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