The Royal HorseguardsvsThe Ampersand Hotel
Both hotels are recommended by travel writers. On balance, The Royal Horseguards ranks marginally higher than The Ampersand Hotel. The Royal Horseguards has a TripExpert Score of 85 with praise from 7 publications such as Zagat, Frommer's and Gayot.
The Royal Horseguards
2 Whitehall Court, London SW1A 2EJ
From $187/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Laundry Service
- Concierge
- Restaurant
Frommer's
"Set in the grandeur of the one-time National Liberal Club, with sweeping views all along the Thames, the Royal Horseguards is fairybook London." Full review
Time Out
"It’s immaculately clean, ‘classic but modern’ in style, with welcoming staff." Full review
Star Service
"The Royal Horseguards is one of the best in its class, an upper-midrange commercial hotel geared to those seeking something unique, colored with history and Victorian decor." Full review
Gayot
"The Royal Horseguards Hotel Review: Between Whitehall and the River Thames, this stately building... still retains a private feel with a discreet rear entrance."
Zagat
"Overlooking the Thames, this historic Victorian luxury hotel served as HQ for the Secret Service during World War I and has hosted many a statesman and politician over the years."
Forbes Travel Guide
Recommended
"Today, the hotel mixes old school elegance and modern panache—and is still the site of intrigue." Full review
Oyster
Luxury
"The 282-room Royal Horseguards offers classic Victorian architecture and modern amenities in a five-star luxury setting with views of the London Eye and the Thames River." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler
"Rebranding not happening..." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler
Readers' Choice Award
"The biggest suites look right over the Thames, and the Embankment location means guests have some of the city's best sites—including Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey—a short walk away." Full review
The Ampersand Hotel Show All Reviews
10 Harrington Road, London SW7 3ER
From $285/night
- Pet Friendly
- Bar/Lounge
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Laundry Service
- Concierge
Star Service
"The hotel follows a scientific beat in its design ethos, incorporating themes from botany, astronomy and music that are reflective of the numerous museums in this part of town." Full review
Gayot
"At the Ampersand Hotel, guests will find 111 thoughtfully decorated boutique rooms and suites in several varieties and styles."
Zagat
"The eclectic decor in this modern Kensington boutique hotel melds luxury with eccentric chic, with room themes inspired by local landmarks such as the Natural History Museum."
Fodor's
"A sense of style emanates from every surface of this sumptuous hotel in the heart of Kensington." Full review
Lonely Planet
"Housed in the old Norfolk Hotel building, a light, fresh and bubbly feel fills the new Ampersand." Full review
Oyster
Luxury
"The Ampersand Hotel is a five-pearl, 111-room Central London hotel with elegant and whimsical decor and an astounding attention to detail." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler
82.7
"A meticulously renovated 111-room, five-story Edwardian town house hotel (formerly the Grosvenor Kensington) close to the South Kensington tube station." Full review
Mr & Mrs Smith
"The Ampersand Hotel draws on its South Ken locale: bird sketches that could have flown from the Natural History Museum, and musical motifs that riff on the Royal Albert Hall." Full review
Time Out
"The plush and tastefully decorated rooms are pretty smooth alright, with even slicker amenities that range from L’Occitane toiletries to an excellent en suite bathroom. " Full review
Frommer's
"In August of 2012, this grand hotel from 1888 was given a makeover that’s both sassy and reverently British, and now it’s got its cool back for the first time since Victoria." Full review