Q: What’s the difference between Flex, Semi-Flex, Advance, Standard and Non-Flex rates?

Flex – Pay now or on arrival, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 1pm on the day of arrival . Our most flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 1pm on the day of arrival. You can also amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date). Semi-Flex – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to three full days before arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to three full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date). Advance – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 28 full days before arrival, free to amend thereafter until the day of arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 28 full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date). Standard – Pay now, non-refundable. Free to amend booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Slightly flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel and get a full refund, but you can amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date). Non-Flex – Pay now. No amends or refunds. Our least flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel or amend your stay after booking.

Question 1

What are some free indoor activities in Kensington?

Accepted Answer

Kensington is a brilliant spot for free indoor fun, especially if you're into museums and culture. Three of London’s most popular and completely free museums are located right here:

Natural History Museum – A must-visit for all ages. You can explore everything from dinosaur skeletons and a giant blue whale to interactive exhibits on volcanoes and earthquakes.

Science Museum – Packed with hands-on exhibits, space exploration displays and fascinating tech innovations. Great for families, especially if you're travelling with kids.

Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) – A treasure trove of art, design and fashion. You’ll find everything from medieval sculptures to modern photography, plus stunning galleries dedicated to textiles, jewellery, and architecture.

These museums are all within walking distance of each other, so you can easily spend a whole day exploring indoors without spending a penny. They’re also perfect for rainy days or when you want a break from the sun.

Question 2

What are some free outdoor activities in Kensington?

Accepted Answer

Kensington is just as exciting outdoors, with plenty of green spaces and scenic spots to enjoy for free:

Kensington Gardens – One of London’s Royal Parks, it’s perfect for a stroll, picnic or just relaxing under the trees. You can visit the Albert Memorial, see the Italian Gardens or walk by the Round Pond.

Hyde Park – Right next door to Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park is great for walking, cycling or people-watching. You can visit Speaker’s Corner, explore the Serpentine Lake or just enjoy the open space.

Royal Albert Hall (exterior) – While entry to events isn’t free, the building itself is stunning and worth seeing from the outside. It’s a great photo spot and often has free exhibitions in the public areas.

Public art and architecture walks – Kensington is full of beautiful buildings and sculptures. Just wandering the streets, especially around Exhibition Road and South Kensington, can be a treat for architecture lovers.

Question 3

How are our Premier Inn hotels in Kensington budget friendly?

Accepted Answer

Our Premier Inn hotels in Kensington are budget friendly thanks to a range of great-value offerings designed to help you save. Families benefit from kids staying free with a full paying adult (subject to availability, T&Cs apply), and up to two kids eat breakfast free with a paying adult. You can also enjoy unlimited breakfasts, and meal deals for added savings. Find out more about our offers at Premier Inn.  

Question 4

Is Kensington a good location for business travellers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Kensington is a great choice for business trips. It’s close to central London’s business districts and has excellent transport links, including nearby Underground stations and easy access to major roads and our budget-friendly hotels in the area provide a comfortable and convenient place to rest between meetings.

Question 5

What’s the difference between Flex, Semi-Flex, Advance, Standard and Non-Flex rates?

Accepted Answer

Flex – Pay now or on arrival, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Our most flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 1pm on the day of arrival. You can also amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Semi-Flex – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to three full days before arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to three full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Advance – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 28 full days before arrival, free to amend thereafter until the day of arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 28 full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Standard – Pay now, non-refundable. Free to amend booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Slightly flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel and get a full refund, but you can amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Non-Flex – Pay now. No amends or refunds. Our least flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel or amend your stay after booking.

Question 6

What time is check-in and checkout?

Accepted Answer

Our standard check-in time is 3pm. For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels.

Checkout is by 12 noon on your departure date. If luggage storage is available, our teams will be happy to store any bags for you if you’d like to check out before 12pm.

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location.

Question 7

Can I check in early?

Accepted Answer

For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels.

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location.

Question 8

What is Premier Inn CleanProtect™?

Accepted Answer

In 2020 we launched Premier Inn CleanProtect™, our rigorous, daily cleaning method that’s used throughout our UK & Ireland hotels. Developed in partnership with Diversey, a global leader in cleaning and hygiene products for the healthcare and hospitality industries, our promise seeks to give you extra peace of mind so you can always book and stay with confidence.

Check-in - minimising contact at reception and providing hand sanitiser in most public areas for peace of mind.

Bed linen and towels - laundering all our linen and towels at over 60°C to thermally disinfect them, so you can enjoy a great night’s sleep. We’ve also placed spare pillows in a zip-up bag, for extra peace of mind.

Equipping our teams - providing our team members with all the equipment and sanitisers they need, as well as always operating in the safest way possible for our teams and guests.

A generous serving of safety - you can relax knowing that enhanced cleaning measures are in place throughout our restaurants. Tables are cleaned between visits and contactless payment is in place too, so you can dine safely and comfortably with us every time.

Clean on request - if you'd like your room cleaned during your stay with us, just let us know at reception and use the handy door hanger on the back of your door by 12pm each day.

Question 9

What facilities are provided for customers with disabilities?

Accepted Answer

Most Premier Inns have specially-adapted rooms allowing easier access for customers with disabilities. If there is no specially-adapted room available at the hotel of your choice, we will be happy to offer you alternative accommodation at a nearby Premier Inn. If you have difficulty walking, but do not need a specially-adapted room, please feel free to request a room near reception on the ground floor for easy access.

If you'd like get in touch, you can reach out to our specialist team via email at pi.accessible@whitbread.com or call us on 0333 0919 817 between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday (calls charged at local rate).