The Nadler Kensington

The Nadler Kensington applies the compact-room idea to a London townhouse conversion. Rooms are small by design and edited accordingly: good bedding, a proper shower, real soundproofing, and a kitchenette with a fridge and microwave built into the joinery.

There is no restaurant and no room service, which is the point. Savings go into the parts of a stay guests actually use, and Kensington supplies the rest — the neighbourhood has no shortage of places to eat within a short walk.

Location does a lot of work. The museums on Exhibition Road, Kensington Gardens and reliable Underground connections are close, so the room only has to be a good place to sleep and shower. On that count it delivers.