Tara Copthorne Hotel - Kensington
 

We will be staying at this hotel in June for a few nights. I booked it through priceline and have now discovered that it is a horrible hotel.

Has anyone stayed here and do we need to find another hotel? We aren't looking for luxury, just soemwhere clean, convenient and bearable.

Thanks

What have you heard that is 'horrible'...? I missed 'horrible' when we stayed there, our very first hotel in Europe, ever (1996). About the worst thing I can say is our room didn't have much of a view.
The location is wonderful, about 1-2 block walk to a Kensington Underground station, maybe 1/2 mile to the Kensington Palace, maybe 1 mile (20 min walk) to Hyde Park. Kensington High Street has lots of shops and restaurants.
The hotel had a doorman, nice big lobby, lovely breakfast room with nice buffet breakfast (part of our tour package); the room was fine, 2 beds, electric kettle, TV, etc. I don't look for luxury, either (can't afford it) and this hotel would actually be above the standard I would seek out at my budget (therefore, it isn't luxury but it certainly isn't 1-star either).
I realize 1996 was a few years back, but can't imagine this level hotel has slipped that much. Very curious as to what you heard about it...

I agree with travelnut. I stayed there several years ago and was very happy. The location is wonderful - close to a good tube station and good restaurants and my room was attractive and clean. I would stay there again.

Stayed there for my 10th anniversary in Feb. I though it was a nice hotel. Room was clean, bed very comfortable, nice bathroom. Booked through priceline. I also really liked the location near Kensington High street with all the shopping. I just do not get the complaints I saw online. I was like you, very upset that I had a horrible hotel for my anniversary. I have just gotten the hotel again thru Priceline for June and look forward to my stay. I did ask specifically for a room on a high floor away from the train when I checked in. We even ate from roomservice one night when we were very tired and it was okay. I hope this will help you not worry. Believe me I stayed in some budget 2 stars in London for Priceline prices, and this is a huge improvement.

Gotta agree with above comments. I stayed there a few years ago and thought it was fine. Nothing I'd particularly recommend or return to but nice location, clean rooms. Basic business trip kind of place in my opinion.

I also stayed here a couple of years ago and found it to very comfortable, good food, great breakfasts, great location, no problems at all. Only one thing, I would ask for a room facing the front of the hotel and not the trainline.

I just booked there as well - through Priceline (US $65 a night)...and I too share your reservations -- but I am happy to see that people wrote back positive things. We will be there at the end of June...with the dollar slipping in value, the hotel we had booked back in January is now more than $150 a night! I decided it was worth the chance to use Priceline but I am a little picky and disappointed to get this hotel based on old reviews. I did e-mail the hotel to request a room away from the train noise.
Should I call too to try to ensure the best possible room?
Thanks. I will be celebrating a signficiant bday while there so I am a little anxious.
Have a great trip.

You can read more comments about this hotel on www.tripadvisor.com. Just do a search for the hotel.

I just read their comments today. Mostly they say that the outside of the building is ugly -- very institutional looking. But if you can get over that, the rooms are supposed to be clean and the service good.

Thanks! I did read the tripadvisor reviews and I feel better about staying there.

If you are staying at the Copthorne Tara, try to check out the Kensington Rooftop gardens. It is just around the corner from the hotel. It's not always open due to private functions but if it is, it's free and worth a look.

And we stayed at this hotel last year and thought it was fine. The bed was comfortable, the shower was fine, good location a few minutes from the tube and it had a/c.