Holiday Inn Kensington Forum - London

What is your Priority Club status?
Gold

Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes

Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest room (standard queen bed), no upgrade.

How are the rooms?
The whole hotel is a bit worn out. It's certainly past its prime. The rooms are a little small, but not too cramped. Furniture in the room looks like it's 25 years old, or older, but not old antique furniture, more like old worn out Ikea furniture. The coffee cups, water boiler and glasses they provided were not the cleanest (asked for another set). The bathroom had a full bathtub. Having outlets with US electric socket type in the wall is a + (allowed me to charge several devices at once). Buttons on phone didn't work, couldn't call directly to front desk, housekeeping or concierge, always had to dial 0 for the hotel operator and ask to be connected.

How is the exec. lounge?
Don't know, I didn't get invited to use, if they even have one.

Did you receive a welcome gift?
A choice of 300 points, or a free drink from the bar. I took the points.

Good:
Friendly staff.
Excellent access to the Gloucester Road Tube Station (2 minute walk). 3 lines at the station, which can take you to most parts of London.
Very nice neighborhood with lots of shops, supermarkets, restaurants, and pubs.
Excellent location to walk to nearby attractions, Harrods, Albert Hall, Hyde Park, Kensington Palace.
Nice views from the high floors.
Rooms are relatively quiet.
Starbucks in the lobby.
Prices are cheaper than most other HI properties in London.

Bad:
A bit worn out as far as HI properties go. Could use some renovation.
Hotel Pub is overpriced and not very good food. Suggest you go to Gloucester Road for better food & Drink. Lots of restaurants and pubs there.
Several elevators were out of service during my visit.
Slow free internet. Staff didn't want to let me use the paid higher speeds and reimburse me my fees.
Parking at the hotel is quite expensive. Had to find street parking for my rental (fortunately it was only for 1 night).
Very busy hotel. I noted that many airline crews from several international carriers (United, ANA, Singapore - probably all Star Alliance brands) had their pilots and crew stay at this hotel. So the lines for service at reception/checkout can be busy, even on the elite line. Also seems to be a popular destination for tour groups.

Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Great value for the money, compared to other HI London properties. Despite the worn-out appearance of the hotel, I would certainly return when I'm on business, or pleasure. Points-wise, if you can find a newer property in the center of London, you might enjoy it more. But this is still a good property in a great neighborhood.