In the heart of Kensington, Kensington House has a real charm to it. It has the advantage of a great location, being in Zone 1 -- close to the High Street shops, supermarkets, buses, and transport. Recently refurbished with a lovely wooden floor, this place looks good.
Catering mainly for the long term, it still does manage to cater for short-term residents. The long-term can make it hard to mix, but generally the residents seem quite nice, and will listen and swap stories with you. This place is quite a popular spot during the summer with visitors from the European continent, so this can make the place feel alive and vibrant. Other times when the place is emptier, it still has a good feel to it.
Cooking facilities are above average, with the gas stove and the electric oven. There is also a microwave, kettle, and toaster. Like many hostels, the supply of cutlery, plates, bowls, and pots and pans can be hard to come by, but there are some there, and it's easy to make do and improvise.
Security is ok. The room doors are lockable and the front door is always locked. Every resident is given their own key for the front door and their rooms (a depoist is required). However, as with all hostels, keep everything safe as some windows don't lock.
There is a communal television, with Sky TV (not digital). The remote is in the control of the residents. The television however is old, and comes with some problems as a result. The place is quite clean, with a professional cleaning once or twice a week. Sheets are provided weekly (if you are staying long term) and are given to you when you pay your rent. Only cash is accepted for payment -- no credit cards or checks. The owners run the hostel and are quite friendly if you stay polite and good natured.
Overall it's a good place to stay both short term and long term with good cooking facilities, a friendly bunch of people staying there and a recently refurbished reception area and living room.
To get there, catch a tube to Kensington High Street tube. Walk out of it, turn left and walk right down the road, past Holland Park, past the Iranian caviar and fruit stalls and its on the corner of Warwick Gardens. Or catch the bus, numbers 9 or 10 towards Hammersmith. Get off at the stop just before the Iranian caviar or fruit stalls and see above.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
February 2006
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