You're standing on Gloucester Road. It's raining—because it's London—and you've got two suitcases that feel like they're filled with lead. You look up and see a grand Victorian facade with those classic white trimmings. This is the Montana Hotel Kensington London.
It looks expensive. It looks like it should cost five hundred pounds a night. But then you check the price tag and realize it’s actually one of the most affordable spots in South Kensington. Honestly, that’s where the confusion usually starts.
People come here expecting a five-star luxury experience because of the "Kensington" in the name. They get hit with reality pretty fast. This is a 3-star hotel. It’s quirky. It’s a bit "tired" in places. But for the right traveler, it is an absolute goldmine.
The Location is Basically a Cheat Code
If you’ve ever tried to navigate London on a budget, you know that "central" usually means a tiny room above a noisy pub. The Montana Hotel Kensington London is different. It’s literally a two-minute walk from the Gloucester Road Tube station.
You’ve got the Piccadilly, Circle, and District lines right there. That means you can go from your hotel room to the Heathrow arrivals gate or the glitz of Covent Garden without changing trains. It's a lifesaver when you're jet-lagged.
Walk ten minutes one way? You’re at the Natural History Museum. Ten minutes the other way? The Royal Albert Hall. It’s basically the "Museum Mile" for people who don't want to spend their entire holiday budget on Ubers.
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Let’s Talk About the Rooms (The Good and the Weird)
Kensington architecture is stunning from the outside, but it leads to some "creative" floor plans inside.
The Montana has 50 rooms. Some are surprisingly spacious for London standards. Others? Well, let’s just say you’ll get very familiar with your travel partner. They’ve got everything from tiny economy singles with shared bathrooms (perfect for solo backpackers) to family rooms that can actually fit four people without everyone tripping over each other.
- The Fridge Situation: Every room has a mini-fridge. In London, this is a luxury. You can buy a pint of milk and some snacks at the Waitrose across the street and save $20 on breakfast.
- The Decor: It's very... traditional. Think patterned carpets, heavy curtains, and crystal chandeliers in the lobby. It feels like staying at your posh British grandmother’s house.
- Air Conditioning: Yes, they actually have it. Most older London hotels just give you a plastic fan and a "good luck" during a heatwave. Having real climate control is a massive win.
One thing you need to know: the elevator (the "lift," as the locals say) is tiny. Like, "two people and a carry-on" tiny. If you’ve got a massive trunk or hate small spaces, maybe request a lower floor.
The Light of India: A Local Secret
Most hotel restaurants are overpriced traps. The Light of India, located right inside the Montana, is the exception. It’s been there since 1984.
The locals actually eat here. That’s usually the best sign you can get. They specialize in Northern Indian cuisine—think slow-cooked sauces and tandoori meats. If you're staying at the hotel, you usually get a discount.
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The Biryani is legit.
If you aren't feeling Indian food, you’re in luck. The area around Gloucester Road is packed. There’s a Paul’s for coffee and croissants, a Burger King for the desperate, and dozens of high-end Italian and French spots within a five-block radius.
Why Do People Leave Bad Reviews?
If you look at TripAdvisor, you’ll see some 1-star rants. Most of them come from people who didn't do their homework.
They complain that the rooms are small. They are. It’s London. They complain that the plumbing is a bit loud. It is. The building is over 100 years old.
You aren't paying for a modern, glass-and-steel Marriott experience. You’re paying for the ability to walk to the V&A Museum in your pajamas if you really wanted to.
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Is the Montana Hotel Kensington London Right for You?
You’ll love it if:
- You’re a "Museum Person": You want to be first in line for the dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum.
- You’re a Transit Nerd: You want easy Tube access to everywhere.
- You Want a Fridge: Seriously, don't underestimate the power of a hotel room fridge.
You should skip it if:
- You Need Modernity: If you hate old-school carpets and vintage elevators, you’ll be miserable.
- You Have Mobility Issues: The stairs and the tiny lift can be a struggle.
- You Expect "The Ritz": It’s a 3-star hotel. Set your expectations accordingly.
Practical Steps for Your Stay
Don't just book the first room you see. If you want a quiet night, ask for a room facing the back of the building. The front faces Gloucester Road, and while it's great for people-watching, the London buses don't stop for anyone.
Check your booking carefully regarding the bathroom. If "En-suite" isn't in the description, you might be sharing a shower down the hall. For some, that’s a dealbreaker; for others, it's a way to save £40 a night.
Pack a universal power adapter. They have UK plugs (Type G), and while some rooms have been updated, don't count on having a USB port right next to your bed.
Finally, take the 15-minute walk up to Kensington Gardens. It’s free, it’s beautiful, and it’s the best way to realize why people pay so much to live in this neighborhood. You're getting the same view for a fraction of the price.
Check your confirmation email for the "Light of India" discount code before you head down for dinner. It’s usually a better deal than anything you’ll find on a delivery app.