Gainsborough Hotel Reviews

Overall the hotel room was value for money...
Overall the hotel room was value for money. The breakfast room was very nice with good service.Now the down side: No valet parking, so you had to drive off and park your own vehicle and walk back.The reception was chaos. Very poor staff. We asked to book theatre tickets for a show the 39 steps, they could not be bothered, however they rang and said it was full. we tried ourselves to the same ticket office and got tickets no trouble. Would I go to that hotel again, no!! however overall the hotel is acceptable.
Reviewed by P Vaughan; Reviewed in Jun 2010

The reception area is very nicely decorated Staff...
The reception area is very nicely decorated. Staff were very helpful. Room was standard for the price, but then again it is in South Kensington so expect to pay a bit more than usual for the type of room it is. You can hear the noise from the street but again you are in a busy part of London so its expected. It's very close to the museums, tube station, cafes, restaurants etc.
Reviewed by S Begum; Reviewed in May 2010

pleasant comfortable stay in good location lt br...
pleasant comfortable stay in good location.Superior single room not huge but certainly adequate. Comfortable bed.Shower room a bit of a tight fit
Reviewed by Susan M; Reviewed in May 2010

The hotel experience is just good The bed...
The hotel experience is just good. The bed side lamp wasn't working in my room, and unfortunately, the lift was broken. But the room was clean and a I had a good stay. I didn't like the price to access the internet wi-fi: £15 for 24h
Reviewed by K Freire; Reviewed in May 2010

Everything about the hotel and service was lovely...
Everything about the hotel and service was lovely, it was just unfortunate that my room had no window.
Reviewed by M CHURCHES; Reviewed in Apr 2010

i boooked this hotel on its recommendation through...
i boooked this hotel on its recommendation through laterooms for £110. I booked a superiour Single, but on arrival was allocated a basement room which was a standard double. i was informed that breakfast was not included in the price. However later in the day I witnessed 2 single guests check in who were charged a "special" rate by the receptionist of £110 inc breakfast. So a slightly bitter taste in the mouth here.... the room was at the front, below the pavement, noisey late at night and I was awake with deliveries at 6am.Would I go back? No i dont think so.Would I recommend it? Not if they are going to advertise it on laterooms and then fiddle the charges just to get the difference out of the guests.
Reviewed by G Keane; Reviewed in Apr 2010

Prix propos tr s int ressant Personnel agr...
Prix proposé très intéressant. Personnel agréable, chambre spacieuse et bien aménagée, salle de bain correcte mais désuète (rénovée à la manière british, aurait besoin d'une autre rénovation), calme, literie excellente. A 2 min. du métro.
Reviewed by Valerie C; Reviewed in Apr 2010

We booked the Gainsborough hotel as it was...
We booked the Gainsborough hotel as it was close to the Albert Hall. We found the staff to be helpful and the complimentary cup of tea on arrival was a nice touch...and much needed!! Our room was clean, comfortable and if would not hesitate in booking again. On the morning we checked out the receptionist was efficient and friendly. All in all a lovely hotel in an excellent location and excellent value for money. Nice one Laterooms!!!
Reviewed by D TYRRELL; Reviewed in Apr 2010

The hotel was ok and staff were friendly...
The hotel was ok and staff were friendly! However, the cleaners were very very noisy and did not seem to have any respect for the guests staying in the hotel!Nicely located in Kensigton, The hotel was a little old fashioned for my liking, but for one nights stay I suppose it did the job! If I was visiting the area again I would not be choosing the Gainsborough.
Reviewed by N Davis; Reviewed in Apr 2010

These comments apply to their sister hotel the...
These comments apply to their sister hotel the Gallery which is opposite - they moved me there when I arrived, but they seem pretty much identical.
Reviewed by Melanie J; Reviewed in Mar 2010

Hotel Ideally located for Museum's and if you...
Hotel Ideally located for Museum's and if you plan on eating out whilst your staying. No heating in room (broken) No beer on draught. Waited 40mins for a burger. I think you get the picture.......
Reviewed by Martyn A; Reviewed in Mar 2010

I have stayed all over the world from...
I have stayed all over the world from 2 to 5 stars accommodation and I would rate this hotel no better than some of the 2 star hotels I have stayed in. Room was clean enough, but the hotel is dated and needs some serious work to bring it up to modern standards. Staff looked stressed and it took ages to get hot water. The curtains didn't cover the window, the heating of the room was an old heater/ac system which concerned me and the double bed was just 2 singles pushed together. They charge for the internet, which is just another way of getting more money out of customers, which they won't be getting from me again.
Reviewed by G Henderson; Reviewed in Mar 2010

Good hotel to a decent standard- would stay...
Good hotel to a decent standard- would stay again.
Reviewed by Luke F; Reviewed in Feb 2010

The radiator in the room was on full...
The radiator in the room was on full when I arrived and the temperature control didn't work. The room was very small so was unbearably hot. I notified reception and they said that they couldn't do anything about it and couldn't offer me any other rooms. I pointed out to them that the Housekeeping staff must have been aware of the problem when they were making up the room so should have mentioned this. The bedcover was stained and there was no remote control in the room.When I checked out I said how disappoined I was as I had not been able to sleep because of the heat. The reception staff said they would mention it to the Manager. I have had no contact from the Manager since.
Reviewed by S Ward; Reviewed in Feb 2010

Position excellent Public areas and staff very pleasant...
Position excellent. Public areas and staff very pleasant. Breakfast [continental] quite good.However, the room [404] was disappointing. Hot water not hot enough for shaving. The lack of an electric socket and the need to use a trailing lead in order to make a cup of tea is a serious health and safety issue. The very handsome curtains were partially off their track and, given the room's dimensions, a potential trip hazard given the volume heaped on the floor. This sort of comment might not apply on the lower floors if they are generally larger. The TV remote control didn't work, consequently, we could only access the basic range of programmes and BBC 1 was BBC Wales, which seemed odd. There was no newspaper service on offer and the Information Pack lacked a lot of information.
Reviewed by Clive Tempest; Reviewed in Feb 2010

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Reviewed by Michelle R; Reviewed in Feb 2010

Firstly the front desk staff and the service...
Firstly, the front desk staff and the service were completely in order. The room was supposed to be a higher quality than the standard single rooms, but this was not noticable. The windows allowed too much cold air into the room and the temperature was too low.The internet connection was expensive and it was not possible to select 24 hrs which meant that internet by the hour was the only option. To the credit of the front desk, on complaint, the internet bill was adjusted to a 24 hr charge.However, it is standard in most Hotels of this quality to have unrestricted Free Internet access.The staff of this Hotel are so genuine and pleasant and deserve a premises and services to offer that match their professionalism.
Reviewed by John M; Reviewed in Feb 2010

Really lovely friendly hotel- just wish the room...
Really lovely, friendly hotel- just wish the room had been a bit bigger!
Reviewed by S Ward; Reviewed in Dec 2009

staff at the reception wasnt very kind lt...
staff at the reception wasnt very kindI had the impression to arrive in a military headquarter
Reviewed by A C; Reviewed in Dec 2009

The Reception area and welcome from the desk...
The Reception area and welcome from the desk clerk led me to believe that I was staying in a very special hotel, however when I got to my room I felt very disappointed. It was very small and poky and although things like not being able to get the heater to work or close the curtains properly may seem like minor setbacks, when one is away from home nd needing a cosy quiet evening in my room - these things count!I also found it quite noisy throughout the night as my room overlooked the street and I did n't get much sleep.There was also a problem when I checked out as my company had pre-paid the bill and the desk clerk was unaware of this. All in all I was glad to get out and I would not choose to stay here again.
Reviewed by Maria D; Reviewed in Dec 2009

Hi this the second time I have stayed...
Hi this the second time I have stayed at the Gainsborough Hotel. We turned up the first time to be told that we had been moved from a 'Superior Room' to an'Excecutive Superior Room' . We were given a front room on 2nd floor looking out to the front of hotel. It was a 4 poster bed with a couple of chairs and glass table but bathroom had corner bath with spa attachments that had'nt worked for a long time and no room to move in the bathroom. This second time we were given a room on first floor room okay bright and cheerful, bathroom the shower leaked into bath when you put the bath taps on and the patio doors lead to a air conditioning unit where the pigeons have decided to live and bird poo all over the place no escape out there incase of fire and woken by the pigeons at 7 in the morning. Felt very claustrophobic couldn't wait to get out of the room. Shame not a bad hotel, foreigns staff but do their best. The urgently need a plumber to sort out their bathrooms. Would stay again if I could view the room beforehand.
Reviewed by H Broad; Reviewed in Nov 2009

My son arrived here as emergency stay as...
My son arrived here as emergency stay, as he had missed last train home to Scotland. We had arranged over internet and were paying with our credit card. My son was upset and exhausted and they were going to put him out on the street again unless we faxed copies of credit card details to them immediately, even althoughwe had already given them everything over the phone. Staff were totally unsympathetic and if my son had not been in this situation we would sent him somewhere else. Room was fine, but expensive for one night emergency stay.
Reviewed by A Rae; Reviewed in Nov 2009

The room was in keeping with the style...
The room was in keeping with the style of the Hotel, and was entirely acceptable. Clean good linen, space to work and sleep and good bathroom facilities.
Reviewed by Clive L; Reviewed in Nov 2009

Although I was booked to stay in the...
Although I was booked to stay in the Gainsborough, I was redirected to stay in the Gallery Hotel opposite. I have previously stayed in the Gainsborough which was of a high standard. However, the Gallery was a better establishment, albeit a little tired and worn a most enjoyable stay. The room was clean and all amenities worked and despite being close to The Cromwell Road, was also very quiet. All amenities close by, including restaurants (stay away from the Italian restaurants on Cromwell Road they are dreadful. Walk a short distance along to near Gloucester Road tube and there are some good restaurants with excellent service. The Hereford Pub in Gluocester road offers excellent English pub food, reasonably priced with a goos landlord and staff to match. All in all, The Gallery or Gainsborough are highly recommended from someone who has high expectations and requires good service with value for money.
Reviewed by K Foote; Reviewed in Nov 2009

We stayed in a bed room which left...
We stayed in a 3 bed room which left little space for putting suitcases down other than on the floor space between the beds. We did book at last minute but would have been happier if the room hadn't been wrapped around the lift so that every time it was used during the night, we heard it loud and clear. Also the power socket positions meant that we had to put the kettle on the floor to boil it for a cup of tea. The only window was in the bathroom and looked out onto brick walls. Having said all this, the room was clean, we did have tea making facilities and the hotel location was handy for tube and for all the museums & tourist attractions.Think I'd look around before booking this hotel again but would stay again if nothing else was available.
Reviewed by Yvonne E; Reviewed in Nov 2009

We found our room to be very tired...
We found our room to be very tired looking. I lost an earring, it went under the bed. Upon looking there, I was shocked to see months of dust and particles. The bathroom was archaic too.The position near Knightsbridge was good for coming and going and of course the close proximity to the museums too.The hotel needs updating!
Reviewed by M Morgan; Reviewed in Oct 2009

Firstly be aware that a booking at the...
Firstly be aware that a booking at the Gainsborough Hotel does NOT mean you will actually be at this Hotel. I arrived to check in and was directed to a sister hotel. Not what I wanted. The receptionist did mot have good enough english to understand that I wanted the hotel I booked, not an alternate. I capitulated ... as we british do...and checked in. At 10pm the fire alrm went off. we all trooped out. no info, stood outside for 15 mintes, then invited back. At 11pm ... you guessed....srood outside again. the alarm then sounded during the night at 30 minute intervals, finally being switched off at 4.30 am. Avoid this hotel like the plague...come on late rooms you can do better than this. Oh by the way when I asked to speak to the manager the next day no-one was available
Reviewed by s fox; Reviewed in Oct 2009

We arrived at Gainsborough Hotel and was told...
We arrived at Gainsborough Hotel and was told that our room had been upgraded from Executive to Super Executive. We had to find the room ourselves which wasn't a problem. The room was fine had a double four poster bed and a single in it with glass table and two chairs. The bathroom had a corner bath which was too big for the small bathroom and also it didn't even work was too old. Although clean did need a some decorating and updating done to it. We had buffet breakfast which was fine. Overall the hotel runs okay with staff that speak English but slowly but very polite. Great location to walk to Harrods,Kensington High Strret, Hyde Park ect. A bit noisy you hear the traffic all night but I was tired so slept okay my partner went to bed with head phones to block noise. So maybe double glazing would help. Enjoyed the weekend.
Reviewed by H Broad; Reviewed in Oct 2009

The hotel was expensive for what you got...
The hotel was expensive for what you got - a small basic room. Unfortunately mine also looked out over a busy street so was also noisy. However, it is in a nice location and it was clean.
Reviewed by Ruth D; Reviewed in Oct 2009

I will never stay at the Gainsborough again...
I will never stay at the Gainsborough again. The room was small, tired and in need of renovation.
Reviewed by S Riley; Reviewed in Oct 2009

Hotel was hard to find No signs outside...
Hotel was hard to find. No signs outside. Room was freezing. The cleaniness is questionable as I came out covered in mosquito bites the next morning (despite of being October!). Not a nice experience.
Reviewed by Gabriel M; Reviewed in Oct 2009

This hotel offered very little in terms of...
This hotel offered very little in terms of customer service. While the accommodation appeared very sumptuous, and the hotel is certainly well situated, overall it was extremely disappointing and very poor value for money.The financial arrangements were not satisfactory - methods of processing payments leave much to be desired. The Continental breakfast was very disappointing, and I was not offered the choice of a full English, despite that having appeared on the tarrif. The room was clean, but the pillows were lumpy. But by far the worst thing was the disturbance I experienced from the guests in the room next door one night, which the night staff appeared powerless to do anything about. The walls must be paper thin, I could hear every word of a heated conversation the 3 or 4 people in the next room were having at 3:15 in the morning. One does not expect that sort of behaviour from fellow guests at a South Kensington hotel on a Wednesday night, and where it occurs one would certainly expect the hotel to take some action to guarentee their business guests a reasonable nights sleep.
Reviewed by A Palmer; Reviewed in Oct 2009

I can't believe this is classified as a...
I can't believe this is classified as a four star it didn't even have a shower!!!!
Reviewed by Maggie K; Reviewed in Oct 2009

stayed here as the location was good for...
stayed here as the location was good for the albert hall. Room was tiny, shower leaked and had little power. The worst thing were the windows which are old and so did not close. This meant it was really noisy, and even if they had been shut it still would have kept me awake. Fine for what we used it for which was somewhere close to the albert hall and it was nice to be so close to the natural history museum but don't go if you actually want to stay in a nice hotel and care about quality.
Reviewed by Brendan W; Reviewed in Sep 2009