**London's BEST Kept Secret Hotel? (Bailey's Hotel Kensington REVEALED!)**
Bailey's Hotel Kensington: London's Actually Secret Secret? (Or Just REALLY Well-Hidden?) - A Messy, Honest Review
Okay, so "London's BEST Kept Secret Hotel?" That's Bailey's Hotel Kensington's tagline, right? And honestly? They’re probably onto something. Finding the place is half the battle. I mean, it's Kensington, so you're already weaving through a maze of Victorian terraces, but Bailey's blends in so seamlessly. I walked past it twice before the little bronze plaque finally clicked (that's a first impression, people!). So, secret? Maybe. But best? Well, let's get into it. (And, fair warning, this review is going to be as chaotic as my brain on a pre-holiday caffeine high. Buckle up.)
Accessibility & First Impressions: The Walk-In Closet… I Mean, Lobby
Right, so let's tick off the accessibility boxes first, because that’s crucial. Wheelchair accessible: They’re saying yes, and I'm inclined to believe it based on the elevator situation and the mostly level access once you're in. The entrance, however, is a bit… subtle. Think less grand sweep, more discreet doorway. So, be warned, and double-check those specific needs. Elevator: Absolutely. Facilities for disabled guests: They've got options listed. Honestly, I didn't specifically need to check this out (thankfully), but I did notice the staff's attentiveness. That's a good sign, right?
Now, the lobby… It’s like stepping into a very high-end, very British walk-in closet. It's cozy. Not in a bad way, just… intimate. Think dark wood, plush carpets, and a general sense of "shhh, we're in on something special." The front desk [24-hour] staff were lovely – genuinely helpful, not just going through the motions. Contactless check-in/out? Yup, ticking that box too. They seem to be trying to stay on top of the modern times. That's an impressive feat in a place like this that seems to have been around forever.
Cleanliness & Safety: Sanitizing the Scones (Maybe?!)
Ah, the post-pandemic landscape. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment, Hand sanitizer: all present and accounted for. Okay, good. They’re trying.
Safe dining setup: I have to admit, the breakfast was a bit… regimented. Individually-wrapped food options were definitely the name of the game. Breakfast [buffet] was there, but it felt more like a buffet on lockdown, which I guess it was? They had a breakfast takeaway service, which I appreciated, and the hot water linen and laundry washing gives me peace of mind.
The whole "safety" thing was, well, present, but it didn’t feel oppressively sterile, which is a win. They even have doctor/nurse on call and a first aid kit. And, important note: They use cashless payment service.
Rooms: My Little Victorian Time Capsule (With Wi-Fi!)
Okay, the rooms. Mine was… charming. Soundproof rooms? Yes, thankfully. Kensington is a loud place. The non-smoking rooms are, well, non-smoking, which is also good. They've got all the usual suspects: Air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes, coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, daily housekeeping, desk, hair dryer, in-room safe box, internet access – wireless [free], iron/ironing facilities, mini bar, private bathroom, refrigerator, satellite/cable channels, shower, smoke detector, telephone, toiletries, towels, wake-up service, slippers, Wi-Fi [free].
My room felt like a carefully curated Victorian-era study. Honestly, it was like being in a movie. Blackout curtains? Essential. Seating area? Check. Desk? Yep, perfect for… well, avoiding writing this review, apparently.
And the most important thing – Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! I could actually update my Instagram from the comfort of… well, the Victorian-era study. The Internet access – LAN option was also there, which is a nice throwback. Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services: All solid.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Quest for the Perfect Scone
Right, the food! Restaurants, Bar, Coffee shop, Snack bar: Oh, I did my research. And, well, the food was decent.
Breakfast [buffet] was… as aforementioned. I got my fill of Western breakfast. Asian breakfast was also available. Now, I like to be experimental, but, I was there for the scones, and they didn't disappoint.
The restaurants were solid, too. A la carte in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant options. The room service [24-hour] was a godsend after a long day of… well, existing.
The Poolside bar? Well, there isn't a pool. No, seriously. This isn't that kind of place, friends.
Things To Do, Ways to Relax: Spa? Fitness? More Like… Kensington
So, relaxing at Bailey's. Let's see… Nope. No Pool with view, Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage… See, this isn't a spa hotel. It's a London hotel.
The main "thing to do" is… be in Kensington. Which, let's be honest, is a perfectly fine place to be. Things to do: wander around Hyde Park, visit the V&A, ogle the houses you could never afford.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Extras That Make All the Difference (and Some That Don't)
Okay, here's where Bailey's shines a bit. The concierge was brilliant. Daily housekeeping was impeccable – my room was always spotless. Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Ironing service. all there. Luggage storage? Naturally. Currency exchange? Yup. They even have a convenience store, for those emergency chocolate cravings at 2 AM.
Family/child friendly - They seem to be. Babysitting service. Kids meal. I didn't have any kids along for the ride, so your mileage may vary.
Getting Around: The Slightly Tricky Bits
Airport transfer is available. Car park [on-site], Car park [free of charge]. Good news. The taxi service is, well, a taxi service.
The Verdict: Secret's Out (Sorta) – But Worth a Stay?
So, is Bailey's Hotel Kensington London's best-kept secret? I'm leaning towards… yes-ish. It's certainly a charming, classically British experience, tucked away in a location that manages to feel both central and secluded. The service is excellent, the rooms are comfortable, and it's a good launchpad for exploring London.
It's not a flashy, modern hotel, though. It’s more about quiet elegance and a sense of history. But if you're looking for a solid, reliable, and subtly luxurious base for your London adventures, Bailey's is definitely worth considering. Just… be prepared to spend a few minutes wandering the streets of Kensington before you find it. And bring a good book. You'll want it to read in your charming Victorian-era study. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to find another scone. (Happy hour) is calling! Cheers!
Unbelievable Patagonia Escape: Hosteria Antares Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned travelogue. This is a train wreck of a trip, lovingly curated by yours truly, and it all centers around, well, The Bailey's Hotel in Kensington. Let's see if I can remember where I left my reality…
Day 1: Arrival & That Glorious, Glorious Room (and the Crummy Jet Lag)
Afternoon (ish): Land at Heathrow. The usual chaos. Lines. Customs officers who look like they’re judging your entire life based on your passport photo. But hey, I made it! Managed to snag a surprisingly competent cab driver who didn't try to swindle me (a win!). The drive to The Bailey's felt…magical, even though I'd been awake for like, 24 hours straight. The architecture in London is just… chef's kiss. (I'm a sucker for old buildings, okay?)
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Arrive at The Bailey's. Oh. My. God. The building itself is gorgeous. Victorian charm oozing from every brick. Check-in was smooth, thankfully. Then… the ROOM. I'd splurged. Seriously, I have no regrets. It was like stepping into a scene from a posh period drama. High ceilings, a four-poster bed, and a bathroom bigger than my entire New York apartment – and that's saying something.
- Rant Break: Honestly, the bathroom! I spent a solid hour just admiring it. The soaking tub! The fluffy towels! The tiny, overpriced toiletries! I may have shed a single tear of pure, unadulterated joy. I might have also taken, like, a dozen photos of it. Don't judge me.
Evening: Jet lag hit me like a ton of bricks. Managed (barely) to drag myself downstairs for a (very expensive) burger at the hotel bar. Ate it in a daze, probably drooling. Couldn't keep my eyes open past 9 pm. Passed out. The glorious bed became my tomb.
Day 2: Kensington Gardens & That Damn Squirrel
Morning: Wake up. Confused. Sunlight streaming in. Remember where I am. Yes! Drag myself out of that heavenly bed and into the world. Head to Kensington Gardens.
The Kensington Gardens Debacle: Okay, so Kensington Gardens. Absolutely stunning. The flowers, the sheer size of the place… breathtaking. I felt like I'd stumbled into a landscape painting. Went for a stroll, bought a terrible coffee from a street vendor, and generally attempted to look cultured. Then it happened. The squirrel.
Squirrel Apocalypse: I saw a squirrel. A cute, fluffy, innocent-looking squirrel. And in a moment of pure, unadulterated stupidity, I decided to get closer. For a photo, you see. A "look how charming I am" photo. Bad idea. The squirrel, apparently, was not charmed. It lunged. It chattered. It threw itself at my hand. I screamed like a banshee, dropped my phone (which thankfully survived), and ran away. I swear I could feel its tiny squirrel rage emanating towards me throughout the park. This is likely the most humiliating moment of my entire trip, so far.
Afternoon: Recovering from Squirrel-gate in the hotel lobby. Re-evaluated my life choices. Made friends with a very nice older gentleman who was reading a John le Carré novel. He gave me some very serious (and accurate) life advice. Made me remember why I love to travel.
Evening: Dinner at a local pub. Fish and chips. Beer. The works. This is what I needed. Sat, watched the world go by, and felt… happy. Actually, genuinely happy. Maybe the squirrel incident was a good thing. (Probably not, I am still scared of the squirrel)
Day 3: Museums, Meltdowns & Mayhem
Morning: The British Museum. Prepare thyself. Now, I'm not usually a museum person. I find it hard to concentrate, I get bored easily, and my feet ache after about five minutes. But I loved it! I spent three hours there, staring at ancient artifacts, trying to decipher hieroglyphs, and generally feeling inadequate in the face of human history. The Rosetta Stone was… underwhelming, actually. Just saying.
Afternoon: Natural History Museum. Oh. My. God. The dinosaurs. The sheer volume of skeletons. I had a full-blown meltdown in front of a T-Rex replica. I'm talking tears, hyperventilation, the whole shebang. It was overwhelming! I was clearly not prepared for the scale of this place.
Late Afternoon: Needed a moment of quiet. Went back to the hotel. Ordered room service. Watched bad TV. Comfort is needed.
Evening: Back to Kensington. Dinner at a cozy Italian restaurant. The pasta was amazing. The wine was better. Feeling better, back to normal, or at least a new version of normal.
Day 4: Exploring and Departures
Morning: The Victoria and Albert Museum. Stunning architecture. Amazing art. Found a cute little cafe inside and spent a whole hour just drinking coffee and people-watching. Feeling the buzz of the city, watching locals and tourists, trying to learn the way.
Afternoon: More wandering, a bit lost, as always. Finding cool little streets. Some hidden shops. The city has a magic to it that makes me feel like I am in a movie.
Late Afternoon: Packing. Sigh. Time to go. I hate this part.
Evening: Taxi to Heathrow. Goodbye, London! Goodbye, Bailey's Hotel! Goodbye, Squirrel memories (and maybe nightmares). The trip was a spectacular mess. Emotional, messy, imperfect… and absolutely perfect. I can't wait to go back.
Bonus:
- The Little Things: The Bailey's staff were wonderfully helpful (even when I was clearly a jet-lagged mess).
- Regrets: Should have spent more time in Hyde Park. Should have learned to say "thank you" in more languages. Should have stayed longer!
- Overall Feeling: Utterly, completely, irrevocably in love with London. And I'm definitely buying squirrel repellent for next time.
Bailey's Hotel Kensington: My Secret's Out! (Or Is It...?) - A Messy FAQ
Is Bailey's REALLY London's Best Kept Secret? Like, is it REALLY a secret?
Okay, deep breath. "Secret" is a *strong* word, right? My Uber driver *absolutely* knew where it was. And I saw a couple of Instagram influencers, god love 'em. But, here's the thing: it doesn't have the blaring neon signs of some of those mega-hotels. It's tucked away on a quiet street, feels like a hidden gem, and *that* is the magic. Yeah, the "secret" is kinda out, but the *vibe* of discovering it... that's the good stuff. That's still semi-secret, in my book.
So, What's the Vibe? Is it fancy-pants or chill?
Mmmkay, this is where I get passionate. It's BOTH. Seriously! Think elegant Victorian… meets “I just wandered in, no big deal.” The lobby is all plush velvet and dark wood – you *feel* important walking through. But then the staff? Super friendly, not at all snooty. I even spilled Earl Grey on the rug (long story involving a rogue biscuit) and they were *mortified* for me, practically begging me to relax. That, my friends, is quality hospitality. It's the kind of place where you can wear your fancy dress *or* your favorite jeans and not feel like you're breaking some unspoken rule.
The Rooms! Spill the beans. Are they...good? (And what about the price?! My bank account whimpers.)
Rooms. Okay. The rooms. I'm going to be brutally honest. Mine was a *little* on the small side. Not shoebox-level, but… cozy. (Translation: I had to maneuver around the luggage a few times.) BUT! The decor! Gorgeous. Think high ceilings, big windows looking out on a pretty street, and a bathroom that actually *felt* like a spa (hello, Molton Brown toiletries!). And here’s the kicker: the price. It's not *cheap*, let's be real, it's Kensington. But compared to some of the other hotels in the *area*, Bailey's offers a *fantastic* value for the experience. Plus, I found a deal online! Score! Always check for deals, kids!
The Breakfast… Is it worth waking up for? (Because, let’s face it, I love sleeping.)
Breakfast. Oh, the breakfast. Okay, listen up, sleepyheads! Yes. Absolutely YES. The spread is amazing. Full English? Absolutely. Continental? You betcha. Fresh fruit? Pastries to die for (seriously, I *may* have had three croissants). And the coffee? Strong enough to wake the dead, which, after a night in London, is exactly what you need. The dining room itself is beautiful – and the staff are incredibly attentive (again, the service is GOLD). Honestly, the breakfast alone is almost worth the stay. Almost. Don't miss it. Seriously.
What about the location? Is it a pain to get around?
Location, location, location! YES! Bailey's is perfectly placed. You're right near Gloucester Road tube station, which is on the Piccadilly Line – boom! You can get anywhere in London super fast. Museums? Right there! Hyde Park? A lovely walk away! Plus, the neighborhood itself is fantastic. Loads of restaurants, cute shops, and just that overall feeling of being in, well, Kensington. I ate some *amazing* Thai food nearby. Honestly, it's a win-win.
Any REAL downsides? (Don’t sugarcoat it!)
Okay, honesty time. The elevator... it's a *bit* slow. Like, a little too intimate with the other passengers for my liking. And well, the bar - the cocktails were yummy, certainly, but the bar snacks were a bit… limited. Some more tempting options would've been great after a long day of sightseeing. And (I'm nitpicking now) the WiFi, could have been a little stronger in my room. But honestly, those are the only real gripes. Everything else was pretty near perfect.
Would you go back? Like, *really*? And will you recommend it?
YES. A thousand times, YES! I'm already planning my return trip. And yes, I absolutely recommend it. It's not just a hotel; it's an experience. A charming, comfortable, and utterly *lovely* experience. It's got heart and soul, and that's what makes all the difference. Go. Explore. Discover your own "secret." Just... maybe don't spill anything on the rugs, okay?
Okay, one more random question: The staff? Any standouts?
Oh, the staff. Okay. Remember that Earl Grey incident? (shudders) The young woman who rushed over, she was a lifesaver! I think her name was Anya. She was genuinely apologetic, even though *I* was the one who made the mess. It's those touches, the genuine warmth, that make Bailey's really special. They really seem to love what they do. And that, my friends, is priceless. Just… tip well, okay? (Not that I needed any prompting. Anya deserved all the tips.)
Is it a good place if you are a solo traveller? I mean, what if I'm alone and need a little…comfort?
I *love* this question. Okay, so, I'm a massive fan of solo travel. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt (and the memories). Bailey's? Absolutely. It felt safe. It felt *welcoming*. You don't feel like a loner sitting there, it just feels like you’re part of something (and by something, I mean the beautifully designed interior and the attentive staff!) And the atmosphere in the bar is just the right level of buzzy yet not overwhelming. It's perfect for reading a book, people-watching, or just having a quiet drink. You’re not going to feel judged at all. In fact, I think it might even *encourage* a little self-indulgence. And honestly... we all deserve a little self-indulgence, right?
Okay, I'm convinced. AnythingHotel For Travelers
