From boutique boltholes to luxury five-star retreats, London isn’t short on fabulous hotels. And if you’re looking for a design-led stay in trendy Kensington, then Miiro’s Templeton Garden needs to be on your radar.
While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.
Templeton Garden review
Miiro Templeton Garden
Hidden on a quiet residential street in Earl’s Court, West London, Templeton Garden has the air of a well-kept secret. As I walked past rows of candy-colored terraced houses, I felt myself slipping into the rhythm of the neighbourhood. When I arrived at the hotel’s handsome Victorian façade, it was easy to imagine a different version of life. One where I lived here, in classic London style.
That feeling doesn’t disappear once you step inside. Templeton Garden is intimate without feeling insular, refined without tipping into formality. I stayed in a Junior Suite, a room category that captures the hotel’s ethos perfectly: generous but not ostentatious, elegant yet comfortable enough to fully relax into.
I soon found out that that same balance carries throughout the rest of the hotel.
Atmosphere and service
The lobby is classic English style, softened in a spa-like palette
The design is, quite simply, without fault: classic English style softened with modern lines and a tranquil, spa-like palette. I love the colourful, quirky Kit Kemp look that’s become synonymous with London hospitality, but this felt like a refreshing departure. Even the lobby scent is memorable, warm and distinct, without ever being overpowering. It was so good I tried (unsuccessfully) to track down the exact fragrance.
Service at Templeton Garden is welcoming and unobtrusive. Perhaps not quite as polished as some of London’s more established luxury counterparts, but the staff strike that distinctly British balance between friendliness and professionalism. A perfect example: I asked whether the minibar was complimentary with my room type (it seemed too good to be true) and, while the front desk wasn’t immediately sure, they quickly found the answer (yes!). When I later asked if I could request a late check-out to align better with my flight time, they were gracious and kind about it.
Amenities
The gym’s stocked with high-end NOHRD equipment
The communal spaces are especially inviting. There are comfortable corners made for reading, quieter areas where you can take a call without feeling like you’re in the way, and lounge spaces that feel elegant but never stiff. The overall atmosphere is intimate and residential; you never feel swallowed up in a sea of guests.
One detail I especially appreciated: the hotel’s dedicated Refresh Room, a space designed for early arrivals and late departures. If your room isn’t ready yet (or you’ve checked out but aren’t quite ready to head to the airport), you can shower, change, charge your phone, store luggage, and reset. It’s the kind of amenity that, once experienced, feels indispensable. I now strongly believe that all other hotels should follow suit!
The gym is another standout. Open 24 hours, it’s stocked with sleek, high-end NOHRD equipment (with a beautiful wood finish), plus cardio machines, free weights, and a dedicated stretching area. It feels just as considered as the rest of the hotel, rather than an afterthought tucked into a basement.
And then there’s the garden, which is the true heart of the property. It’s serene, spacious, and beautifully landscaped, with enough greenery to make you forget you’re in London at all. My visit was in the depths of winter, so while I didn’t get to personally enjoy it during my stay, the idea of dining under the trees when everything is in bloom has given me something to look forward to.
Rooms and suites
My Junior Suite was warm and effortless
One of the more distinctive things about Templeton Garden is how the experience shifts depending on your room category. The hotel offers 156 rooms across eight types, ranging from a basic (but still chic) Single to the luxurious Templeton Garden Suite.
Different room types come with different levels of service. The top-tier rooms include extra luxuries like a complimentary minibar, turndown service, and a bathtub, while all rooms include thoughtful baseline perks, like Le Labo toiletries and a rainfall shower.
My Junior Suite was a true joy to wake up in and return to at night. It managed to feel like a luxury hotel and like home, which is a rare combination. The design is warm and effortless: a canopy bed, billowy curtains, marble bathroom countertops. The details feel organic rather than staged.
The bathroom inside my Suite
My only gripe: I struggled to find a well-placed outlet near a mirror for hair tools, so I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this room if you’re booking specifically to get ready for a formal event. For most needs, though, it was totally workable, and the complimentary minibar more than made up for the slight inconvenience. During my stay, it was stocked with a half bottle of English wine and bubbly (honestly delightful!), beer, kombucha, sparkling waters, cider, snacks, and chocolate. It’s an incredible value, and one of those small touches that truly sets this hotel apart, even from others at a higher price point.
When I return, I’ll absolutely book this room again.
Dining and drinks
Templeton Garden’s dining offering feels perfectly aligned with its aesthetic. It’s understated but stylish, neighbourhood-driven yet destination-worthy.
I started with a cocktail in the hotel bar, which is one of my favourite travel rituals. I ordered the Marmitini, which felt like a bold choice, but turned out to be surprisingly sweet and approachable. Sprout is intimate and softly lit, and it stands on its own as a place you’d happily visit even if you weren’t staying at the hotel. The cocktail list leans classic with creative flourishes. Think expertly made martinis, herb-infused spritzes, and seasonal signatures that incorporate garden-forward ingredients.
I dined at the relaxed Pippin’s
In the evening, the hotel restaurant, Pippin’s, becomes an intimate dining space. It’s the sort of place that works perfectly for both a special occasion and an impromptu catch-up with friends. My dinner date had to cancel at the last minute, and I still felt completely at ease dining alone thanks to the warm hospitality and relaxed environment. When the couple next to me accidentally broke their wine glass, it was handled with kindness, grace, and humour. A small moment, but one that captures the spirit of the place.
The menu is seasonal, so during my stay, I opted for the short rib paired with roasted vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes, and it was sensational. My only regret is that I didn’t save room for dessert.
Area and location
Templeton Garden is just a short walk from Earl’s Court Underground Station, which puts much of London within easy reach, whether that’s a morning in Notting Hill, an afternoon in South Kensington’s museums, or an evening in the West End.
At the same time, the immediate neighbourhood feels decidedly residential. Tree-lined streets, London’s signature white townhouses, and a slower pace make returning to the hotel at the end of a busy day feel restorative. It’s more ideal for the type of traveller who looks to live like a local than someone who prefers to be in the thick of the city’s tourist attractions.
Final impression
Templeton Garden is not a hotel that competes on spectacle. In a city saturated with grand hotels and flashy openings, it stands apart for its restraint. It offers something increasingly rare in London: a stay that feels personal, elegant, and genuinely restorative. I can safely say it’s raced to the top of my London hotel list, and I’ll look for every excuse to return.
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