If you’ve been searching for a historic London hotel that blends Victorian character with modern comfort, this review explains everything you need to know. Owned and operated by Millennium Hotels & Resorts, The Bailey’s Hotel London Kensington has occupied its Grade II listed townhouse building since 1876, making it one of the capital’s oldest continuously trading hotels. Below, you’ll find verified facts about ownership, heritage, address, room types, pricing, and what past guests consistently highlight in their reviews.
Last checked: 2026-05-30
Hotel Name: The Bailey’s Hotel London Kensington ·
Address: 140 Gloucester Road, London ·
Year Built: 1883 (141 years ago) ·
Heritage Listing: Grade II listed
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-05-30.
Sources reviewed: official property website, Travel Weekly trade listing, Booking.com listing, KAYAK listing, TripAdvisor user reviews, Google Hotels profile, Classic Vacations property description.
We did not conduct an on-site visit, staff interview, or independent price verification. All claims are drawn from publicly available sources listed above.
149 years of continuous operation (since 1876)
Victorian townhouse constructed in 1876
Under 15 minutes from hotel entrance
Snapshot
Address
- 140 Gloucester Road, London SW7 4QH, United Kingdom (Travel Weekly)
Operator
- Millennium Hotels & Resorts (Travel Weekly)
Year built
- 1876 (Travel Weekly)
Last renovation
- 2016 (Travel Weekly)
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Hotel name | The Bailey’s Hotel London Kensington |
| Address | 140 Gloucester Road, London SW7 4QH |
| Year built | 1876 |
| Neighbourhood | South Kensington, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea |
| Star rating | 4-star hotel |
| Operator | Millennium Hotels & Resorts |
| Number of rooms | Approximately 212 guest rooms |
| Guest rating | 8.3/10 “Very good” on Booking.com (based on over 2,000 reviews) |
| Phone | +44 20 7373 6000 |
| Check-in / check-out | 3:00 PM / 12:00 PM |
Who owns The Bailey’s Hotel London Kensington?
The Bailey’s Hotel London Kensington is managed and operated by Millennium Hotels & Resorts, a global hotel group that also manages the adjacent Millennium Gloucester Hotel and Millennium Conference Centre, with which it shares some services and facilities. Online travel agencies sometimes list the property under the full brand name “Millennium Bailey’s Hotel London Kensington,” though most current listings use the shorter “The Bailey’s Hotel London Kensington” designation.
What this means: When you book here, your stay also grants access to certain shared amenities at the neighbouring Millennium Gloucester Hotel, including expanded dining options and event spaces.
The hotel originally bore the Bailey family name from its founding era in the late 19th century. Travel Weekly notes that The Bailey’s Hotel was regarded as one of London’s most modern hotels for its time upon opening in 1876, attracting visiting dignitaries and travellers during the Victorian era. The property now operates as a four-star boutique hotel within the Millennium portfolio, having undergone its most recent major renovation in 2016.
What makes The Bailey’s Hotel unique?
Three features consistently appear across guest reviews and property listings as distinguishing factors.
Victorian architecture and period features
Tripadvisor reviews frequently highlight preserved Victorian decor and original features, including a sweeping staircase and period detailing, as key attractions for guests seeking character accommodation in London. KAYAK describes the property as a boutique-style hotel within a 19th-century townhouse, differentiating it from larger chain hotels in the area. This heritage positioning sets it apart from purpose-built modern hotels in South Kensington.
149 years of continuous operation
Since opening in 1876, The Bailey’s Hotel has traded continuously for nearly a century and a half, placing it among London’s oldest hotel properties still in operation. This longevity is reflected in the building’s established character and the consistency of its hospitality tradition.
Prime South Kensington location
The hotel stands directly opposite Gloucester Road Underground station, giving guests immediate access to the Piccadilly, Circle, and District lines. Booking.com rates the location as “Excellent.” Classic Vacations notes proximity to the Victoria and Albert Museum (approximately 0.6 miles) and the Natural History Museum (within a 10-minute walk), along with Imperial College London.
The implication: The combination of a historic building with preserved Victorian features, a central South Kensington location opposite a major tube station, and current ownership by an established international hotel group creates a distinctive offering for travellers prioritising heritage character alongside modern hotel services.
What is the address of The Bailey’s Hotel?
The official postal address is 140 Gloucester Road, London SW7 4QH, United Kingdom, confirmed across multiple verified sources including Travel Weekly, Booking.com, Google Hotels, and KAYAK. Pour en savoir plus sur le Bailey’s Hotel London Kensington, consultez les Hôtel Coral Beach Hurghada avis.
Main entrance location
The main entrance faces onto Courtfield Road, with the hotel building positioned directly opposite Gloucester Road Underground station. The property spans five floors within the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
Nearest tube station
Gloucester Road Underground station is the closest station, serving the Piccadilly, Circle, and District lines. The station is directly opposite the hotel entrance, making it one of the most conveniently located properties in the area for visitors relying on public transport.
What to watch: If arriving from Heathrow Airport, the Piccadilly line provides a direct connection to Gloucester Road without changing lines. From central London, both the Piccadilly and District lines serve the station directly.
Detailed specification
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Number of floors | 5 |
| Approximate room count | 212 guest rooms |
| Room types | Double rooms, family rooms, twin/double rooms, suites, twin rooms |
| Check-in time | 3:00 PM |
| Check-out time | 12:00 PM |
| Phone | +44 20 7373 6000 |
| Fax | +44 20 7370 3760 |
| Distance from central London | Approximately 2.5–2.6 miles from the centre |
Pros and cons
Advantages
- Historic Victorian building with preserved period features and a sweeping staircase
- Directly opposite Gloucester Road Underground station with three tube lines
- Within walking distance of the Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, and Imperial College London
- Guest rating of 8.3/10 “Very good” on Booking.com (over 2,000 reviews)
- Access to shared facilities at adjacent Millennium Gloucester Hotel
- Free Wi-Fi for guests
- 24-hour room service and business centre
- Bugis Singapore Restaurant serving Asian cuisine on-site
Considerations
- Not a contemporary or design-focused property; character comes from Victorian heritage rather than modern aesthetics
- Breakfast charged separately (approximately GBP 22.50 for adults, per Classic Vacations)
- Self-parking approximately GBP 50 per day (per Classic Vacations)
- As a boutique property within a larger hotel group, room sizes and configurations vary across the building
Best for
Pricing guidance
Nightly rates at The Bailey’s Hotel London Kensington vary by season, room category, and booking provider. KAYAK listings show example prices in the range of approximately $177–$208 on sample dates for certain room categories, excluding taxes and fees. Rates fluctuate throughout the year, with weekends and peak tourist seasons typically commanding higher prices.
The catch: These are sample indicative ranges from aggregators. Always compare prices across multiple booking platforms and check directly with the property for the most accurate current rates for your travel dates.
Additional charges to budget for:
- Breakfast: approximately GBP 22.50 per adult (English breakfast, per Classic Vacations)
- Self-parking: approximately GBP 50 per day (per Classic Vacations)
- Airport shuttle: approximately GBP 60 per vehicle one-way (maximum 4 passengers, per Classic Vacations)
- Late check-out: approximately GBP 25 subject to availability (per Classic Vacations)
Location and getting there
The hotel is situated at 140 Gloucester Road, London SW7 4QH, in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, approximately 2.5–2.6 miles from central London. The nearest tube station is Gloucester Road Underground, directly opposite the hotel entrance.
Transport options
- Underground: Gloucester Road station (Piccadilly, Circle, District lines) is directly opposite the hotel entrance
- From Heathrow: Take the Piccadilly line direct to Gloucester Road
- From Gatwick: Take the Gatwick Express to Victoria, then the District or Piccadilly line to Gloucester Road
- From Stansted: Take the Stansted Express to Liverpool Street, then the Circle line to Gloucester Road
- By road: On-site self-parking available for approximately GBP 50 per day
Comparable hotels in South Kensington
| Hotel | Chain | Distance to Gloucester Road Tube | Price bracket | Notable feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Bailey’s Hotel London Kensington | Millennium Hotels & Resorts | Directly opposite | Mid-range to upper-mid | Victorian townhouse, 149-year history |
| The Kensington Hotel | Part of a larger collection | Approximately 0.4 miles | Upper-mid to premium | Contemporary design, townhouse setting |
| The Milestone Hotel | Independent | Approximately 0.3 miles | Premium to luxury | Historic mansion, ultra-luxury positioning |
| The Ampersand Hotel | Independent | Approximately 0.2 miles | Upper-mid | Scientific-inspired design, period building |
Our recommendation
For couples, history enthusiasts, and architecture lovers visiting London who want genuine Victorian heritage character in a convenient South Kensington location, The Bailey’s Hotel London Kensington delivers a distinctive alternative to contemporary hotels. Its direct tube access, preserved period features, and 149-year legacy appeal most to travellers who value character and history alongside practical location advantages.
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What is the nearest tube station to The Bailey’s Hotel?
Gloucester Road Underground station is directly opposite the hotel entrance at 140 Gloucester Road. It serves the Piccadilly, Circle, and District lines.