Overview
First Impressions
Kensington Studios sits on a quiet residential street that feels miles away from the tourist crowds, even though you’re right in the heart of London. The building itself is one of those classic white-fronted Victorian townhouses that Kensington does so well — honestly, I walked past it twice before realizing this was actually my hotel. It’s not trying to make a statement, which I sort of appreciated after dealing with some of the flashier places around South Ken.
Location & Neighborhood
You know what’s brilliant about Grenville Place? It’s tucked between Exhibition Road and Queen’s Gate, which means you’re literally a three-minute walk to the Natural History Museum and the V&A. I mean, I could see the museum’s towers from my window. The four-star setup works perfectly here because you’re getting that boutique feel without paying Harrods prices — and speaking of Harrods, it’s about a ten-minute stroll if you’re into that sort of thing.
The Studio Experience
The room — well, studio really — surprised me with how much space they managed to squeeze out of what’s obviously a converted period building. Each unit comes with a proper kitchenette (not just a mini-fridge situation), which actually saved me quite a bit of money during my four-day stay. The bathroom was compact but functional, and the bed was comfortable enough that I didn’t wake up feeling like I’d been wrestling with the pillows all night.
Practical Touches
What I really appreciated were the little details that showed someone had thought about what travelers actually need. There’s a small dining table where you can actually eat a proper meal instead of balancing takeaway containers on your lap. The Wi-Fi worked reliably — which, let’s be honest, isn’t always a given in these older London buildings. No restaurant on-site, but with Borough Market just a tube ride away and dozens of cafes along Exhibition Road, I didn’t miss it.
Why Guests Love It
Look, Kensington Studios isn’t going to wow you with marble lobbies or doormen in top hats. What it does do is give you a proper base in one of London’s best neighborhoods without the premium you’d pay at the big hotel chains. The staff were helpful when I needed directions to the less obvious tube entrance at South Kensington (the one that doesn’t involve fighting through the museum crowds), and checkout was refreshingly straightforward. If you want to feel like you’re staying in a London neighborhood rather than just visiting one, this place gets it right.
Guest reviews
"Very good"
The location is great, the staffs are really good and helpful. Thanks.
4 December 2025
"Pretty decent place to stay for a while"
The location is very central and close to a tube station. Just a few blocks from Exhibition road (V&A, Natural History, and Science museum). Bed is spacious and comfortable and cooking facilities are excellent. The bathroom was excellent and the shower spacious.
What could be improved: Key lockbox was down the stairs, which may get slippery when wet or icy. The room did not have a laundry machine that is listed on Booking but only a shared machine (coin operated), which was a major disappointment.
21 November 2025
"Overall it was reasonable for the price."
The location was great, just a few minutes walk to the tube, buses and a supermarket, on a quiet residential street. The bed was was big and comfy.
What could be improved: The room advertised a dishwasher and there wasn't one. It also advertised a washing machine, be aware it is communal and costs 5.50GBP per load. Also the check in is a very late 5pm and our room still wasn't ready at 5.30, I chatted with the cleaning staff as they finished up, they were super friendly, and checkout is 10 - these are not the best hours compared with other properties I stayed at in the area.
28 September 2025
"The Studio Is Fine"
Clean and convenient location to the tube.
What could be improved: Ceiling light in bathroom didn't work. Television didn't work. No extra blankets, towels, or toiletries. Very basic.
23 September 2025
"Very good!"
Nice studio in the very heart of Kensington. Clean, quite new, and very quiet. I had a very nice stay!
What could be improved: No flexibility for check in (from 5 pm. I had a work appointment and only after insisting I could check in at 4.15pm) nor for luggage deposit after you check out. I left at 9.30 but I had to get back by 1 pm to collect my rucksack.
14 September 2025
"Very good"
Good location
What could be improved: I booked accommodation for my daughter. So communication was via me. It would have been easier to have instructions about check in in advance of the day of arrival.
I then had to try and forward details the day my daughter was travelling was a nightmare as internet service was poor. This made this part of check in more stressful than it needed to be. Accommodation was nice and communication overall was good. But please send details a bit more in advance. This could help avoid issues at check in with lack of service, WiFi, etc. my daughter was travelling to London when I managed to forward details which isn’t ideal.
12 September 2025
"Recommended base for London stay with minor irritations"
Location very convenient to Gloucester Station and Waitrose
Modern bathrooms and decor
Easy lock box and quick, responsive host
Kitchen facilities
What could be improved: Mid-August with high temps, I found the studio overwhelmingly airless and humid inside. The windows only opened a small amount due to security catch and a single Dyson fan was not adequate in a room with such a high stud. (We had to clean the filter so it operated more efficiently)
The hot water taps seem to be set at a very high temperature… not sure if UK has safety regulations on maximum temp like many other countries, but I nearly scalded my hands a couple of times.
There is a coin pay washing machine (who carries £ and 50p coins with them these days!) but couldn’t access at times I needed it because housekeeper had the other studio’s dirty linen going through machine & dryer for hours at a time.
30 August 2025
"Enjoyable stay in Central London"
Excellent location. Clean, easy access to public transport, museums etc.
What could be improved: Lacking some basic utensils eg a bread knife. A microwave would have been handy for a weeks stay. However it did have a stovetop and oven. Had to request an additional chair so that we could both sit at the table for breakfast. This was supplied promptly when asked for.
23 August 2025
"Close, comfy and super convenient for Tourists and London Explorers!"
Loved how close the apartment was to the train station and shops. You are about 20 minutes ride into central London and only about 250m walk from the nearest train station and grocery store. It had a great kitchenette to make some of your own food while you are there on your stay and for a solo female traveller, I felt very safe and secure at the location. Very clean, comfy and lovely little ensuite to refresh yourself after a long flight. The staff were super attentive to any questions I had upon checkin and during my stay. I would definitely book this accommodation again!
What could be improved: Just the stairs to get to my apartment. Mind you, I could have asked for a room on another closer floor. But this was a small inconvenience given the great stay I had so this is fine.
6 August 2025
"This was my second time staying here and it’s perfect for a holiday. The place is fully equipped with everything you nee"
This is the second time I stayed there. I love the neighborhood and the apartment has everything I need
What could be improved: Nothing
29 July 2025
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