Kensington or Mayfair for Your London Stay? Here’s What Actually Matters

Mansley has two long-standing addresses in central London, No.1 The Mansions in Kensington and Curzon Street in Mayfair. Guests often ask which one to book, and the honest answer is that it depends on what your trip actually needs, not on which postcode sounds smarter. Here’s a straight comparison to help you choose.

How far is each from the airport and the Tube?

No.1 The Mansions is 13 miles from Heathrow and 0.4 miles from Earl’s Court Underground station. Curzon Street is 16.4 miles from Heathrow but only 0.2 miles from Green Park Underground, with the Elizabeth Line reachable at Bond Street. If a shorter taxi from Heathrow matters more to you, Kensington has the edge. If you’d rather be a three minute walk from the Tube once you land, Kensington wins there, too.

Which is closer to Buckingham Palace and the West End?

Curzon Street is the clear choice. Buckingham Palace is 0.5 miles away, the Houses of Parliament 1.3 miles, and Charing Cross station just 1.8 miles, so the theatre district and Whitehall are both easy walks. No.1 The Mansions sits further out, 3.6 miles from Charing Cross, which makes it a better fit if South Kensington itself is the destination rather than the West End.

Which suits families or longer stays better?

No.1 The Mansions has the wider apartment range, running from studios up to four-bedroom apartments, plus a Signature Collection including the Devonshire, Highgrove and Garden Suites. That extra space, alongside 24-hour reception and daily housekeeping, tends to suit families or anyone staying long enough to want enough room to spread out. Curzon Street’s apartments run from a Business Studio through to a Family Residence in the annexe, all fitted with Hypnos mattresses and well-equipped kitchens, better suited to couples or smaller groups who’d rather be closer to the shops and parks than have extra square footage.

Which has more museums and culture on the doorstep?

Kensington is the museum base. The Natural History Museum is 0.8 miles from No.1 The Mansions, with the V&A and Science Museum 1.3 miles away, alongside Kensington Palace at 1.4 miles. Mayfair leans towards galleries and heritage streets instead. The National Gallery is 0.9 miles from Curzon Street, and Savile Row and Jermyn Street are both under a mile.

Where would you eat without booking ahead?

Both areas have solid options within a five minute walk. Near No.1 The Mansions, Old Brompton Road has La Pappardella and Franco Manca, both roughly 0.2 miles away. Near Curzon Street, Shepherd Market is 49 feet from the door, with El Pirata of Mayfair 0.2 miles away and Scott’s 0.3 miles away for something a little smarter.

Which is better for shopping?

Kensington High Street is 0.9 miles from No.1 The Mansions, with Sloane Street 1.6 miles away for Knightsbridge and Harrods. Curzon Street puts you closer to Mayfair’s arcades, Burlington Arcade and Royal Arcade are both 0.4 miles away, with Bond Street a short walk beyond that.

At a glance:

• Closer to Heathrow, better for families or longer stays: No.1 The Mansions, Kensington
• Closer to the Tube, Buckingham Palace and the West End: Curzon Street, Mayfair
• Museum-led trip: No.1 The Mansions
• West End theatre or gallery-led trip: Curzon Street

Booking direct

Both apartments come with a best rate guarantee and the same BookDirect perks when you book directly through Mansley rather than a third party. Use the promo code BookDirect for further perks, including a welcome basket and priority status for special requests, subject to availability.

If you’re still weighing it up, explore No.1 The Mansions or discover Curzon Street, or get in touch with the London team directly, they help guests choose between the two every week.