Mercure London Hyde Park

Frosted with white stucco and adorned with topiary, the facade of this elegant town house hotel is oh-so traditional. Inside, however, its classic style gets a contemporary update. In the small reception area, for instance, an arty abstract rug replaces the expected Persian, with mirrored and metallic accents adding further pizzazz. Ditto for other main-level common areas, including the striking lobby lounge where black-and-white photos -- not oil paintings -- hang on the walls; the chandelier is bling-y glass rather than conventional crystal; and the wing-back chairs are given a funky shape and zebra-print upholstery. Decor-wise, these spaces (like guest rooms above) have a hint of exuberant decadence about them. But the look seems to have broad appeal, as the property draws a mix of tourists and business travelers.

Situated on a tranquil side street near Hyde Park and set directly across from one of London’s lovely little “secret gardens,” this Mercure hotel offers a quiet respite in an otherwise hectic city. Thankfully it's well connected to London's attractions because Paddington Station (which connects to most main rail terminals and underground lines) is only a four-minute walk away. The area around the station is full of life, and the facility itself offers easy access to top attractions. It's also the terminus for the Heathrow Express, meaning you can get to or from that airport in a mere 15 minutes. 

• Four-minute walk to Paddington Station
• Seven-minute walk to Kensington Gardens 
• 10-minute walk to Hyde Park
• 15 minutes to Piccadilly Circus by public transport
• 18 minutes to Trafalgar Square by public transport
• 19 minutes to Leicester Square by public transport
• 22 minutes to Heathrow Airport by public transport
• 26 minutes to Buckingham Palace by public transport
• 26 minute to St. Pancras Station (Eurostar) by public transport
• 58 minutes to Gatwick Airport by public transport

The smallish rooms here wed traditional to contemporary by taking typical Victorian elements to extremes -- supersizing a tufted headboard, for example, or wallpapering an accent wall in a Steampunk-y print -- then pairing them with minimalist tables and mod ceiling fixtures. All feature customizable air-conditioning, mini-fridges with free water (and, in some case, soft drinks), coffee/tea making supplies, laptop safes, ironing equipment, large interactive TVs with satellite channels and on-demand movies, plus free Wi-Fi. Upper category options include Nespresso machines and fluffy robes, while suites boast balconies overlooking tiny Talbot Square, too. The sleek, gray-tiled bathrooms are short on square footage, but their walk-in spa showers, in-floor heating, and pebbly-y iridescent accents add a luxe touch.

Mercure may have boutique style, but it's a member of the AccorHotels company (a French hotel group), so it offers the amenities one would expect of a four-pearl chain hotel appealing to both tourists and business types. The former will particularly like the loaner smart phones, which they’re welcome to use both inside and out: These allow for free local calls, free international calls to select countries, plus free 3Gs of data. Corporate travelers will also appreciate the trio of well-equipped meeting rooms as well as the presence of an on-site meeting coordinator.

Note that the hotel has no restaurant per se, but an add-on breakfast is offered in the Serpentine Room, and Bar 1857 (a moody space right off the lobby) serves light bites in addition to drinks. Moreover, the adjoining London Street Brasserie lists updated versions of classic British fare (think olive-crusted lamb or venison with haggis) on its seasonally-changing menu; it can be entered directly from the hotel via a connecting door, and round-the-clock room service is available. 

Other features include a 24/7 reception desk with concierge and laundry/dry-cleaning services; a garden space with rental marquees; a rather cramped basement gym with fitness machines and free weights; a computer station off the lobby; and no-charge Wi-Fi throughout.