“Nice except...”

There was not hot water (only warm), and the disco next door plays music until 4 am. Oh, and the rooms are tiny!

“Small, but clean”

Everything in this hotel was tiny (the elevator, the shower stall...) but it was very clean and in a GREAT location. As long as you don't spend too much time in your room, you'll be fine.

“Pleasant hotel in great location”

The room was very small but all other aspects of the hotel were great, especially the convenient location near tube station, restaurants and cafes. Could get there easily from Heathrow by Piccadilly Line to South Kensington station

“Itsy Bitsy Basement Room”

Given the price and the very convenient location right across from the V&A and Science Museum and a block from the South Kensington Tube, I shouldn't have been surprised that the Gainsborough is a typical, faded package deal terrace block hotel. My basement level room with a window opening onto the Lycee Francaise schoolyard (pretty strange) was very small - just the bed and me - and the furniture and walls were well-used/abused. The bathroom seemed recently renovated and was quite acceptable, and the whole place was clean and relatively comfortable. It certainly wouldn't be my first choice but given the location and price I would stay again in a pinch.

“Needs a good cleaning, but the location and price were good”

Nice hotel that needs the staff and management to actually care about the hotel. The room was dusty and needed a good in depth cleaning. The a/c unit needs replacing as it was not attached to the window so it was put out of the window which wasn't any good. This is a lovely hotel that is in a good location and the price was fine. The beds were comfortable and the linens clean and fresh. Nice bathrooms. Nice ice tea provided on arrival in the lounge which was welcome in the heat. Althoug the staff did not clean up the lounge in a timely manner the next morning as cups etc were left lying around. Management needs to step up and take care of this lovely hotel.

“Fantastic!”

This hotel was fantastic! I would 100% recommend it to anyone.

“All in the eyes of the beholder”

I had wanted a room in S. Kensington where I could get a good night rest while shops and museums abound (or at least are nearby). I came across the 30% off deal at Gainsborough and on top of that, Expedia took some more off (thanks!). I had expected the room to be rather basic, and yet, it amazed me when I finally checked in - the room was TINY - they don't call it "single" for no reason. It barely had room for my 24" roller without bumping into something (the door, the bed, or the armoire). But then again, the room was functional. It's got a small but sufficient bathroom. The bed was comfy and fluffy - i couldn't appreciate it more after lots of walking everyday! It even had a view of the towers of the Natural History Museum. So the location is perfect - 200 yards from the Tube station. The NHM is literally around the corner. Along Brompton Rd, Harrods and lots of shops are just 10-15 minutes away. Another plus point is that there are plenty of restaurants of various scales nearby, so grabbing a bite was never a problem. If you are on a budget, don't mind a small room (the other types of rooms are probably better), and wants to be near the museum campus, this is a hotel for you.

“Just okay, definitely NOT 4 star”

see above

“Small but cozy, like a week at grandma's in a fabulous location”

I found it easy to overlook the room size, slightly tattered bed spread and coldish bathroom because I felt so at home in this hotel. I selected the hotel because it was close to my daughter's dorm/flat but the neighborhood was fantastic. Museums, the tube, and great restaurants, even Harrod's was within easy walking distance. I really enjoyed walking throughout the neighborhood, Hyde Park was a dream during the Fall. I felt safe in the area, and loved being able to grab a quick pastry or gelato on either morning or evening walks. The Natural History museum is great, but popular and crowded....Don't skip the V&A...it's fantastic, and both had gift shops with clever and unique gifts...true of all of London's museums. You can't miss if you cozy up in your room here with the right attitude.