Earls Court is a strange beast. One minute you’re walking past multi-million pound stucco villas, and the next, you’re squeezed between a late-night kebab shop and a sea of budget hotels that haven't updated their carpets since the 1990s. Right in the middle of this chaos sits the Exhibition Court Hotel 4. It’s located at 25 Collingham Place, and honestly, if you aren't looking for the number, you might walk right past it. It looks like every other grand, slightly aging Victorian townhouse on the street.
But here’s the thing.
People keep coming back to this specific spot. It’s not because there’s a gold-plated lobby or a Michelin-star chef hiding in the basement. It’s because it hits that weirdly difficult-to-find sweet spot in London: a place that is actually clean, actually safe, and won't cost you your entire monthly mortgage payment for a three-night stay.
What is Exhibition Court Hotel 4 anyway?
Let's get the naming confusion out of the way first. There are several "Exhibition Court" properties scattered around this pocket of West London. It’s a bit of a legacy from when the Earls Court Exhibition Centre was the titan of the neighborhood. Even though the massive Art Deco exhibition hall was demolished years ago to make way for a giant redevelopment project, the hotels kept the name. It’s a brand. It’s an identity.
Exhibition Court Hotel 4 is effectively a budget-to-mid-range townhouse hotel. It isn't a Hilton. It isn't a "lifestyle boutique" with Edison bulbs and exposed brick. It’s a functional, converted Victorian residence.
What does that mean for you? Stairs. Lots of them.
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While there is a lift—a rare win for these old London buildings—it is famously tiny. If you’re traveling with those massive hardshell suitcases that look like they belong on an expedition to the Antarctic, you might find the logistics a bit tight. But that’s the charm, or at least the reality, of staying in a Grade II listed neighborhood like Kensington and Chelsea. You trade soaring modern ceilings for original cornicing and a location that puts you ten minutes from the Museums.
The Location Reality Check
You've probably seen the marketing. "Heart of London." "Steps from the action."
Is it? Well, yeah, kinda.
The hotel is about a five-minute walk from Earls Court Underground Station. This is the big selling point. From here, you’re on the District and Piccadilly lines. That means you can get from your hotel room to Piccadilly Circus or Covent Garden in about fifteen minutes without changing trains. It also means you have a direct shot to Heathrow. If you’ve ever tried to lug baggage through the Green Park interchange, you know why a direct line to Heathrow is worth its weight in gold.
But don't expect the immediate vicinity to be all glitz. Collingham Place is quiet, which is great for sleeping. However, the main Earls Court Road is a gritty, bustling mix of 24-hour shops, pubs like The Prince of Teck, and plenty of fast food. It’s real London. It’s noisy, it’s vibrant, and it’s incredibly convenient.
The Room Situation: Small But Mighty?
Let's be real about London hotel rooms. They are small. If you are coming from North America and expecting a "Standard Double" to have two queen beds and a sofa, you are going to be in for a shock.
At Exhibition Court Hotel 4, the rooms are compact. They’ve maximized every square inch. You get a bed, a small desk, a TV, and a kettle. The kettle is important. In the UK, a hotel without a kettle is basically a human rights violation.
The bathrooms are usually "pods" or tight ensuites. They’re clean, though. That’s the recurring theme in guest feedback for this property. You might have to shimmy sideways to get to the toilet, but the tiles will be scrubbed. For a budget traveler, cleanliness beats space every single time.
Modern Amenities in an Old Shell
Despite the Victorian bones, they’ve tried to keep up.
- WiFi: It’s generally reliable. You won't be hosting a 4K gaming stream, but for checking emails and scrolling TikTok? It works.
- Climate Control: This is the big one. Many London townhouses are either boiling or freezing. This property has air conditioning in most rooms, which is a massive luxury during those weird London heatwaves where the city turns into an oven.
- Security: There’s a 24-hour reception. In a city like London, knowing there’s someone at the desk at 3:00 AM if your keycard fails or you just feel uneasy is a big plus.
What Most People Get Wrong About Earls Court Hotels
There is a common misconception that because the "Exhibition Centre" is gone, the area is "dead."
Honestly, that’s just wrong.
The absence of the massive crowds from the boat shows and concerts has actually made the area better for travelers. It’s less congested. The restaurants on Kenway Road—just a short walk away—are some of the best-kept secrets in the city. There’s a Thai place called Addie’s Thai that has been there forever; it’s legendary among locals.
If you stay at Exhibition Court Hotel 4, you aren't just staying in a transit hub. You’re staying in a neighborhood that has a weird, bohemian history. Freddie Mercury lived just down the road at Garden Lodge. The Troubadour, one of the most famous folk clubs in the world where Bob Dylan played his first UK gig, is a ten-minute stroll away.
You aren't just paying for a bed; you're paying for a postcode that usually costs triple what you're actually charged here.
The Pricing Game
Why is it called "Hotel 4"? It’s part of a group. This allows them to keep costs down by sharing resources.
Pricing fluctuates wildly in London. During Wimbledon or a major bank holiday, prices at Exhibition Court Hotel 4 will spike just like everywhere else. But during the "shoulder" seasons—March, April, October—you can often snag a room for under £100. In London, that is practically a steal for an ensuite room that isn't a hostel.
Navigating the Challenges
I’m not going to sit here and tell you it’s perfect. It isn't.
If you have mobility issues, the narrow corridors and small lift might be a genuine struggle. The "single" rooms are truly for one person; don't try to squeeze a second person in there unless you want to spend the night standing up.
Also, the walls are Victorian. While they are thick brick, the internal partitions can sometimes be thin. If your neighbor decides to watch a Marvel movie at max volume at midnight, you’re going to hear the explosions. Bring earplugs. It’s a standard London travel tip, but it applies double here.
Expert Tips for Your Stay
- Request a Lower Floor: If you’re worried about the lift being slow (it can be), ask for a room on the first or second floor when you book.
- The Grocery Hack: Don't buy water from the hotel vending machines. There’s a massive Sainsbury’s on Cromwell Road nearby and a Marks & Spencer Foodhall at the station. Grab your snacks there and save twenty quid.
- The Airport Run: If you’re heading to Heathrow, the Piccadilly line from Earls Court is great, but make sure you check which branch you’re getting on. Some go to Terminal 4 and 5, others don't.
Actionable Steps for Your London Trip
If you’ve decided that Exhibition Court Hotel 4 fits your budget and your vibe, here is how you handle the booking to get the best experience.
First, book direct if you can. While the big booking sites are convenient, calling or emailing the hotel often gets you a better room assignment. They appreciate not paying the 15-20% commission to the big sites, and they might throw in a slightly larger room or a later checkout if they have the space.
Second, map your walk. Don't just follow Google Maps blindly when you get out of the tube. Exit the station via the Warwick Road exit if you want a slightly flatter walk with less foot traffic, though the Earls Court Road exit is closer to the shops.
Third, check the "London Overground." Most people forget the West Brompton station is also nearby. It’s a great way to get to trendy spots like Shoreditch or Camden without having to go through the central London "bottleneck" of the Tube.
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Ultimately, this hotel is for the practical traveler. It’s for the person who wants to spend their money on tickets to a West End show or a fancy dinner at Sketch, rather than on a room they are only going to see when their eyes are closed. It’s basic, it’s clean, and it works. In a city as expensive as London, sometimes "it works" is exactly what you need.
Check the current rates on their official site or your preferred aggregator at least three weeks in advance. Earls Court fills up fast, especially when there are events at the nearby Olympia London. If you see a rate you like, lock it in. Waiting usually just means paying an extra £30 for the exact same square footage.