StayAreasKensington or Notting Hill: where should you stay in London?
- Notting Hill is cheaper: a mid-range double costs about $270 a night, against $295 in Kensington.
- Kensington is closer to 10 of the 12 big sights we timed.
- From Heathrow, Notting Hill is quicker: 50 min against 62 min.
KensingtonMuseums & Kensington GardensPick Kensington if
- Families
- Museum lovers
- Travellers who value calm, quiet streets
Notting HillPastel streets & Portobello MarketPick Notting Hill if
- Couples looking for a romantic base
- Families who want quiet streets and parks
- Repeat visitors who want to feel like a local
Kensington vs Notting Hill, side by side
The better one in each row is in green| What | Kensington | Notting Hill |
|---|---|---|
| What a night costs · typical double outside peak events, Sep 2026 | ||
| Budget double | $145 | $140 |
| Mid-range double | $295 | $270 (better) |
| Luxury double | $645 | $510 (better) |
| Door to door · public transport or on foot, weekday morning | ||
| To Leicester Square | 20 min | 20 min |
| Natural History Museum | 11 min walk (better) | 27 min |
| Big Ben | 24 min (better) | 33 min |
| Buckingham Palace | 28 min (better) | 37 min |
| London Eye | 32 min (better) | 42 min |
| Covent Garden Market | 32 min (better) | 42 min |
| Trafalgar Square | 34 min (better) | 40 min |
| Arriving · weekday afternoon | ||
| From Heathrow | 62 min | 50 min (better) |
| From Gatwick | 64 min (better) | 73 min |
| From Stansted | 94 min | 96 min |
| From Luton | 75 min (better) | 78 min |
| From London City Airport | 52 min (better) | 58 min |
| From Eurostar (St Pancras) | 36 min | 34 min |
| What it's like · crime: data.police.uk; ratings ours | ||
| Street crime | Below the city average | Below the city average |
| Sights on foot | Very good (better) | Good |
| Nightlife | Limited | Limited |
| Quiet at night | Very good | Very good |
| Food | Good | Very good (better) |
| Families | Excellent (better) | Very good |
| Transport | Very good | Very good |
Hotels in Kensington and Notting Hill
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Kensington or Notting Hill: questions
Is Kensington or Notting Hill better to stay in?
Notting Hill is cheaper: a mid-range double costs about $270 a night, against $295 in Kensington. Kensington is closer to 10 of the 12 big sights we timed. From Heathrow, Notting Hill is quicker: 50 min against 62 min. Kensington suits families and museum lovers; Notting Hill suits couples looking for a romantic base and families who want quiet streets and parks.
Which is cheaper, Kensington or Notting Hill?
Typical doubles in Kensington: $145 budget, $295 mid-range, $645 luxury. In Notting Hill: $140, $270 and $510. Rates outside peak events, updated Sep 2026.
Is Kensington or Notting Hill safer?
Street crime in Kensington is below the city average; in Notting Hill it is below the city average. Based on data.police.uk.
Which is closer to the sights, Kensington or Notting Hill?
Door to door: Natural History Museum is 11 min walk from Kensington and 27 min from Notting Hill; Big Ben is 24 min from Kensington and 33 min from Notting Hill; Buckingham Palace is 28 min from Kensington and 37 min from Notting Hill; London Eye is 32 min from Kensington and 42 min from Notting Hill.
How far is Heathrow from Kensington and Notting Hill?
62 min to Kensington and 50 min to Notting Hill, door to door by public transport.