Need to know
Rooms
111, including five suites.
Check–Out
Noon. Check-in, 2pm.
More details
Rates are room only; Continental breakfast costs from £22 (there’s also a tempting à la carte menu).
Also
The hotel serves afternoon tea from noon to 6.30pm Monday to Friday and noon to 7.30pm on weekends and bank holidays, and a playful version from noon until 5.30pm is inspired by the neighbouring Science Museum. Jams are served in petri dishes, chocolates are shaped like spacemen and there are solar-system-inspired cakes. Or would-be palaeontologists will love the Natural History Museum-leaning Jurassic Afternoon Tea, where volcano cakes 'erupt' through dry ice, there are fossilised biscuits and a mini archaeological 'dig' under chocolate soil.
At the hotel
Gym, ping-pong table, free WiFi throughout. In rooms: minibar (with non-alcoholic drinks included), a flatscreen TV, an iPod dock, and Malin + Goetz bath products.
Our favourite rooms
Do you like birds, botany, architecture, geometry, music or astronomy? Pick your room accordingly: each category has a different theme, inspired by nearby tourist-magnets: the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, the Victoria & Albert and the Royal Albert Hall. Some of the second-floor rooms face a primary school, and you may hear the kiddos at playtime; book one facing the front for peace and quiet (and the best street views). Coffee fans will be grateful for the Nespresso machines in suites’ kitchenettes.
Packing tips
Bring flat shoes for the museums and stilettos for South Ken’s drinking holes, but leave your slippers at home: the hotel’s own are foot-soothingly soft.
Pet‐friendly
Small dogs and cats can stay in Deluxe category rooms and higher, at no extra cost; just let the hotel know in advance. Owners will also be expected to keep dogs in check: no running amok in the civilised tea salon, please. See more pet-friendly hotels in London.
Children
Very welcome: cots and extra beds can be added for free to the Deluxe rooms and higher categories. Babysitting can be arranged (prices vary, depending on the time of day and number of children). Little Smiths are allowed in the restaurant.