Pros

  • Less than a five-minute walk from the major transportation hub of Paddington Station
  • 15 minutes from Heathrow Airport on an express train from Paddington Station
  • Located in a central, but quiet residential area bordering Hyde Park
  • The Museum Quarter of South Kensington is within walking distance
  • The Lancaster Gate Tube Station is just a short walk south of the hotel
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Cons

  • Fee for Wi-Fi
  • Security deposit required for TV remote control
  • Certain rooms of the hotel are not accessible by lift
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Bottom Line

This hotel's biggest draw, by far, is its central location and easy access to major transport hubs, but other than that, there is very little to get excited over. It offers travelers basic amenities and a peaceful, clean place to recharge, but so do several of the similarly priced hotels within a five-minute walk. The Cardiff Hotel, for instance, is just two-minutes away. Despite the name, the hotel is actually closer to Paddington Station than the Alexandra; for more modern rooms and free Wi-Fi in an equally central location, it might be worth doing a bit of comparison booking with other budget hotels in the area.

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Amenities

  • Cribs
  • Internet

Oyster Hotel Review

Alexandra Hotel

Scene

Central and basic, but lacking in character

The lobby of this hotel feels a bit like it's been pulled out of a box of saltwater taffy. Though its peach-colored walls and worn cream leather sofas certainly do not conform to the “stylish” and “cool modern interior” described on the hotel’s website, they are strangely inviting. The decor in the rooms is significantly more subdued and clearly geared towards the budget traveler, with an emphasis on larger groups.

Stretched across three separate buildings, one of which is located across the street from reception, the hotel’s white exterior is regal and in-line with the Victorian theme of the neighborhood. It is an area spotted with a few other hotels, mostly mid-range and above, putting this one among the more affordable options. Though very well communicated due to its proximity to Paddington Station, it’s in a somewhat soulless area with few fine dining or entertainment options.

See More Scene

Location

On a quiet but quaint street not far from main sights

Located a stone's throw from Hyde Park and a good walk or short bus ride from the Museum Quarter, this hotel is ideal for budget travelers who also happen to be museum junkies and nature enthusiasts. For those more into organized tourism, there is a big open-top red double decker bus stop across the street. The Heathrow Express from Paddington Station will have you to the airport in 15 minutes, and the Lancaster tube station is also within walking distance. Overall, the lack of things to do in the hotel’s immediate vicinity is largely compensated by how easy and quick it is to get to places of interest, the airport included.

See More Location

Rooms

Bright, simple rooms with basic amenities

The rooms at the Alexandra Hotel are just what you might expect from a budget hotel. Bright duvets, not much happening on the walls, run-of-the-mill toiletries, and dated but still working hairdryers. That said, it’s all clean and functional and in larger rooms with multiple beds, towels are thoughtfully divided and folded on the bed of each guest. Views are far from postcard worthy, especially from windows that face the interior. A security deposit is required to use the remote for the TV; a modern flat-screen somewhat artlessly installed with black wires hanging down below it.

See More Rooms

Features

Acceptable, but nothing extraordinary

The amenities offered by this hotel are limited, though the touch-screen monitor at the front desk which serves as an information pad for guests is useful. It provides details on local events, theater, music, restaurants, and travel links, which, seeing as how Wi-Fi is not free, may come in especially handy. A large and quite vintage looking Coke machine looms large next to a staircase in the lobby, and the breakfast room seems spacious enough to not get crowded, though don't expect a smorgasbord. Toast, cold meats and cereal are the mainstays.

See More Features

Oyster Hotel Review

Alexandra Hotel

Scene

Central and basic, but lacking in character

The lobby of this hotel feels a bit like it's been pulled out of a box of saltwater taffy. Though its peach-colored walls and worn cream leather sofas certainly do not conform to the “stylish” and “cool modern interior” described on the hotel’s website, they are strangely inviting. The decor in the rooms is significantly more subdued and clearly geared towards the budget traveler, with an emphasis on larger groups.

Stretched across three separate buildings, one of which is located across the street from reception, the hotel’s white exterior is regal and in-line with the Victorian theme of the neighborhood. It is an area spotted with a few other hotels, mostly mid-range and above, putting this one among the more affordable options. Though very well communicated due to its proximity to Paddington Station, it’s in a somewhat soulless area with few fine dining or entertainment options.

See More Scene

Location

On a quiet but quaint street not far from main sights

Located a stone's throw from Hyde Park and a good walk or short bus ride from the Museum Quarter, this hotel is ideal for budget travelers who also happen to be museum junkies and nature enthusiasts. For those more into organized tourism, there is a big open-top red double decker bus stop across the street. The Heathrow Express from Paddington Station will have you to the airport in 15 minutes, and the Lancaster tube station is also within walking distance. Overall, the lack of things to do in the hotel’s immediate vicinity is largely compensated by how easy and quick it is to get to places of interest, the airport included.

See More Location

Rooms

Bright, simple rooms with basic amenities

The rooms at the Alexandra Hotel are just what you might expect from a budget hotel. Bright duvets, not much happening on the walls, run-of-the-mill toiletries, and dated but still working hairdryers. That said, it’s all clean and functional and in larger rooms with multiple beds, towels are thoughtfully divided and folded on the bed of each guest. Views are far from postcard worthy, especially from windows that face the interior. A security deposit is required to use the remote for the TV; a modern flat-screen somewhat artlessly installed with black wires hanging down below it.

See More Rooms

Features

Acceptable, but nothing extraordinary

The amenities offered by this hotel are limited, though the touch-screen monitor at the front desk which serves as an information pad for guests is useful. It provides details on local events, theater, music, restaurants, and travel links, which, seeing as how Wi-Fi is not free, may come in especially handy. A large and quite vintage looking Coke machine looms large next to a staircase in the lobby, and the breakfast room seems spacious enough to not get crowded, though don't expect a smorgasbord. Toast, cold meats and cereal are the mainstays.

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Concierge

  • Cribs

  • Free Breakfast

  • Internet

  • Poolside Drink Service

  • Rental Car Service Desk Onsite

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.