The Kensington Hotel
By the Top3Hotels editorial team. Based on Booking.com guest scores and reviews, location data and reference prices. We did not stay at this hotel. Updated 2026-10-24.
A reasonable booking for drivers who want a full-service four-star with a pool, restaurant and free parking near the highway and the university. If cleanliness is your top priority or you want the best score for the money, our Best Value pick in Ann Arbor rated higher for less.
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Sold out? See available alternatives →Who it suits and who should skip it
The Kensington Hotel is our Luxury pick in Ann Arbor. It works best for people arriving by car: guests say it is close to the university, the highway and a shopping mall with places to eat, and the property lists free parking. Families get family rooms, a pool and a garden, and pets appear among the listed features, though conditions need checking.
Skip it if you want to explore the city centre on foot, or if you are sensitive to housekeeping slips. Some guests report dirty carpets and bathrooms and musty smells, even if most describe rooms as generally tidy.
Location and getting around
The address is 3500 South State Street, and guests give the location 9.0 out of 10. That score seems to reflect easy road access and nearby shopping rather than walkability.
The Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, the one sight in our data, is about 4.1 km away in a straight line, roughly 51 minutes on foot. That is far, so plan on driving, a taxi or public transport. Our walking times are estimates and have not been checked on the ground.
What guests say
The hotel scores 8.5 out of 10 from 755 reviews, a large base. On guest score it ranked joint fifth of the 9 eligible properties in the provider sample, so it is solid rather than outstanding.
Guests praise a friendly, helpful team and a polite welcome, along with the handy position near the university and highway. The main complaint is uneven cleanliness: dirty carpets, bathrooms that needed more attention and musty odours in some rooms. Room size, noise and renovation dates are not covered in our data.
Price and how it compares with our other Ann Arbor picks
Reference prices seen for a 2-night stay in November 2026 for 2 adults put The Kensington at about €192.72 a night, around €385 for the stay. That is roughly 32% above the sample median of €146.22. These are not live quotes, so check today's price for your dates.
The comparison is not flattering. Home2 Suites By Hilton Ann Arbor South, our Best Value pick, was about €118.32 a night with a score of 8.9. Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Ann Arbor, the Budget pick, was about €84.44 with 8.2. The Kensington costs about €74 a night more than Home2 Suites and scores lower. What the extra money buys is a four-star rating and a longer facility list: pool, restaurant, garden, terrace and gym.
Why it made our top 3
We compared 9 hotels in Ann Arbor. Our Luxury slot prioritises five-star hotels and accepts a four-star fallback only with a score of at least 8.5. The Kensington is an official four-star at exactly 8.5, so it meets the bar with no margin to spare. Its strengths are facilities and parking, not top-tier guest scores.
Before you book
Check whether the American breakfast is included in your rate. Confirm pool, gym and restaurant hours and any fees, and read the pet policy if you travel with an animal. Given the cleanliness complaints, check recent reviews close to your dates. Review the cancellation terms, which we have not assessed, and compare today's price with Home2 Suites before you commit.
Check prices on Booking.com ↗We may earn a commission if you book. It never changes our pick.
Sold out? See available alternatives →Questions travellers ask
Does The Kensington Hotel have free parking?
Yes, free parking is listed among the facilities. Confirm any conditions for your dates when booking.
Can I walk to the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology from The Kensington Hotel?
The Kelsey Museum of Archaeology is about 4.1 km away, roughly 51 minutes on foot. That is far, so plan on driving, a taxi or public transport.
Is The Kensington Hotel clean?
Most guests describe rooms as generally tidy, but some report dirty carpets, bathrooms and musty odours. Check recent reviews before booking.
How much does The Kensington Hotel cost?
The reference price seen for a 2-night stay in November 2026 for 2 adults was about €192.72 a night. Check today's price for your dates.
Does The Kensington Hotel have a pool?
A pool is listed among the facilities, along with a gym, restaurant, garden and terrace. Opening times and any fees are not confirmed.