Lexham Gardens by Cheval Maison5

This luxury aparthotel in the prestigious Kensington neighbourhood leaves guests with distinctly mixed feelings: on one hand, they choose it for its impeccably clean, spacious rooms and the highest level of personalized service; on the other, they warn of significant inconveniences. The hotel's primary asset is repeatedly cited as its caring staff, who go out of their way to accommodate any request, from early check-in to a complimentary room upgrade. However, for many, the overall experience is marred by the loud rumbling of Underground trains passing right behind the building, causing light sleepers to complain of interrupted sleep. Additionally, in late 2025, some guests were hit with hidden fees upon checkout, which also impacted final scores.

Key Observations

Attentive and flexible service: Staff members (especially Shweta, Gurpreet, Lea, and Vallari) regularly earn glowing reviews for their genuine hospitality, swift resolution of any housekeeping matters, and flexibility when negotiating rates.

Train noise: The open-air Underground line behind the building is the main downside of this property. The noise of passing trains is audible from 5:15 a.m. until late at night, and in some lower-floor rooms, the beds even vibrate as trains go by.

Flawless daily housekeeping: The standard of cleaning far exceeds that of ordinary serviced apartments. Guests marvel that housekeeping staff not only wash the floors but also neatly empty the dishwasher, placing clean dishes in the cupboards.

Trajectory: A review of feedback from 2018 to 2026 shows a consistent maintenance of high cleanliness standards and room amenities. However, there was a brief spike in negative comments in early 2026 due to extensive lift replacement works about which guests had not been forewarned, while in late 2025 complaints about unexpected post-checkout deductions of a 4% service charge became more frequent.

Main Pros

• Spacious, light-filled apartments with high-end contemporary design, premium bed linen, and heated bathroom floors.
• Superbly equipped kitchen with top-tier appliances, including a coffee machine, induction hob, microwave with oven function, dishwasher, and washer-dryer.
• Location in a quiet, safe, and very beautiful Kensington quarter with access to a well-kept private garden.
• Exceptionally pet-friendly, allowing small dogs to stay in comfort.

Main Cons

• Constant noise and vibration from passing Underground trains in rooms facing the rear of the building.
• Instances of an unexpected 4% service charge being deducted from bank cards after checkout without prior notice.
• Excessively firm mattresses that caused discomfort for some guests.
• No on-site restaurant or lobby bar (food delivery is arranged by the concierge straight to the apartment door).

Overall Grade: B

Hotel Overview

Basic Information:

• Name — Lexham Gardens by Cheval Maison
• Address — 32 Lexham Gardens, Kensington, London, W8 5JE, United Kingdom
• Contact — Phone: +44 20 7244 2400
• Number of rooms — 30 boutique apartments (1- and 2-bedroom), spread over 6 floors
• Positioning and category — Luxury serviced apartments (5-star)

Description: This stylish boutique hotel offers guests a premium 'home away from home' concept. The building catches the eye with its classic Victorian façade featuring white columns, which blends seamlessly into the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. The apartment interiors are designed in three exquisite colour schemes: classic British racing green, deep red, and a calming neutral tone. Every apartment comes with a fully fitted kitchen and all necessary high-quality household cleaning products and toiletries by the Annan brand.

Target Audience: The apartments are ideal for families with children, travellers with pets, and those in London for extended business trips or long-stay holidays who value homely comfort, space, and the ability to cook for themselves.

Location & Transport

Location: The hotel is situated on a quiet and safe street in the upscale residential neighbourhood of Kensington. The surroundings delight with beautiful architecture and well-maintained streets, though proximity to the open railway line does leave its mark.

Key Points of Interest: Gloucester Road and Earl's Court Underground stations are a relaxed 5–7 minute walk away. Kensington Palace can be reached in about 15–20 minutes on foot. A large Sainsbury's supermarket and numerous excellent restaurants and cafés are also nearby.

Transport: The area has superb transport links. From the Underground stations you can travel directly to key London landmarks and Heathrow Airport.

Walkability: The neighbourhood is perfect for walking. It scores 94 out of 100 on the walkability index; streets are clean, safe, and very picturesque.

Grade: A

Rooms & Cleanliness

Rooms are very spacious, tastefully decorated with an eye for detail. Guests praise the high-quality bed linen, heated floors in the bathrooms, and premium sanitary ware. Cleanliness is maintained at the highest level thanks to excellent daily housekeeping. The only serious drawback is poor soundproofing against the railway.

Grade: B-

Service

Service is this hotel's crown jewel. Guests constantly thank receptionists Shweta, Gurpreet, Lea, and Vallari for their genuine care and swift resolution of any issues (for instance, help with a microwave repair or arranging an early check-in at no extra charge). Staff are on duty at the front desk 24/7 and are always ready to help with luggage or booking a taxi.

Grade: A+

Dining

The hotel has no restaurant of its own and does not offer breakfast service. Nonetheless, guests feel at ease thanks to the superbly equipped kitchens, which provide everything needed for self-catering. A complimentary welcome pack in the fridge, including fresh milk and bread, is a nice bonus on arrival.

Grade: B

Facilities & Amenities

Guests have access to a small but functional gym with a basic selection of cardio machines and free weights, as well as a cosy courtyard garden where one can relax in good weather. Wi-Fi is stable and fast throughout the property.

Grade: A-

Important Notes

• Noisy railway: trains pass very close to the building, so noise-sensitive guests will definitely need earplugs.
• Hidden fee issue: at checkout, it's advisable to check your statement carefully to avoid unexpected deduction of the 4% service charge.
• Mattresses: the beds are quite firm, which does not suit every traveller.
• Temporary disruptions: in early 2026, noisy lift replacement work was carried out; before booking, it's worth confirming with management that all building work has been completed.

Practical Tips for Guests

• When booking, always request an apartment facing Lexham Gardens (the front of the building) to minimise train noise.
• If you're travelling as a large family, opt for the two-bedroom luxury apartments — they are the most practical in layout and have two full bathrooms.
• For grocery shopping, use the large Sainsbury's supermarket just a five-minute walk from the hotel.
• The hotel is direct-booking friendly: if you find a cheaper rate on a third-party site, the team will happily match the price when you book directly.
• Be sure to spend a warm evening in the secluded courtyard garden, hidden from view and offering a sense of privacy.
• If you need an early check-in or plan to extend your stay for an extra night, let the staff know in advance — they almost always find a way to help at a favourable rate.

Final Verdict

Lexham Gardens by Cheval Maison offers superb, generously sized and well-appointed luxury apartments in one of London's most beautiful neighbourhoods, topped off with outstanding service. The only thing that can spoil an otherwise perfect stay is the train noise at the rear of the building, so those sensitive to sound need to choose their apartment carefully.

Overall Grade: B

Breakdown: Location: A | Rooms: B- | Service: A+ | Dining: B | Facilities: A- | Value for Money: B

Best for: Families with children, small-dog owners, lovers of home comfort, and those who prize impeccable cleanliness and caring service.

Not for: Light sleepers (if the room faces the railway) and those seeking a classic hotel with its own restaurant and spa facilities.