Tablet Plus
Number Sixteen
16 Sumner Place, London, England, UK
Neighborhood: Kensington
Check availability as rates may vary for dates. Best rate guaranteed.
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.
-
- Stephanie
- Stayed October 2012
- Rating: Fair
What I liked:
Firmdale hotels do a lot of things well. Service is generally very good, room amenities are quite good, and the hotel and room style is always pleasant.
What the hotel could do better:
This was my second - and last - stay at Number Sixteen. I love Firmdale, but was extremely disappointed in this visit. I picked this hotel for a couple of nights after my stay in London was extended and my hotel for the rest of the stay was unavailable. Location isn't ideal for business, but the rates are excellent for a Firmdale quality hotel (I paid 185 GPB/night for a queen bedded room - so not precisely cheap, but definitely not pricey by London standards).
They said they gave me an upgrade because of Tablet Plus - room was a closet, much smaller than my last stay although nearly the same price (I'd paid 195 on my last visit for a beautiful room). This room had a shared balcony and there were loud teenagers in the adjacent room, playing on it. So I asked to move. They then put me in a comparable room with no balcony, but no room safe. When I asked for a room with a safe - they told me my choices were to either pay an additional 50% over my rate or be downgraded to the originally booked room category. I chose to be downgraded. The room was same size as the 'upgrade' - though the bedding and such was of poor quality relative to anything I've experienced with Firmdale.
From that point forward, service was quite good - but that soured the experience for me and was a sharp reminder of 'you get what you pay for' ... I'll not make that mistake again.
-
- Benedicte
- Stayed August 2012
- Rating: Excellent
What I liked:
Lovely courtyard and common rooms. Lovely room.
What the hotel could do better:
Nothing, had a wonderful stay!
-
- alisa
- Stayed July 2012
- Rating: Excellent
What I liked:
Everything!
What the hotel could do better:
Nothing! It is a terrific place!!!!
