The Columbia

The hotel is an imposing Victorian building facing Kensington Gardens near the Lancaster Gate tube station. We were able to check in early, which was very much appreciated (after leaving home in the early hours). The spacious room was on the top, 3rd, floor with a good view of Kensington Gardens (photos uploaded). The room and en-suite were cleaned and tidied each day and the consumables (toiletries, tea, milk, biscuits) replenished. The double bed was comfortable as were the armchairs. The en-suite had a full-size bath, again much appreciated. We were also able to check out a bit later than standard, allowing us to conveniently visit a museum in the morning and to quickly refresh for the journey home. All the staff we encountered were very friendly and helpful. We will definitely consider staying here again on a future visit (in contrast to a similar hotel a couple of hundred metres away that we stayed in the previous time).

We were notified before travelling that there was a problem with the lift which was awaiting a replacement part. This meant that we had to use the stairs each time and there were a lot of them as the imposing building had high ceilings. However, we would not have swapped the view for a lower room and we no doubt benefited from the extra exercise. The hotel offered, and we gladly accepted, the transfers of the suitcase between reception and the room. This imposing hotel has seen much better days and would benefit from refurbishment. However, it is clean (passing my wife's demanding test) and offers a comfortable, spacious stay in a good location at a reasonable price.

We loved the very special and historical enviroment of the place- it was an accomodation for a few rock bends, and it's very beautiful, and artistic. ( you can google about the history of the building ) the location was perfect!! Next to tube, bus, train to hithro, cafe's and restaurants, and a minuet walk from the beautiful kensington park. The team, as well, was very friendly and helpful. Its a small and familiar place. If you are not coming on august- its very recomanded.

There is no aircon, that's fine, but.... there was only a realy tiny fan, that hardly helped... I would expect tow of them, or a bigger one, in the hit of august 2022. The elevator didnt wark- they tald us there was some kind of a problam with that, make sure you check it befor your arrival.. The team did sujest a hand with the luggege, thow. The room is clean, and very basic. Beautiful view to the park

Quirkiness of the hotel, all staff was very polite and welcoming, perfect location, and would stay again

Walls are paper thin, floor boards really creaky could hear people walking around in the room next door/landing.

Hotel was clean, very friendly staff and the location was FANTASTIC. The Hotel has maintained its original features and is nothing like a modern new build, but this adds character. The beds were comfy, the water was hot and the continental breakfast was perfect to get us started for the day. We had views of the park and the church, shops and pubs were within a few minutes walking in both directions, and buses right by the door. The price was great for location and as we were super busy during the day it was perfect for what we needed. If you research the hotels history you will see why it is being kept original. The hotel is dated but read up on the history, it quite good! We were on the 4th floor, the grand stair case stops at floor 3 and you have to take the service stairs from there. For us, not a problem and quite an experience, but if you don't like climbing stairs just book a lower floor. The hotel is like a maze but again it adds to the adventure of exploring. We would definitely stay again

Personal choice but I was not a fan of the art work in the breakfast room, and if you don't like taking the stairs only the service lift was working and was a little slow.

The room was a little bit dated, but clean and cosy. Room was cleaned every day and as a special bonus the cleaners arranged the cuddly toys of my daughter in a different arrangement on our beds, to the delight of my daughter. Very friendly. Breakfast was quite basic and simple for the price paid, but the coffee was good! It is a very calm hotel in a calm neighbourhood, close to Lancaster Gate underground station. Bus stops at the hotel, Santander bikes at the back of the hotel. Hyde Park across the street. Lovely restaurants nearby in Lancaster Terrace, or a bit further away in Queensway. The walk to Paddington Station is also doable and nice.

Toilet flush is very outdated and does not function effectively. Seats in the room are worn out. No safe in the room anymore. Very slow and small elevator. Would not recommend staying in room 409 that is close to the elevator, since the door bangs very loudly when let loose after leaving the elevator.

Parking (cheap for the location) and location were super. Quiet despite being next to a main road alongside Hyde Park. Nice large room, good for two adults and a teenager. The hotel was a very charming old town house style. Bus and trains within walking distance. A super early check-in was available. Artwork in the lounge area was a very good choice.

One lift was out of order (hotel was being renovated during our stay). Breakfast was very basic. Room was spacey, but with squeaky floorboards. Little space to hang things or store things in the bathroom. Shower was fixed and not adjustable (a tad too low for me, but ok for my wife and son). TV could have been a bit bigger. Breakfast room decorations was not approved by my wife.

The position in front of hyde park, and to the bus stop. in 15' you're close to university area, museum of science and natural museum, portobello road and notthing hill. Basic breakfast but good enough to satisfy every needs. Room as they were so traditional and not modern included bathroom, apart this cleaning is very good and loved the architecture too.

I'd like to have opportunity to have traditional english breakfast with scrambled eggs, bacon and so on. To me a bathroom renewal keeping the traditional architecture of the building with a touch of modernity can bring this hotel to another level of comfort.

The location was brilliant! Very short walk from Lancaster Gate tube station and across the road from central Hyde park. The breakfast was a basic continental breakfast, perfect for getting started for the day. The staff were brilliant. It was my birthday during the stay and they set up a breakfast table for us, printed a birthday card picture and they had a happy birthday flag in a breakfast pastry! They go above and beyond for every resident during the stay. The bar is available until late, even when closed the staff at the desk will open it in late evening. The stay was also during a heatwave and there was a fan provided in the room.

Honestly I didn’t have any problem while staying there

Location is great. Close to the tube station and by Hyde park for walks and exercise. Staff very friendly and helpful. Clean rooms and facilities.

It feels like an older hotel with many lifts out of order, creaky floors, loud door shuts (no buffer on the shutting motion if you don't hold the door open). If you need a modern hotel this is not the top choice. But if you like a hotel with character and spacious canteen, lounge this is the one. The room I had was on the large side for London and for the price range.

Location is amazing. Right across is Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens. Close by to Oxford Street, Hight Street Kensington & Notting Hill. If you a concept at Royal Albert Hall walk straight thru the park and you are there! Breakfast continental is lovely. Staff are extremely friendly and helpful. Close by to transport. Walking distance from Paddington Station. Cafes, restaurants and other amenities close by.

Rooms & place needs a make over in my opinion however rooms were very clean and spacious.