Finding cheap hotels in London isn’t exactly easy, especially when you’re looking for somewhere central, comfortable and well connected to the rest of the city.

London accommodation can be ridiculously expensive, and sometimes even paying a considerable amount doesn’t guarantee a great location or a comfortable room.

But what if you could find a hotel overlooking Kensington Gardens, with lovely views, genuinely welcoming staff and rooms starting from around £180 per night on selected dates?

I recently stayed at Thistle London Hyde Park Kensington Gardens, and it was such a lovely surprise!

As someone who lives in London, I know how important choosing the right area is. You don’t want to spend half your holiday travelling across the city, especially if you’re visiting for the first time.

And while the views and location were fantastic, what made this stay particularly memorable was something else entirely: the people.

Cheap Hotels in London: Why Location Matters More Than You Think

When searching for London hotel deals, it’s tempting to choose the lowest price you can find.

But London is a huge city, and a hotel that looks cheaper initially might end up costing you more in transport, time and convenience.

That’s why I always recommend looking at the location before booking.

Thistle Kensington Gardens is situated on Bayswater Road, directly opposite Kensington Gardens, and I genuinely think this is one of the loveliest areas to stay in London.

You’re surrounded by beautiful green spaces, with Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens right on your doorstep.

It’s the kind of location where you can start your morning with a walk through the gardens before heading out to explore the city.

And because the hotel is in Bayswater, you also have plenty of cafés, restaurants, shops and other amenities nearby.

Notting Hill, Kensington Palace and some of London’s most beautiful streets are within easy reach.

What I particularly like about this area is the balance. You can enjoy London’s green spaces while still having excellent connections to the busier parts of the city.

Transport Connections from Thistle Kensington Gardens

One of the hotel’s biggest advantages is its proximity to several Underground stations.

• Queensway Station: approximately 3–5 minutes’ walk, on the Central line.
• Bayswater Station: approximately 6–7 minutes’ walk, serving the Circle and District lines.
• Lancaster Gate Station: approximately 8–9 minutes’ walk, on the Central line.
• Paddington Station: approximately 15 minutes’ walk, with National Rail services and the Heathrow Express.

These connections make it easy to explore London, whether you’re visiting Oxford Street, Covent Garden, Westminster or other popular attractions.

For first-time visitors, having several transport options nearby is incredibly convenient.

And if you’re travelling to or from Heathrow Airport, Paddington’s connections are another bonus.

A London Hotel With a View: My Deluxe King Garden View Room

Now, let’s talk about one of my favourite parts of the stay: the room and its beautiful view.

I stayed in a Deluxe King Garden View room on the seventh floor, overlooking Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park and the London skyline.

And honestly, what a view!

My stay was during autumn, so naturally London decided to give me its classic cloudy and slightly foggy weather.

But I actually loved looking out over the gardens, especially with some of the trees starting to change colour.

Even without sunshine, it was a beautiful view to wake up to.

I can only imagine how lovely it must be on a clear morning.

Was the Room Comfortable?

Absolutely.

One thing that immediately stood out was how spacious and bright the room felt.

If you’ve stayed in London hotels before, you’ll know that some rooms can be surprisingly small.

Thankfully, that wasn’t the case here.

The room had plenty of natural light, a very comfortable king-size bed and enough space to move around without feeling cramped or claustrophobic.

It was also quiet and very clean, which made it a lovely place to relax.

The room comes with amenities including a Nespresso coffee machine, a work desk and a large smart TV.

The bathroom was perfectly fine too, with no issues during my stay.

Overall, I found the room comfortable, practical and particularly suitable for someone who wants a relaxing base in central London.

What Made This London Hotel Special? The Staff!

Now, here’s the part I really want to talk about.

Because as beautiful as the view was, the staff were genuinely the highlight of my stay.

From the moment I entered the hotel, everyone was incredibly friendly, attentive and welcoming.

And it wasn’t just at check-in.

Throughout the hotel, whether I was walking around or spending time in the dining area, the team would ask how I was, whether everything was going well and how I was enjoying my stay.

Everyone seemed genuinely happy to help, always smiling and making guests feel welcome.

These might seem like small things, but they make such a difference.

There’s something special about staying somewhere where you feel seen and looked after rather than just being another room number.

And that’s exactly how I felt at Thistle Kensington Gardens.

I’ve travelled extensively and stayed in plenty of hotels, and I genuinely believe that good hospitality can completely change an experience.

You can have a beautiful room in a fantastic location, but if the service isn’t good, it can affect your entire stay.

Here, the people really made the difference.

Breakfast and Dining at Thistle Kensington Gardens

The hotel also has its own restaurant, which is convenient if you’d prefer to have dinner without leaving the property.

I experienced both dinner and breakfast during my stay.

The breakfast buffet offers a large selection, with plenty of variety and a full breakfast menu.

It’s a practical option if you want to eat before heading out for a day of sightseeing or business meetings.

Depending on the room rate you choose, breakfast may already be included in the booking.

If you prefer exploring local cafés and restaurants, the surrounding Bayswater and Queensway area also has plenty of options.

Who Should Stay at Thistle Kensington Gardens?

Based on my experience, I would particularly recommend this hotel to two types of travellers.

First-Time Visitors to London

If you’re visiting London for the first time, I think Thistle Kensington Gardens is a great option.

The location makes it easy to explore the city, with several Underground stations nearby and plenty of restaurants, cafés and attractions within easy reach.

You’re also right opposite Kensington Gardens, which is such a lovely place to enjoy a quieter side of London.

Business Travellers

I would also happily consider staying here again for a business trip.

The room was spacious, quiet and comfortable, with a work desk and plenty of natural light.

And with good transport connections, getting around London for meetings is convenient.

After a busy day, having a comfortable room and a lovely view to return to is definitely a bonus.

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