Holiday Inn London Kensington Forum
- Kathy
- First Reviewer
- 4 out of 5
- Avg. Member Rating
- 63
- Reviews
-
6
- Photos
A Great Experience
- January 13, 2009
- Rated 4 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
The room was clean and same size as American hotels we've been in. We had an executive room with king bed and sleeper sofa for 3 of us (myself, my college daughter, and my 12 yr old grandson). Very crowded when sleeper was pulled out, but that was only while sleeping. We did have to wait until almost 6 o'clock to check in because prior residents checked out late and room needed cleaning, but the staff apologized profusely and gave us free drink tokens. Plenty of hot water (though water pressure a bit weak) and able to adjust room temp so we were comfortable. Hotel is on a main street, so there's traffic noise, but if you live in a city you'll be used to it. We're from a small town and it didn't bother us. Convenient location for getting around London; a block from the tube station which gets you everywhere in London and the post office which is the best place for exchanging money. Lots of places to eat nearby. We thought the hotel restaurants a bit pricey, but then many places in London are. We purchased food at grocery store across from tube station to save money. Staff were very considerate and helpful. Housekeeping left extra towels, water, and snacks every day. Concierge was great. They setup a tour with Evan Evans Tours to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath that we loved. They told us where to go for cheaper theatre tickets (Half-Price Tickets downtown).
good for budget trips
- January 4, 2009
- Rated 3 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
this is most certainly not a 4 star hotel by any stretch but good for those only require the basics. The hotel was clean as were our 2 rooms. I had booked what I thought was one room for my family of 4 but upon arrival I was told that we had to have 2 rooms as the rooms only held 3 persons. We were assigned rooms on the 6th floor which was a smoking floor! I have a chld with asthma and this certainly was not acceptable. I was told that they had no other rooms available but that I could switch the next day. The next day I was told that they would "take care" of the switch while we were out sightseeing- this was not the case. They only wanted to switch one of the rooms and when I explained that both needed to be changed they wanted to place us on different floors but they did manage to get us on the same floor. The staff was nice but spoke limited English and had a hard time dealing with problems. Breakfast was ok but there were not many choices available for children who would have prefered pancakes or waffles. (but it was included) The location was great- only a short walk to the tube. The streets were quiet around the hotel. There were a couple of nice pubs across the street as well a Starbucks and a Burger King- nice for the kids. If I stayed in this hotel again I would remember to ask for a non smoking floor upon making the reservation. I would not necessarily recommend this hotel but would not discourage it either.
Great location and good stay
- December 30, 2008
- Rated 5 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
My husband and I stayed for six nights in Dec. right around Christmas. It is a few blocks from the tube. Easy tube ride to picadilly, tower bridge, and other tourist spots. The staff was nice. There are places to eat in the area near the tube. Walk to Victoria and Albert and Natural History museum. The hotel was clean and the business center (email use) was 2 pounds for a half hour. Rooms are small!
NOT UP TO ITS RATING
- December 29, 2008
- Rated 2 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
I stayed at this hotel from 23-DEC-08 to 28-DEC-08. We were told by our travel agent that the hotel, the Holiday Inn - Kensingon Forum, was a four star hotel. This hotel was not a four star hotel; it was at best, a 2.5 star hotel: The room was small and shabby, the coffee pot had food stuck to the bottom, the refrigerator didn't work (we asked for, and received, a new one which was filthy inside,) the TV was a old, small CRT model, there was no toilet brush in the bathroom, no safes in the rooms, windows very difficult to open, no computers for internet access (they referred us to the internet cafe down the street,) no lobby bar, the "restaurant" was little more than a snack bar.
They have a pub attached to, and part of, the hotel. We decided to try dinner there one night. We sat down and tried in vain to attract the attention of the staff as they repeatedly walked past us w/o a glance. Finally, I went to the bar and asked what one had to do to get service. They told me that one has to order at the bar and then they bring the food to the table. I later learned that this is customary in pubs, but all the other pubs I entered had a sign explaining the rules of the game. you think they could have at least taken a moment to explain that to us!
One special feature: they offer a "pillow menu." You get to custom order which type of single, tiny pillow to put under your head!
I would never stay at this hotel again.
Good bargain hotel
- December 19, 2008
- Rated 3 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
I stayed at the Holiday Inn Kensington for one week in early December. The room was very small and the hallway of our floor looked old and dirty. The room had a small fridge which was great to store water and juice. The worst thing about the room was the bed. It was like sleeping on hardwood floors! However, the staff was friendly especially the concierge desk. The hotel is in a great location...one block from the tube station and within walking distance to several restaurants and pubs. I would definately recommend this hotel, just keep in mind that the rooms are small but the price is just right!