I don't usually write a bad review but I feel a bit ripped off on this occasion. It is not the cheapest hotel and so I was expecting a bit more. The room was miniscule for 2 people, almost impossible for both of us to be active at once. The beds were very hard, as were the pillows. The one lift is very small and slow. I would not say this was a comfortable stay and I would not stay here again.

Enchanting place. Room was small by my standards, but comfortable enough and well supplied with everything needed. Breakfast was incredible, though very pricey.

The hotel is also only a few minutes’ walk from Gloucester Road Underground Station, making it easy to reach attractions such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Tower of London, and the London Eye.

The best part about this hotel is the staff who go out of their way to make sure you are comfortable, your needs are met and you enjoy your stay. To a person they were wonderful- even when they had to deal with cranky travelers who were tired and hot. The other good thing is the location- it is very close to the Tube, coffee shops, restaurants, Hyde Park and other centrally located attractions, especially if you don't mind walking a bit. The single room was really small; smaller than it looked in the on-line photos. It was comfortable enough and not a place where I spent a lot of time, still be ready for a tight space if you stay here. The hotel also looks like it could use a bit of refresh; especially the carpets. Although rated 4 star, I would consider the Gem Strathmore a 3 star hotel. If I had booked it as such, my expectations would have been a lower.

So we arrived on a very hot day, to find, our window open letting in warm air and the air-conditioning not going below 19 degrees. The receptionist explained that the air-conditioning was fitted that day and required time to cool down. As we were going out to eat, we agreed, to see if it was cool enough then we would stay in the room. We got back, after a few hours, to find nothing had changed; reluctantly the receptionist managed to find us a room with the air-conditioning working. It was a more superior room, to the one we were first given, the only problem was that when we turned off the lights it also turned off the air conditioning. We had to spend the night with lights on just so the air conditioning worked. When we explained this to the hotel reception the, following morning, they didn't believe what we were saying. They sent up the hotel maintenance person, who saw for himself that we were telling the truth.

Hotel was pleasant and in good location, rooms decent but didn’t really see any benefit of booking a upgraded room, massive issue we had was heat wave with no air con and windows don’t really open, it was hard to get any sleep, so I would stay in the winter but prob not in height of summer! Staff were lovely and helpful!

Very comfortable, clean hotel in perfect location within walking distance to our event. Plenty of choice for breakfast both continental and full English! Staff very friendly too! Particularly welcomed a fan in our room, an air con unit in the bar area and free cooled water on tap as the hot weather made its way in!

no a/c and asked to pay upon check-in

No Issue with staff, or cleanliness. The room was very small for 3 days. At the foot of the bed there was 6 inches and post came in which created a hazard (stubbed toes). The bathroom was tiny could not swing a cat and in the hot weather little air to circulate. Should not be a double room and is not a superior room. Location good

Hotel.a wee bit dated. We had booked a superior twin. Our room was very small and the bathroom was too. Breakfast was adequate. For the price we paid it was a little disappointing. Staff were lovely and helpful.

Breakfast was poor. Went down for hot buffet breakfast at 9:30 and there was nothing left. When I queried they said it would be a few minutes. After waiting 20 mins we decided to leave and went out for breakfast. The top shelf within the wardrobe was very dusty as I discovered when I went to put on an item of clothing to go out. I then had to change my item of clothing.

Hotel is under renovation, they are installing air conditioning, so it was a little noisy during the day. Room was not available upon arrival due to construction. Hotel was okay for the price considering the location. Other hotels in the area are 2-3 times more. Shout out to the cleaning staff, they were great.

Top floor in a London summer with no air con…. Windows open, sirens and cars all night. Won’t be staying again!

This hotel is beautiful, historic, clean, and the surroundings are lovely. I wanted an attractive Kensington location near an iconic looking tube station which had access to the best lines for taking in the top sites. I also was looking for a room large enough for myself, husband, & 2 adult kids. This hotel hit every mark. Our room had a queen size bed and 2 twins. Room was not only attractive, but large. Definitely not easy to find in an older location. Here were the only drawbacks: London was having a heatwave. Only 80 F, which is a nice day to an American. But we were on 4th floor and AC is uncommon in the UK. Even the British Museum was hot. The hotel provided us two fans, one of which worked well. We were told they were putting in AC next year so that will be awesome. Reviews noted the very small/slow elevator. But at least there is one! Only other issue, which was surprising, was that there were only 3 outlets in the whole room, all in the same location (one was for their coffee pot). They provided us with a power strip but that meant, all phones, cpap, fans, hair tools, etc were all in one spot. Would have been nice to have phones nearby and fans spread out. We stayed in many hotels and even hostels across the UK which had convenient outlets for each bed. Perhaps its because of the buildings age? Can't handle the output? In any case, we would definitely stay here again. It hit the most important marks. Staff was also very helpful and friendly.

Paid a lot of money for a “superior double” and it was the smallest room we’ve ever stayed in. Literally 6 inches at the bottom of the bed and a tv on that wall to negotiate. I get this is London but this would be a small single at best. There were also boxed in pipes to negotiate whilst trying to squeeze through the 6 inches gap. Stubbed my toes a few times in the night ! The bed was very firm and the pillows flat foam. Did ask for some different pillows but they never arrived. Don’t usually write reviews but feel this needed saying. Can’t fault the location though. 5 mins from Gloucester rd tube and 15 min walk to the Albert hall/ 5 mins to natural history museum.

Maybe some grab handles in bathroom...eg....shower areas...

The staff are very polite and helpful. The rooms need an update - decoration wise.

It's a lovely old London hotel is a beautiful and great location. The staff are brilliant and so helpful. We went in the heatwave, which was a problem as there's no air conditioning and for safety our window on the 4th floor didn't open very far. The staff did what they could, closed the curtains put the fan on brought round cold water. You could get ice from the bar. But it was a struggle to sleep. I would visit again but check the weather first.

Good location for Albert hall etc. Fairly quiet surroundings. Room just too small for two people. Couldn't walk around end of bed. No space for bags. OK for single. Not good enough for the price paid.

It was very hot in London so the hotel had fans in rooms rather than air conditioning but due to the age and presentation of the building this can be understood. The staff were very friendly although the bar was very slow in serving and the lounge bar area is quite small for the number of guests, but everyone congregated in there due to the air conditioning portable units. The main unfortunate thing was when we woke and wanted to make a cup of tea the mugs were still dirty from previous guests. We did tell reception on route to breakfast but they had not been replaced by the time we checked out. Our room was quite small as was the shower, but overall the hotel is a lovely old building ideally situated for a trip to the Albert Hall and the Kensington area.