Hyde Park Executive Apartments

Though full renovations were done in 2014, this property in the Bayswater neighborhood remains basic, no-frills, and forgettable in its design. The lobby is small, with a wooden front desk and a cramped seating area with two black couches, a worn coffee table, and a small public computer and printer tucked away in one corner. With poor Wi-Fi connection in rooms, the lobby can get quite cramped with guests trying to access the signal as it seems to be the best place to get reception. There are also coffee and vending machines with snacks in the lobby, near an elevator. Note that reception isn’t available 24/7. With no public spaces besides the lobby, this hotel is best suited for travelers who aren’t looking for more than a room. 

Hyde Park Executive Apartments are well-located in a residential neighborhood a few minutes’ walk north from Kensington Gardens and 16 minutes from Hyde Park. There are a few hotels, restaurants, and a small Asian grocery store in the surrounding area. It takes nine minutes on foot to reach Kensington Palace, while it’s a 23-minute walk to Portobello Market. Other attractions may be too far to reach on foot, though a nearby tube station (three minutes away) makes them accessible. The Palace of Westminster and Big Ben can be reached in a 16 minute ride, and the London Eye is 24 minutes. London Heathrow is a 45-minute drive away, while London City Airport takes 40 minutes to reach. 

The rooms at Hyde Park Executive Apartments are studio-style, with contemporary but basic decor including wooden floors, white-linen beds with red accents, gray rugs, black loveseats or armchairs, and IKEA-like furniture. There’s little adornment beyond framed black-and-white photographs in some rooms. Though higher-category rooms -- including the Luxury Suites and Executive Suites -- may be a bit more spacious, they don't add any upscale flourishes. All rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs, safes, and irons, plus kitchenettes with microwaves, two-burner stoves, sinks, mini-fridges, toasters, kettles, and some dishes and cookware. Rooms lack air-conditioning but do have fans. Wi-Fi is free in rooms but there have been reports of poor or slow connection. White-tiled bathrooms are basic, with limited counter space, small showers, heated towel racks, and a small supply of Ebony-brand toiletries. Hairdryers are available at the front desk but they require a hefty deposit to borrow. There is no daily towel change or cleaning, and in-room cleaning occurs once within a stay of seven days. 

Features are limited at the Hyde Park Executive Apartments, with little more to offer guests beyond snack and coffee vending machines in the lobby and a coin-operated laundry room. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, but there’s been reports of poor in-room reception. There’s also a public computer and printer in the lobby.