Tablet Plus
Number Sixteen
16 Sumner Place, London, England, UK
Neighborhood: Kensington
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Number Sixteen is either the coziest boutique hotel in London, or the most luxurious bed and breakfast—we’re still not sure. The location, down a sleepy side street in South Kensington, is fairly well hidden; just a row of nineteenth-century Victorian townhouses without so much as a sign to show the way. If you intend to bring the party back to your room at the end of the night, then there are many more suitable (and more flashy) hotels around town—Number Sixteen is notable for its comfort and its quiet charm.
Interiors avoid an excess of clichéd Englishness, mixing the usual antiques with modern artworks and muted contemporary colors. The result is chic without being precious, and the overriding birds-and-butterflies theme is unique, though perhaps an odd choice. Rooms vary from typical London size (rather small) to surprisingly large, and all are luxuriously outfitted with big comfortable beds and top-quality linens. Some rooms come with balconies, and the views vary as well, looking over either Sumner Place or the meticulously kept gardens and conservatory around back. There’s no restaurant, though room service is available twenty-four hours a day, and the social void is filled by the hotel’s library and drawing room, where travelers huddle round the fireplace or the honor bar, according to taste.
Though Number Sixteen isn’t exactly nightlife central, there’s plenty to like about the geographic situation—the nearest underground station will connect you directly with Heathrow, the West End and the theater and financial districts. Within walking distance are Hyde Park, Harrods and the Knightsbridge shops, and the Natural History and Victoria & Albert museums are steps away. Swinging? Not quite, but for those who cringe at the very mention of that most tiresome word, this place is nearly perfect.
How to get there:
Number Sixteen hotel is a 3-minute walk from the South Kensington tube station. If you’re arriving from Heathrow Airport the most convenient transfer option to central London is the Heathrow Express train, which leaves Heathrow Airport every 15 minutes and takes 15 minutes to arrive at Paddington Station. One-way fares are available from £18 and round-trip fares from £32. By black cab, Number Sixteen is approximately a 45-minute ride from Heathrow Airport (depending on traffic) and can cost upwards of £50.
- Complimentary upgrade upon hotel check-in, based upon availability
- One complimentary glass of champagne or one cocktail, per guest, upon arrival
- Complimentary welcome gift upon arrival
- Complimentary continental breakfast per guest (max 2 guests) - a value of 19 GBP per person.
- 41 Rooms
- Style: Modern Design
- Atmosphere: Lively
- 112 Guest Reviews
- Number Sixteen
- 16 Sumner Place
- London, England, UK
- Neighborhood: Kensington
Hotel amenities and services
- 100% non-smoking hotel
- 24 hour concierge
- 24 hour front desk
- Central air conditioning
- Luggage storage
- Room service
- Self service parking (charges apply)
- Wi-fi (charges apply)
Other London hotels
112 Guest Reviews
All reviews are from Tablet guests with verified stays.
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- Benedicte
- Stayed August 2011
- Rating: Excellent
What I liked:
Loved that it had a courtyard/garden where I could sit outside and have breakfast, afternoon tea or just relax.
Liked the style with individually designed rooms by Kit Kemp and even though I was in a single room (105), it was with a lovely balcony.
What the hotel could do better:
I had a very nice stay.
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- CHRISTOPHER
- Stayed May 2011
- Rating: Excellent
What I liked:
The service is fantastic, the overall style of the hotel is beyond!!! Very personal interiors with just enough creativity to make very interesting. The breakfast was also very good great selection
What the hotel could do better:
My room was a single room and is actually a single room. It was really disappointing however it was not the hotels fault it was my fault not understanding that it was a room for 1 person or more honestly a 7 year old child. The room was beyond small
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- Karen
- Stayed June 2011
- Rating: Excellent
What I liked:
Its an Oasis hidden in Kensington. If you want a boutique hotel with great service, perfect location, and immuculate but homely rooms its perfect. Breakfast in the garden was fantastic.
What the hotel could do better:
Nothing, had a wonderful stay! Will be coming back.