The Gore Hotel

What a stunning hotel to enjoy a glass of champagne and a superb afternoon tea. The friendly staff and warm welcome made us relax and enjoy the experience.

When it comes to accommodations, my expectations rise in proportion of the expense. The Gore did not quite make the grade. Interestingly, of the five nights that we stayed there, only two had the same rate. London is expensive, there’s no doubt about that. And our room, while small, was quite pleasant and we appreciated the complimentary spring water every day. The hotel does project a Victorian vibe, and the room was quite well lit and comfortable. The bed was comfortable and the linens were great. There was a small television, a coffee maker, complementary water, and a room safe. There was barely room for two suitcases, though, which meant using the floor. Our biggest complaint was the bathroom. While there were large soft towels and hot water and plenty of it, without any shower door or curtain the shower consistently sprayed the water all over the floor every time we showered. The plumbing must have been quite old, because it seemed to sing every time we turned on the hot water in the sink. As for the toilet, flushing generally produced a great deal of sound and fury but it signified very little. And the lighting was so dim that I felt like I was shaving in the dark.  This staff was very pleasant and helpful, and the room was straightened every day without fail.  The bar, Bar 190, was delightful, especially with the rock and roll history and the wood paneling, the clubby atmosphere, and the very pleasant and helpful staff. The location in Kensington, nestled among a smattering of embassies and colleges, was steps away from Kensington Gardens, right behind the Albert Hall, and about a 18 minute walk from Gloucester Road tube station.  There were restaurants and pubs nearby, although we didn’t see an enormous number of them.  The hotel charges an optional 5% surcharge in lieu of tipping, which obviates the need to tip the staff.  Since London is becoming virtually cashless, I suppose that makes sense.  So the hotel was pleasant, but it was not five stars. In fact, I would probably give it a three and a half, so I rounded up.  If we were to look for a similar hotel in London, we would probably return to the Montague on the Gardens in Bloomsbury instead.

It's ok but for what you pay disappointing. The reception staff and porter were very grumpy when we checked in and quite rude. The room was pleasant but there were limited teabags and no biscuits, when you pay this much for a hotel you expect a little bit more.

We recently stayed at The Gore and overall had a truly enjoyable experience. From the moment we arrived, the hotel had a wonderful city vibe—tucked away yet perfectly placed for exploring, especially with the Royal Albert Hall just a short walk away. The decor is beautifully traditional, full of character and very English in style, creating a cosy and welcoming atmosphere throughout. Our room was spacious and very comfortable, with everything we needed for a relaxing stay. The bathroom was surprisingly large too, featuring a really nice walk-in shower, which was a great touch. It all added to a feeling of comfort and quality that made it easy to settle in and enjoy the stay. The staff truly made the experience stand out—friendly, attentive, and genuinely invested in making sure guests are looked after. During our stay, there was a small incident that initially caused some concern. However, what truly stood out was how professionally the team responded. After speaking with Victoria, who had personally reviewed the situation in detail, it was clear that the matter had been taken seriously and handled thoroughly. Victoria took the time to walk me through exactly what had happened, how it had been investigated, and what actions had been taken. This level of transparency and care made a real difference and turned what could have been a negative into a very positive experience. It’s worth saying that the team didn’t just resolve the issue—they acknowledged it properly and demonstrated a genuine commitment to guest experience. That kind of accountability and service is not something you see everywhere. All in all, a small issue handled to a very high standard, within what was otherwise a fantastic stay. We really enjoyed our time here and wouldn’t hesitate to return. Highly recommended.

Mara and her male colleague (I don’t remember his name) were amazing and made the experience. Very friendly and professional. On a separate note, the food could have been better / temperature was an issue. Overall, amazing.