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Gainsborough Hotel

7-11 Queensberry Place South Kensington London, SW7 2DL United Kingdom

Boutique London hotel near Natural History Museum

In Kensington
This country house style hotel, set in the Kensington area of London, is 200 metres from the Natural History Museum and 400 metres from the Victoria and Albert Museum. Show more
Hotel bar
Guests can ask multilingual staff at the front desk for information about tours around London; a large breakfast room and a warm bar are also available for use.
Wireless Internet
Gainsborough Hotel's 48 individually-styled, smoke-free guestrooms combine a Victorian decor with modern amenities such as wireless Internet access and satellite TV. Hide

GUEST REVIEWS

3.6out of 5

Expedia Guest Rating

81%

of guests recommend

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

TripAdvisor provides an assessment of hotel quality based on more than 40 million reviews & opinions from real travelers. The traveler rating represents an average of individual ratings for this hotel.

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Rooms & Rates

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Please complete the highlighted fields below. The check-out date must occur after the check-in date. Please change the date. Date format should be mm/dd/yy. Please provide the ages of children below. The check-in or check-out date is prior to the current date. The check-in date cannot be after 06/24/2013. The check-out date cannot be after 06/24/2013. The check-in date is missing. Please add the check-in date. The check-out date is missing. Please add the check-out date.
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Room type  
Standard Single Room
1 twin bed. Cotton sheets. Traditional Victorian-English decor. Wireless Internet access – surcharge. Television – Satellite service. Direct-dial phone. Voice mail. Coffee/tea maker. Complimentary toiletries. In-room safe. Trouser press (available on request).
Standard Double
1 double bed or 2 twin beds. Cotton sheets. Traditional Victorian-English decor. Wireless Internet access – surcharge. High-speed (wired) Internet access – surcharge. Television – Satellite service. Direct-dial phone. Voice mail. Coffee/tea maker. Complimentary toiletries. In-room safe. Trouser press (available on request).
Deluxe Double
1 double bed or 2 twin beds. Individually decorated. Traditional Victorian-English decor. Wireless Internet access – surcharge. High-speed (wired) Internet access – surcharge. Television - Satellite service. Direct-dial phone. Voice mail. Coffee/tea maker. Bathroom with bathtub. Complimentary toiletries. In-room safe. Trouser press (available on request). Air conditioning.
Standard Triple
Cotton sheets. Traditional Victorian-English decor. Wireless Internet access – surcharge. High-speed (wired) Internet access – surcharge. Television – Satellite service. Direct-dial phone. Voice mail. Coffee/tea maker. Complimentary toiletries. In-room safe. Trouser press (available on request).
Deluxe Twin
2 twin beds. Cotton sheets. Desk. In-room safe. Wireless high-speed Internet access (surcharge). Wired high-speed Internet access (surcharge). Dial-up Internet access (surcharge). Satellite television service. Pay movies. Direct-dial phone. Voice mail. Coffee/tea maker. Private bathroom. Shower only. Makeup/shaving mirror. Hair dryer. Complimentary toiletries. Iron/ironing board (on request). Window opens. Non-smoking only.
Standard Twin
2 twin beds. Cotton sheets. Desk. In-room safe. Wireless high-speed Internet access (surcharge). Wired high-speed Internet access (surcharge). Dial-up Internet access (surcharge). Satellite television service. Pay movies. Direct-dial phone. Voice mail. Coffee/tea maker. Private bathroom. Shower only. Makeup/shaving mirror. Hair dryer. Complimentary toiletries. Iron/ironing board (on request). Window opens. Non-smoking only.
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There is only room left for . More rooms of this type may be available at higher rates. There are only rooms left for . More rooms of this type may be available at higher rates.

Hotel Policies & Fees

The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check-in, or check-out.

Know Before You Go
  • Guests departing prior to their scheduled departure date may be subject to an early departure fee.
Policies
  • Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on hotel policy.
  • Government-issued photo identification and a cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.
  • Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
  • Pets not allowed
  • Check-in time starts at 2 PM
  • Check-out time is noon
  • Early departure fee charged
  • Cash Deposit Required
Fees
  • The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check-in, or check-out.
    • Deposit: GBP 20 per night
    • Fee for wireless Internet in all public areas: GBP 15 per 24-hour period (rates may vary)
    • Fee for in-room wireless Internet: GBP 15 per 24-hour period (rates may vary)
    • English breakfast fee: GBP 12.00 per person (approximate amount)
  • The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

Property Amenities

Breakfast is available for a surcharge in Gainsborough Hotel's large, bright breakfast room with wood-panelled features and long, heavy drapes. Guests can ask multilingual staff at the 24-hour front desk for information about London tours. The Picasso Bar serves drinks in rich, warm surroundings. Guests arriving by car will find public parking facilities 300 metres from the hotel.

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Bar/lounge
  • Elevator/lift
  • Concierge desk
  • Technology helpdesk
  • Room service (24 hours)
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Safe-deposit box at front desk
  • Tour assistance
  • Air-conditioned public areas
  • Umbrella
  • Business services
  • Wireless (high-speed) Internet access - surcharge
  • Wired (high-speed) Internet access - surcharge
  • Dial-up Internet access - surcharge
  • Technology support staff
  • Airport transportation
  • Luggage storage
  • Room service
  • Babysitting or child care
  • Laundry facilities
  • Smoke-free property
  • Airport transportation (surcharge)
  • Complimentary newspapers in lobby
Gainsborough Hotel, London,  United Kingdom, Property Amenities Exterior

Rooms

The five-floor Gainsborough Hotel, London, features 48 individually-designed guestrooms. All have a Victorian English ambience with rich, warm colours and patterned furnishings and drapes. Traditional decor is combined with modern amenities such as wireless Internet (surcharge), satellite televisions, direct-dial phones, safes, trouser presses (available on request) and tea and coffee-making facilities.

Gainsborough Hotel, London,  United Kingdom, Rooms Standard Single Room

Room Amenities

  • Private bathroom
  • Direct-dial phone
  • In-room safe
  • Pay movies
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding available
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Wake-up calls
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Extra towels/bedding
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower only
  • Makeup/shaving mirror
  • Sewing kit
  • Satellite television service
  • Iron/ironing board (on request)
  • Electronic/magnetic keys
  • Window opens
  • Non-smoking only
  • Desk
  • Voice mail
  • Dial-up Internet access (surcharge)
  • Wireless high-speed Internet access (surcharge)
  • Climate control
  • Complimentary newspaper
  • Complimentary toiletries
  • Wired high-speed Internet access (surcharge)

Dining

The hotel does not have its own restaurant, but there are several dining options within the surrounding area.

Nearby restaurants:

Khan's of Kensington

Regency

Gainsborough Hotel, London,  United Kingdom, Dining Restaurant

Verified Reviews: All guest reviews are verified as submitted by our customers and reflect their stay at Gainsborough Hotel

3.6
out of 5
avg. guest rating
Hotel service:
4.1
Hotel condition:
3.4
Room cleanliness:
4.1
Room comfort:
3.1
Location:
4.9
Neighborhood:
4.8
81%

of guests recommend

out of 16 reviews

Write a review of this hotel

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Michael A from Minneapolis
3.0
out of 5
Recommends this hotel
Posted Oct 25 2011

“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!

Area recommendations
South Kensington. Safe, good selection of restaurants (muriel's for breakfast), and good shopping close by.
A Traveler from New York, NY
4.0
out of 5
Recommends this hotel
Posted Jul 21 2011

“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.

A Traveler from Victoria, Canada
4.0
out of 5
Recommends this hotel
Posted May 27 2011

“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

Sean S from New York
3.0
out of 5
Does not recommend this hotel
Posted Dec 2 2010

“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.

A Traveler from USA
3.0
out of 5
Does not recommend this hotel
Posted Jul 21 2010

“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.

A Traveler from Philadelphia
5.0
out of 5
Recommends this hotel
Posted Apr 7 2010

“Fantastic!”

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

Area recommendations
I would definitely check out the museums in the area, there are tons of them and most of them are free!
A Traveler from Los Angeles, CA
3.0
out of 5
Recommends this hotel
Posted Mar 31 2010

“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.

mary a from upstate NY
2.0
out of 5
Does not recommend this hotel
Posted Feb 24 2010

“Just okay, definitely NOT 4 star”

see above

A Traveler from Longmont Colorado
5.0
out of 5
Recommends this hotel
Posted Nov 19 2009

“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.

Area recommendations
This hotel was in the South Kensington neighborhood. It was safe, beautiful, with lots of variety and amenities. I felt that it was more like a neighborhood, and I preferred being off the main street, away from the big American style hotels. By taking advantage of the walkability of London, it was easy to see that there a lot of great areas in this city, I'm not sure that you could go wrong in other locations.
Traveler's tip
All or at least most of the museums are free, so visit as many as you can, even if you only have an hour. The V&A was the standout for me, along with the British Museum and National Gallery. Explore the parks, they are lovely, interesting, and unique. Grab a snack, or a book and take a break in St James or Hyde Park, you can relax or people watch. We had a very special moment with a family at the Peter Pan statue in Hyde Park, glad we hung in there and found it. the base of the statue is charming and seeing it through the eyes of local children was a perfect moment.
A Traveler from Boston, MA
3.0
out of 5
Recommends this hotel
Posted Sep 30 2009

“The Gainsboro Hotel should loose a star!”

Gainsboro Hotel should loose a star My impression of the Gainsboro Hotel is based on my hotel room and does not reflect the overall condition of the hotel. For two days I was in constant contact with reception regarding (1) no hot water, (2) shower door was off it's hinge, (3) soap dish missing in shower stall...there was no place to put your shampoo, soap, etc...and the space was too small to bend down and place it on the floor). I suggested that they should move me to a different room...which some were available...plus, they also own the hotel directly across the street...however, they chose not to do so, which I find was a major mistake on their part. I never saw anyone in their bar and there is not a restaurant in the hotel...they order out if you place a request for room service. Great area to be in...very walkable and convenient to the Tube Stop. The rooms in the back of the hotel overlook the play ground area of the French School, so there is a lot of nose during recess and before/after school. The reception staff was truly outstanding and very attentive to detail and being helpful...nice personal approach.

Traveler's tip
Simply walk outside the door of the hotel and you will be surrounded by a wide selection of restaurants...try something new each evening!

Gainsborough Hotel

7-11 Queensberry Place South Kensington London, SW7 2DL United Kingdom

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Nearby Points of Interest

  • London Natural History Museum - 0.1 km / 0.1 mi
  • London Science Museum - 0.3 km / 0.2 mi
  • Imperial College London - 0.4 km / 0.3 mi
  • Victoria and Albert Museum - 0.4 km / 0.3 mi
  • Brompton Oratory - 0.6 km / 0.4 mi
  • Royal Albert Hall - 0.7 km / 0.4 mi
  • Albert Memorial - 0.7 km / 0.4 mi
  • Harrod's - 1.1 km / 0.7 mi
  • Kensington Gardens - 1.3 km / 0.8 mi
  • Hyde Park - 1.3 km / 0.8 mi
  • Kensington Palace - 1.4 km / 0.8 mi
  • Earl's Court Exhibition Centre - 1.4 km / 0.9 mi
  • Saatchi Gallery - 1.4 km / 0.9 mi
  • Sloane Square - 1.4 km / 0.9 mi
  • Linley Sambourne House - 1.5 km / 0.9 mi

Location Highlights

  • In historical district
  • In city center
  • In entertainment district

The closest major airports to Gainsborough Hotel are:

London (LCY-London City) - 15.8 km / 9.8 mi

London (LHR-Heathrow) - 19 km / 11.8 mi

London (LGW-Gatwick) - 37.7 km / 23.4 mi

The preferred airport for Gainsborough Hotel is London (LHR-Heathrow).

Distances are calculated in a straight line from the property's location to the point of interest or airport and may not reflect actual travel distance.

Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometre.

Nearest Major Airport:

  • London, England, UK (LHR-Heathrow)

Area:

Kensington - Earl's Court, London, England, United Kingdom: Upscale, residential Kensington is best known for its palace and gardens, and for its major museums in South Kensington —the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A. Earl’s Court has a wide selection of budget and mid-range hotels, clustered around Earl’s Court exhibition centre. Its Underground station offers good links (District and Piccadilly lines) with trains running to central London and south-west to Wimbledon.

Gainsborough Hotel

7-11 Queensberry Place South Kensington London, SW7 2DL United Kingdom