit -- guests can reach most London hotspots in 30 minutes or less. In addition to the small and tasteful rooms in the main building, there's a separate building with one- and two-bedroom apartments. Rooms have wood floors, hand-carved headboards, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and marble bathrooms, but there's no air-conditioning and rooms facing the train station can be noisy. The nearby Amsterdam Hotel is a similar property, with more muted decor and in-room air-conditioning. 

This simple, budget-friendly tourist hotel in Kensington is a short stroll from the Gloucester Road Tube and bustling Cromwell Road; it's also within a 15-minute walk of several museums. Rooms here are basic, and come with free Wi-Fi and flat-panel TVs. The Avni also offers a free continental breakfast and 24-hour front desk service. A stay at the Avni is a good option for those who want an affordable room in a reasonably central location, without the maintenance issues of some of the budget hotels around Victoria Station or Paddington Station.

The City Continental London Kensington is a value hotel set in a Victorian town house in London's Earls Court area. While not super-central, the area is relatively quiet, and transportation links are good. The 74 rooms have a modern coordinated color scheme, but the carpeting shows wear in places and the leather chairs look old. Plus, some rooms are cramped and stuffy. Bathrooms, while small, have modern, spiffy tiling. Wi-Fi and a basic continental breakfast are included in the room rate. To get a bit more for their money, travelers might also want to check out the nearby Best Western The Boltons, where rooms have iPod docks and Nespresso machines.

The 140-room Ambassadors Hotel is a simple, cramped hotel in London's Kensington neighborhood. The hotel's lobby is the sleekest part of the property, and it's a stark contrast from the dark and narrow hallways. Rooms are sparse but not spacious, though updated Deluxe Rooms have a little color in them. A no-frills property, the budget Ambassadors has few additional features, and guests must pay for breakfast and Wi-Fi.

The Oxford Hotel London is a 90-room budget hotel situated in central London, a three-minute walk from the Earl's Court tube station. Other than a free continental breakfast and 24-hour reception, this hotel has no real extra features. One- to four-bed guest rooms are basic but private with en-suite bathrooms, cot-like beds, mini-fridges, and TVs -- but there's no AC, Wi-Fi costs an extra fee, and guests sometimes complain of cleanliness issues or wear-and-tear. By comparison, the nearby City Continental London Kensington is budget-friendly too, but offers AC and free Wi-Fi.