I really wish I could give this place, 4 or 5 stars, because my experience in London was otherwise amazing. However, this hotel got a couple of things very wrong. In fact, if I were in London for more than one night, I would likely have switched hotels. But lets start with the positive stuff:
PROS
The area is unbeatable. I didn't even need Google maps to find it! Just knowing there was a park right outside, I strolled along for a few minutes from Paddington station, bought some souvenirs from one of the many nearby shops and once I saw the park, I immediately found the hotel. This is amazing, because Paddington station is where the Heathrow Express train stops from the airport. Also, as I had to catch the first Heathrow Express back to the airport the next morning at 4:30am, I did not feel at all weird or unsafe walking around outside so early.
The room was small but lovely, the staff very nice and helpful and luggage storage very safe and efficient.
I did notice some rumbling (apparently from the trains nearby), but nothing like what other guests have posted; then again, I was on the 4th floor (and yes, it's a steep walk up the stairs, but come on people, get some aerobic exercise, geez!)
CONS
The room was COLD. As I was fighting a cold and having been outside all day in the crazy, ever-changing London weather, I looked forward to just coming back to my room and warming up in bed. That was not to be... The temperature inside the room was the same as the temperature outside and at no point during my stay did I notice the heater having been turned on. Yes, it's spring, but different people have different needs as far as room temperature. So that was a big disappointment. If you absolutely have to stay here, bring a small portable heater, at least.
There was no internet (as advertised on the website)!!! Because this happened to me once before years ago, I now always bring my own global WiFi hotspot - so that saved the day. Otherwise, this could have been a disaster. WiFi is an essential utility, do I even need to make that point? I noticed something about buying WiFi access as I was leafing through the hotel booklet, getting ready to leave - unacceptable...
So overall a pleasant but rather disappointing stay. read more