Photo: Courtesy of the property
Year after year, London tops lists of the world’s most popular destinations. And that’s no surprise, given the Royal Family’s notoriety, the city’s rich history and multicultural tapestry, and its abundant entertainment and culinary gems. Frequent travelers or those who take extended stay trips looking for a place that feels more like home will love The Other House South Kensington (or The Other House for short), a property that combines apartment living with the perks of a private club but without the membership fees. Keep reading for our full review of The Other House.
The Look of The Other House South Kensington
The Other House is designed to look like a residential building rather than a hotel building, which is ideal for those looking for a stay that makes them feel like a local rather than a tourist. From the outside, guests will notice that the property’s facade is 11 Victorian townhomes. Once inside, though, it’s evident that there are more than 11 places to stay. There are 200 Club Flats, plus private meeting and dining rooms, two bars, a screening room, and wellness spaces. There’s also an all-day street café and a signature cocktail bar that are also open to the public. The super stylish design manages to be both moody and playful, think: lots of different patterns and textures, signature owl and monkey wallpaper, gem-colored velvet cushions, and a variety of gold and bejeweled animal ornaments throughout.
The lobby of The Other House feels more intimate than a traditional hotel, with a 30-foot botanical chandelier and gold elevators. The actual flats all feature period architecture, and range from studios to three-bedroom configurations. Additionally, some can be connected for two to four flat combos. Each flat has a living area, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom, and features dark gem-toned colors alongside tweed and wool bedding and cushions.
The Vibe at The Other House South Kensington
The Other House has more of a locals-only feel than a regular hotel since flats can be rented for anywhere between one day to one year. Another big bonus of staying here is the elevated private club perks, like two member lounges, the gym, and the pool, all without a pricey membership fee.
Who Will Love The Other House South Kensington
Travelers looking for accommodations with ample space and amenities will love The Other House South Kensington. Those who take longer trips and want a central home base will also love the location of The Other House.
Who Might Not Love The Other House South Kensington
Those who want a more traditional hotel experience may want to look elsewhere for accommodations.
Best Amenity at The Other House South Kensington
Amenities are wide-ranging here, and it’s truly a toss-up between the two 24-hour member lounges, each with a distinct vibe, and the wellness amenities like the vitality pool and the steam room. Both are part of the private club access for those staying at The Other House and are worth checking out during a stay.
What’s Included at The Other House South Kensington
Your stay includes unlimited access to the private club and its amenities, storage facilities, and smart lockers for deliveries.
Extra Fees & Costs You Should Know About at The Other House South Kensington
Some of the wellness treatments and events thrown by the private club are an additional cost.
How to Get a Deal at The Other House South Kensington
Check out the offers tab on the hotel website for seasonal offers and packages.
The Sweet Season
The low season in London is generally from late October through early April, though this is also when the weather can be more unpredictable. If you’re looking for slightly better weather, consider shoulder season, which is late April through May and September through mid-October. Shoulder season can also bring better hotel deals and fewer crowds.
In the Neighborhood of The Other House South Kensington
You’ll find the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum near The Other House. Kensington Palace, Royal Albert Hall, and Hyde Park are all about a 20-minute walk from the hotel.
Nearest Airport to The Other House South Kensington
The nearest airport is the London City Airport, which is about 11 miles away. London Heathrow is also accessible at 13 miles away.
Nearest Public Transportation to The Other House South Kensington
The Gloucester Road Underground station is a two-minute walk from The Other House.
For a stay in the middle of all of the action and that makes you feel like a local, check in to The Other House South Kensington.