Kip Hotel

Sonia was incredibly friendly, professional, and helpful when I went back to reception to extend my stay. Her service and advice turned things around for me, and I decided to leave a 5-star review. I’d nearly left a bad one after the first receptionist came across as rude and grumpy. The price and the hotel’s overall condition are reasonable and good value, so I stayed for two more nights. Kip Hotel is a solid option if you want somewhere small and affordable.

Room 213 was tiny and hot, with no ventilation, and I barely slept because of the noise from other guests. You could feel the walls move when people opened and shut doors. The bed was comfortable, but there was only one pillow, and there was no hot water for a shower. The location is good, right by the station, in the same block as a Travelodge, and using the same entrance. I didn’t hear trains or street noise, presumably because there’s no window. The place felt like one of those storage units you rent for your things, and the bathroom is shared with five other rooms. Never again.

The room wasn’t clean or in good condition, especially for a studio that wasn’t the cheapest option. The shower was dirty, and water leaked around the bathroom sink and pooled there. The duvet was very thin, and the only pillow was flat and uncomfortable, so the room didn’t feel properly prepared or comfortable. At reception, the staff member who helped us, possibly a manager, was rude and unwelcoming. She started with “give me your ID,” without a greeting, eye contact, or basic courtesy, then turned away mid-conversation to speak with a colleague and ignored us. Before arriving, we’d tried calling several times about early check-in and nobody answered, making it hard to plan and giving us a poor first impression. We arrived around 2pm, an hour before check-in, but nobody checked whether the room was ready or offered flexibility. We were simply told to come back at 3pm. When we returned, the room still wasn’t ready, and we had to wait another 20 minutes. The whole stay felt disorganised and poorly managed, with little basic hospitality. More care with service, cleanliness, and room preparation would have made a big difference. I wouldn’t return or recommend the hotel.

The cabins got warm, and opening a window meant hearing every train passing through the station just below. I also didn’t sleep well with one pillow, though I could have asked for another. Still, the place was spotless, which matters a lot to me, and the price was low enough that I can’t really complain. It’s well placed for getting around London and catching buses, with plenty of good late-night food nearby. I was happy with the stay despite the heat and noise, and would recommend it to someone looking for a cheap place in London.