“You Get What You Pay For”

What drew me to this hotel was the location: a short walk to the Notting Hill Tube, Portobello Road, Kensington High Street, etc. The price was also right, compared to other budget hotels in the vicinity. But perhaps I'm just a spoiled American; I've come to expect complimentary wifi (and it's not cheap here). It's also apparent that this hotel is a renovation job, as most of the attempts to modernize the space aren't really all that successful. If you're looking for a (sort of) cheap place and will generally be using your room to store your belongings and sleep, Umi is fine. Suited my purposes, at least.

“Good value in a good location”

I was looking for a comfortable, affordable hotel in a good location, and Umi fit the bill. It was less than 10 minutes' walk from the nearest Underground station. The room was small (no surprise), and clean. The hotel was quiet and I had a nice view of a park across the street. I thought the staff were very friendly and helpful. When housekeeping forgot to restock my coffee, the front desk had someone run up a couple of packets at 4:30 am when I was getting up to check out. Not the biggest deal, but a nice touch. Internet in the lobby area was reasonably priced and convenient. The neighborhood around the hotel is nice -- lots of shops and restaurants. I'd definitely stay here again!

“Two star room in a Three Star Hotel”

While this hotel is above its class in general service and reception facilities and a gorgeous dining room, the rooms are a disgrace. The rooms are NOT renovated; they are old and decrepit. You do not even have one faucet for hot and cold water but separate faucets for each. The rooms are incredibly tiny,the furniture is old and torn. The bathrooms are incredibly small and there is a damp stench in the hallways. I asked for another room which was the same thing over again; they do not have any renovated rooms. The rooms are a two star class and that is what you are paying for. In the summer there is no A/C. So, if London is warm (as it was when I was there) the 3rd and 4th floors are unbearably hot. However, there is a lovely view from the rooms facing a small park and it is a great location. Also, the hotel reception is very friendly with lots of services including free newspapers, free TimeOut, free magazines, tour bookings, maps, etc.... While the price is incredibly cheap given the overall hotel, you have to compare it against other 2 stars the room is certainly NOT a three star. This is based on years of experience staying in London hotels (3 and 4 stars and a couple 2 stars).

“Beware!”

Specific request for 3rd fl room was confirmed 2 times and denied at check in. 2 senior ladies required to walk from 4th to 5th floor (no lift). Tiny room, toilet not working properly; shower water minimal; fully booked with students & very, very loud. Would not recommend to anyone. The serving staff were friendly, but that hardly helps things. The location was okay to walk around in the daytime, but not at night and there wasn't a close Tube station. Not too difficult to get a cab, but expensive.

“I would definitely return.”

I had a very good experience at UMI hotel. The staff was very attentive to my needs, and wanted to make sure I was taken care of. The hotel is a little older - but was very clean, and most importantly - at a very central location to London. Didn't find the hotel as quickly as I would've liked - perhaps some good walking directions from Bayswater Station might be added to it's hotel information. I would return to this hotel.

“Impossible to find”

While this hotel is close to a tube station, the street signs around it have different names then the names you would find for the same streets on a map. We walked around for an hour looking for this hotel and asked 6 people (all of whom seemed to live or work in the area) and only the last one knew where it was. Most of them did not even recognize the street name, much less have ever heard the hotel name. The neighborhood is a very interesting neighborhood. We never felt unsafe but it wasn't the nicest neighborhood either. The room was incredibly small and not very clean. While the staff wasn't rude, they did not seem to want to help either. They provide a storage room for bags but it is down the hall from the check in desk and they give you the key to unlock it yourself. It seemed like they would give the key to anyone that asked.

“Christmas in comfort”

My friend and I decided that, during my winter break at the Sorbonne, we would go around the UK. So we were in London for Christmas, and as my present my parents paid for a couple nights at this hotel. It was a lovely change from the hostels, and well worth it; beautiful neighborhood, not far from some food places and two tube stations, and the hotel itself was small and comfortable. I have only a few small complaints to make of it, only one of which may apply to others. 1) the beds were dressed with no top sheet, just a comforter (I prefer sleeping with a sheet; however, my friend was pleased because she never sleeps with a top sheet, so to each their own) 2) no free wi-fi, though it was only 7 pounds for 24 hrs, not too bad. 3) because it is an old building, you can hear the floorboards creaking above you, and if you have particularly impolite neighbors you can hear them shouting and screaming as well (please don't have parties in your room at 2 am, it's really annoying) Overall, I'd go back!

“Interesting area”

This was the first visit to London, and I did not have any specific expectations. The neighborhood was quiet and neat. The area was very unique in that these hotels apparently had been personal homes that have been acclimated to accomodations for travelors. Service was good, they were very helpful and this enhanced our vist to London.

“Great Location & Service”

Near the tube station. Quiet neighborhood. If a light sleeper may not be ideal as the floors creak and the doors slam.