Hotel Indigo London - Kensington By Ihg

“Hotel Indigo London Kensington: Character, Convenience and a Few Rough Edges”

London is a city of neighbourhoods, and few areas strike the balance between convenience and local character quite as well as Earl’s Court. While the crowds flock to Westminster, Covent Garden and the West End, this corner of Kensington offers a more residential atmosphere while remaining exception… more

London is a city of neighbourhoods, and few areas strike the balance between convenience and local character quite as well as Earl’s Court. While the crowds flock to Westminster, Covent Garden and the West End, this corner of Kensington offers a more residential atmosphere while remaining exceptionally well connected. With Earl’s Court Underground Station just a short walk away, guests benefit from direct access to Heathrow Airport via the Piccadilly Line in approximately 40 minutes, while central London’s major attractions are only a few stops away. The surrounding area is packed with restaurants, cafés and pubs, making it easy to dine locally without venturing far from the hotel. For those who prefer a lighter or more budget-friendly start to the day, an M&S Food is conveniently located around the corner, offering everything from fresh pastries to breakfast essentials. Tucked away on a side street just off the main Earl’s Court thoroughfare, Hotel Indigo London Kensington presents itself as a boutique hotel with plenty of character and a welcome alternative to some of the capital’s larger and more anonymous chain properties. First Impressions and Service Arrival at the hotel was a pleasant and efficient experience. I arrived well before the official check-in time and, while my room was not yet available, the reception team happily checked its status and offered to store my luggage so I could begin exploring the city. Service throughout the stay was consistently friendly, courteous and professional. Staff were approachable whenever assistance was required, and both check-in and check-out were handled efficiently and with a genuine sense of hospitality. Housekeeping staff were equally pleasant whenever encountered. One minor observation is that room servicing often took place quite late in the afternoon, which occasionally proved inconvenient when returning to the room during the day. The hotel itself feels intimate rather than grand, a characteristic that suits both the neighbourhood and the Indigo brand well. A Comfortable and Well-Equipped Room The guest rooms are undoubtedly one of the hotel’s stronger features. My room felt spacious thanks to its notably high ceilings, creating a sense of openness that is often difficult to find in London hotels. In terms of amenities, very little was missing. The room featured tea and coffee facilities, a minibar fridge, bathrobes, slippers, an iron and ironing board, vanity amenities and laundry services. There were also plentiful power outlets throughout the room, making it exceptionally easy to charge multiple devices without resorting to awkward furniture rearrangements. The minibar fridge in my room unfortunately struggled to maintain a consistently cool temperature, although this was more of an inconvenience than a major issue. The bed provided a comfortable night’s sleep. While it was not among the most memorable hotel beds I have experienced, it was supportive and perfectly adequate for a city stay. Technology: A Step Behind the Competition One area where I feel both this property and, to some extent, IHG as a whole could improve is the digital guest experience. Many major hotel groups such as Hilton and Marriott have invested heavily in technology that allows guests to check in via their mobile app, communicate with the hotel, request amenities and services, and manage various aspects of their stay without needing to visit or call the front desk. Hotel Indigo London Kensington felt noticeably more traditional in this regard. While there is certainly nothing wrong with a more personal approach to hospitality, the lack of meaningful digital functionality feels increasingly dated in today’s hotel landscape. Guests who value convenience and self-service options may find the experience somewhat old-fashioned compared to competing brands. London Noise: A Consideration for Light Sleepers Although the hotel is located on a side street away from Earl’s Court’s busiest roads, prospective guests should manage their expectations regarding noise. This is central London, and complete silence is unrealistic. However, the issue extends beyond the occasional passing vehicle. Sound insulation throughout the property could be significantly improved, with both street noise and corridor activity clearly audible from within the room. In fact, a card placed beside the bed informed guests that complimentary earplugs were available upon request. While appreciated, it also suggests that noise concerns are common enough to warrant a standing solution. Light sleepers should take note. While the noise never reached intolerable levels, those who are particularly sensitive to sound may find overnight disturbances frustrating. My room featured a door leading onto a small shared patio area. While the additional outdoor space was a pleasant feature, the door itself did not lock properly and the surrounding wooden frame showed clear signs of age and wear. Both would benefit from repair or replacement. The Bathroom: A Question of Upkeep Unfortunately, the bathroom was the weakest aspect of the stay. At first glance, it appears modern enough and features a rainfall shower, normally one of my favourite hotel amenities. However, several maintenance issues detracted from the experience. The rainfall showerhead showed noticeable limescale buildup, affecting the overall shower experience, while water pressure was somewhat weaker than expected. London’s notoriously hard water undoubtedly presents challenges, but these are ultimately issues that should be addressed through routine maintenance. More concerning was the visible mould and staining on the ceiling. Combined with a bathroom that remained damp long after showering, it suggested that the extractor fan was not functioning effectively. The result was an environment that felt persistently humid and in need of greater attention. The biggest frustration, however, was the drainage. Water failed to drain properly during use, causing it to accumulate before eventually spilling into the rest of the bathroom floor. While I was ultimately able to improve the situation slightly myself, that is hardly something guests should need to address during a hotel stay. Taken individually, none of these issues would be particularly significant. Together, however, they created the impression that routine maintenance and preventative upkeep may not always be receiving the attention they deserve. Dining Options I did not use either the hotel’s restaurant or its in-room breakfast service during my stay. This was entirely a matter of personal preference rather than a reflection of quality. London offers such an abundance of cafés, bakeries and supermarkets that I rarely feel compelled to pay hotel breakfast prices. That said, Hotel Indigo’s breakfast is reasonably priced by London standards at £16.95 per person and is served daily between 7:00am and 11:00am. Guests wishing to enjoy breakfast in the comfort of their room can do so for an additional £7 delivery charge. Compared to many London hotels, where breakfast prices can easily exceed £25 per person, the offering here appears to represent fair value for those who prioritise convenience. Personally, with an M&S Food around the corner and countless independent cafés within walking distance, I found myself spoiled for choice elsewhere. Final Verdict Hotel Indigo London Kensington is a charming boutique hotel in an excellent location. Earl’s Court provides superb transport links across London and directly to Heathrow Airport, while the surrounding neighbourhood offers an abundance of restaurants, cafés and everyday conveniences. The hotel’s fundamentals are strong. Rooms are comfortable and well equipped, service is friendly and professional, and the property possesses considerably more character than many of London’s larger chain hotels. Where the experience becomes less convincing is in the finer details. Noise insulation could be improved, the digital guest experience feels somewhat behind competing hotel groups, and several maintenance issues encountered during my stay suggest that the property’s upkeep is not always keeping pace with its otherwise appealing presentation. The bathroom was ultimately the most disappointing aspect of the experience. While none of the issues were catastrophic, the combination of poor drainage, ineffective extraction, visible mould and limescale buildup prevented the space from feeling as well maintained as it should. Despite these shortcomings, there is still much to like here. The location is excellent, the rooms are thoughtfully equipped and the staff leave a positive impression. With greater attention paid to maintenance, soundproofing and modern guest technology, Hotel Indigo London Kensington could become a genuinely excellent option in this part of the capital. As it stands, it remains a good hotel that gets the basics right and offers solid value in a highly desirable London neighbourhood, even if it falls just short of its full potential.

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“Unbeatable location, but the room was a letdown”

I really wanted to love this stay because the location is absolutely perfect - it’s literally a 2-minute walk to the Earl’s Court tube station, which makes getting around London very convenient. The decor throughout the hotel is genuinely gorgeous. However, the room itself left a lot to be desired… more

I really wanted to love this stay because the location is absolutely perfect - it’s literally a 2-minute walk to the Earl’s Court tube station, which makes getting around London very convenient. The decor throughout the hotel is genuinely gorgeous. However, the room itself left a lot to be desired. It was cramped, and the bed felt quite small for two people. Most frustratingly, the bed frame creaked every single time I moved, which made it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. On top of that, the bathroom had a noticeable damp smell that wasn’t very pleasant. For the price, I expected a much higher standard of comfort and maintenance.

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