Best Western Mornington Hotel

Housed in a historic white terrace house, the Best Western Mornington Hotel exudes a classic London vibe from the outside, complete with two stately white pillars flanking the entrance. Inside, wood paneling lines the walls throughout the lobby, which is small but has a couple of seating areas with patterned wingback armchairs and leather chesterfield sofas, as well as a modern gas fireplace. The breakfast room resembles a business-catering cafeteria, with dark wood-and-leather chairs and generic artwork; it has no natural light but is nonetheless well-lit. The library bar is stylish and cozy, extending the same aesthetic found in the lobby; its wood-paneled walls are lined with bookshelves, it has parquet floors and high ceilings, and a small enclosed bar serves drinks to guests lounging around small tables in colorful wingback chairs and leather chesterfields, with a gas fireplace augmenting the cozy atmosphere.

The hotel is just a two-minute walk from the Lancaster Gate tube station, on a fairly quiet street lined with tall, ivory Victorian facades. Hyde Park is just across the major Bayswater Road thoroughfare, and Paddington Station is less than a 10-minute walk away; from there, a train to Heathrow Airport takes about 30 minutes. There are several restaurants and pubs within a five-minute walk of the hotel, and all city attractions can be easily reached by public transportation. Westminster Abbey is 25 minutes away by tube, Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square are each around 20 minutes away, and Big Ben is just under 20 minutes.

There are 70 rooms at The Mornington and all put an English spin on what most guests of the Best Western chain are used to. The rooms are all clean and modern, with all the requisite amenities, but are compact by North American standards; only the suites are notably larger, some with a two-story lofted layout. As the building is historic, rooms vary in layout and look, but all are bright, with neutral-hued carpeting, sleek furniture in natural wood, and a vertical striped accent wall. All have free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV with cable, a small armchair, a desk and office chair, a kettle for coffee and tea, a safe, and ironing facilities. Bathrooms are also quite small, but modern and clean, with white tile-work, large mirrors, and shower stalls in most. Suites also have a minibar.

The Mornington offers free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, as well as a breakfast buffet (free with all rooms booked directly) that includes a wide range of cold and hot items -- even the English favorite black pudding. Breakfast can also be delivered to rooms upon request. There is a small fitness center with basic equipment. The hotel's real star is its small library bar that offers a full lineup of cocktails. There is no parking available at the hotel, nor is there a full restaurant. Business facilities are available.