base2stay, London
25 Courtfield Gardens, Kensington, London
A gem of a place to stay for families in pleasant surroundings at a reasonable price
Visiting London you expect a hotel stay to be noisy but base2stay is on a quiet road opposite a small grassy square. Conveniently located in Kensington close to many eateries and supermarkets it is a super base for families who prefer a more flexible stay to standard hotels. Every room has its own mini-kitchen with microwave and fridge, thus giving parents with young children the facilities to eat when desired and not at fixed restaurant time slots.
There's no restaurant at the hotel but the "base directory" provides you with a comprehensive guide to all the local eateries (and believe me you will be spoilt for choice) AND not only can they point you in the right direction, it is more than likely they will also produce a voucher for you to use against your bill and receive discounts of up to 30%. Also you are most welcome to have your food delivered to base2stay from local shops and restaurants. If there is anything that a guest particularly needs prior to their arrival, such as a pint of full fat milk or juice awaiting in the fridge, the staff will do their utmost to accommodate anyone's wishes.
We were warmly greeted at the front desk by enthusiastic staff into a warm and pleasant environment. Throughout the hotel the decor is impressive with crisp, clean lines and muted colours the overall effect is very calming. All rooms have air conditioning and luxurious touches such as the heated towel rails and quality hairdryers.
A rare feature for new hotels and apartments is to offer family accommodation. base2stay can go one better than interconnecting rooms. Families can have two rooms next to each other but are connected by your own private hallway, a bit like a suite. There are also rooms which are big enough to allow a family of 4 to stay together. One family room has the novelty of bunk beds and cots can be readily provided free of charge.
The beds were most comfortable and I managed to nod off in record time. I think the luxurious oversized showers had helped ease the day's stresses away with complimentary toiletries and luxurious fluffy towels.
Handy vending machines located at convenient points on corridors and prices to match (if not beat) the corner shop means a midnight attack of the munchies will not be a costly one. Neither will be an in room film, with prices at £2 base2stay certainly goes that extra mile to keep costs down. Having the free internet access was fantastic for checking up on train timetables and e-mails. You also have free access to WiFi throughout the hotel. It was great to have such a source available for planning family days out in London although I must say the staff were my first port of call for information. You also have free access to a catalogue of songs and I couldn't resist a Whitney classic. As well as the music library there is also free games for children (and adults too!).
base2stay is only the 2nd hotel in London to receive Gold for the Green Tourism for London Award. An award they are very proud of.
base2Stay is near the Natural History Museum which is an absolute must visit for any young dinosaur fan and it also houses the newly opened Darwin Centre. You are also handy for The Victoria and Albert Museum, The Science Museum, The Royal Albert Hall and Knightsbridge. Gloucester Road and Earls Court tube stations are a stroll away making it easy for families to see all the main tourist attractions of London.