VicarageEditor's Pick

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The Vicarage, a 17-room hotel in a very posh part of Kensington, is a casually elegant keeper. From the outset, it feels like a lovely townhouse you’ve had the good fortune to be invited in to visit.

Rooms are full of yellows and peaches. The wrought-iron (or good imitation, we suppose) beds set rooms apart from the chain hotel standardization look so prevalent in London. Carpeted floors, framed prints, and big oval mirrors over beds are other significant features. Some rooms are huge, and feel more like suites. The only downside we can come up with is that these rooms don’t have telephones.

We also liked the meticulous bathrooms, with little diamond-shaped black-on-white tiles. Bargain-hunting solo travelers should be aware that the Vicarage’s single rooms with shared bath are considerably cheaper than singles with private facilities. Beyond rooms, there’s also a recently refurbished television lounge for social hour.

Rates may seem a bit steep, but keep in mind that you’re paying for location. The Vicarage is uncommonly affordable for Kensington, and is positioned more or less halfway between the Notting Hill Gate and High Street Kensington Tube stations. Both are about seven minutes by foot from the guesthouse. Guests include lots of business travelers from North America and Europe.

» Alex Robertson Textor

Note: This hotel was visited by a EuroCheapo editor and is recommended based on cleanliness, location, price and overall quality. EuroCheapo did not charge this hotel to be listed.