Reserve long in advance with a one-night deposit. A 6 minute walk from Notting Hill Gate and High Street Kensington tube stations near Kensington Palace. The decor is sweetly anachronistic, full of heavy, dark-stained wood furniture, patterned carpets, and brass pendant lights, and there's a little conservatory. The domain of Eileen and Martin Diviney, this has pleasant rooms with water basins and shaver outlets, and a good supply of public showers. The hotel has been much improved in recent years.
Breakfast is individually prepared.
Vicarage Gate is handy for boutiques and restaurants on Kensington Church Street and a self-service laundry is nearby. If you bring a car into London, parking is likely to be a problem. An elegant curving staircase with wrought iron bannisters leads from the pleasant hallway past a wide, sunny windowsill full of plants to the bedrooms, which have even more the feel of a country vicarage. Since the friendly managers make guests feel really welcome, and since this little hotel charges no more than many with half its charm and character, it is very popular. Reservations should be made well in advance.