Portobello Gold

Place really grotty. Good location and staff did their best. Good atmosphere in the pub. However, I would not return and I wouldn't recommend it

I've been wanting to stay at this place for a long time, and finally managed to have a visit over the weekend. We asked for a room not on the street (noise) and were booked in number 2. Basically, the room was small, which is FINE. But it faced a noisy generator and the room was boiling hot. The heating was not on so we assume it was related to something outside or over the kitchen. (When I checked out I was told this had never come up, which my partner and I found stunning; it was stuffy and boiling and cool outside!) My main complaint is that the room was very sub-standard. If they had taken the time to make the room feel well cared for - extra nice bedding, a comfy bed (not one with springs sticking into my ribs), decent shower products - then I can overlook the other issues. Instead it was a big dingy and felt like staying in a hostel. for those who don't mind this is fine, but for those who feel spending $140 for a night is a lot, this will feel like a bit of a rip-off (and a bit depressing). The best point of course, is the location - walking out on to Portobello market on a saturday; and the continental breakfast was very nice and the staff very chill and relaxed.

Loved this funky, easy-going pub with rooms on the Portobello Road. It's about ten minutes walk from the tube at Notting Hill Gate and has a fab atmosphere. It's noisy and very laid back, so if you are looking for standard bland and anonymous, best go elsewhere. The rooms are small, some of them even tiny, but the staff warn you about that when you book. If you get the four poster room which we did, it's brilliant! The pub is right in the middle of the Portobello Road and you can either get the tube or pick up a bus from just around the corner.

Breakfast is very basic, but it's included and if you want something more there are loads of cafes in the area. My only criticism is that the rooms are a bit careworn and could do with redecorating, but the place is otherwise very clean and well kept. There's no air con either, but you can always open the original and very rattly windows ( I loved them, but again, if it's souless and perfect you want, go elsewhere!). The wifi internet access was great too and worked fine for me with none of the problems mentioned in other reviews.

I was on my own for a couple of nights until my boyfriend joined me and I felt safe and chilled out by myself. He recommends the olives from the bar, by the way! I found the service amazing, the mostly young staff were wonderful and I can't wait to go back -- which I will!