In the final stage of our move, we arrived in London and while waiting for the movers to arrive, we decided to stay in a hotel for two nights to supervise our move.
As a reminder, here is the itinerary followed:
| # | Type | Review |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hotel | Renaissance Paris, Hôtel du Parc |
| 2 | Car | Pet Taxi, Paris to London |
| 3 | Hotel | Residence Inn London Kensington |
Booking
We booked this hotel, the Residence Inn London Kensington, a few weeks before our arrival, via the Marriott Bonvoy app.
About 2 weeks before our arrival, I realize that the price has dropped significantly, so I change the rate on the same reservation to £95 per night, an acceptable rate.
A few days before our arrival, I received an e-mail from the hotel asking us the reason for our stay. Indeed, many countries have imposed restrictions on hotels if they remain open, and in the case of the UK, a list of reasons is specified. I reply quickly and I won’t be asked for any proof.
Arrival
2 days before our arrival, I proceed with mobile check-in via the Marriott Bonvoy app, requesting a mobile key.
The reservation will not be upgraded to a higher category.
We arrive at the hotel mid-afternoon. There’s no porter, so we have to maneuver the luggage cart ourselves without any assistance. Worse still, the receptionist insists on letting us through the left-hand door, despite the fact that we’re ultra-laden and have to maneuver this luggage cart while looking after our dog.
I wait a few minutes before being taken care of by a receptionist. Soullessly, he hands me the key to our room for the next 2 days.
Breakfast is included, and served to take away in the hotel restaurant.
No upgrades, no status recognition either.
Note that the hotel charges £30 per night, per animal, and that payment is made in advance on arrival (this is not a credit card imprint).
Room
Our room was located on the 8th and top floor of the hotel.
It’s a suite, or even a small apartment, but ultra-compact. The impression of space in the Renaissance we’ve just left is far superior by comparison.
Opposite the suite entrance is the compact bathroom, separated from the rest of the suite by a sliding door with little insulation. Its design is very modern, and despite its small size, its use will remain pleasant thanks to a high-pressure shower.
To the left of the entrance is the lounge, with sofa, coffee table, dining table and fully equipped kitchen, typical of the chain’s hotels. However, the cleanliness of the kitchen utensils leaves much to be desired.
To the right of the entrance is the “bedroom”, or rather the sleeping area, as the space between the bed and the wall is so small.
This will do the job for those two nights.
Here’s the video tour:
Hotel facilities
The property has a fitness room in the basement, but I won’t be using it this time.
Food options
The hotel has a snack bar to the left of reception. The latter was closed for the duration of our stay due to the COVID-19 crisis, and only served breakfast to take away in one’s room. We enjoyed it both mornings, and the quality was there.
Departure
Check-out formalities took a little time due to my request for a specific address on the invoice and the inexperience of the receptionist.
Bottom line
This hotel’s hard product is quite good, and the £95 price tag fully justified. Nevertheless, the absolutely non-existent or even insulting service (not a hello or a shit to the customer entering the lobby) is really surprising in COVID times, when it would be fashionable to pamper the few customers who still travel. A shame!
