Novotel London Paddington

Given its appeal to corporate guests, it’s appropriate that the towering Novotel London Paddington has the sleek look of a company office. Sheer glass floor-to-ceiling windows frame the rectangular building, which is decorated inside with familiar mod-looking furniture in minimal white tones. Red accents add a bit of color to the otherwise neutral theme here. While this bustling property is geared to business travelers and commuters using nearby Paddington Station, it's also one of central London's better options for families. The indoor pool, teen room, and kids' club are all surprising perks for this business-friendly brand. As most guests are here to do business or see sights, it's not exactly a buzzy destination hotel, though we still saw professionals sipping beers at the bar in the evening. Overall, though, it's a quiet and reserved hotel. 

The Novotel London is in central London, in an office park that's an eight-minute walk from Paddington Station and the Heathrow Express. Otherwise, a taxi from London Heathrow International Airport takes about 45 minutes. For those willing to sacrifice proximity to major sights in favor of easy links to public transit, this is a solid bet as the tube is also at Paddington Station. Hyde Park is a 15-minute walk from the hotel, and there are plenty of casual spots nearby plus fast food in the train station. Otherwise, expect a 30-minute tube ride to the sights around Westminster, and 40 minutes to Tower Bridge. Harrods and the high-end shops of Kensington are also about 30 to 35 minute away by tube for those looking to shop. While Heathrow is only 20 minutes away by train, expect a one-hour trip to reach Gatwick Airport by train.

Like the rest of the hotel's decor scheme, the rooms stick to a straightforward, functional style, which works to create a contemporary look. The simple, curvilinear wooden furniture alongside the white beds and walls highlight red accents that are scattered throughout the spaces. It’s modest and pleasing, despite some rooms lacking much in the way of direct sunlight -- unfortunately, some look out to the brick walls of the neighboring building. Depending on the category booked, amenities vary, though all rooms have large 55-inch flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and safes. Lower-category rooms feature electric kettles while upgraded rooms add Nespresso coffeemakers and iPod docks. Air-conditioning is lackluster across the board. Despite its central location, this hotel is on a relatively quiet street, which might be a relief for light sleepers. Family-friendly perks include free cribs. Bathrooms are surprisingly tiny and poorly ventilated, but functional nonetheless, with separate rooms for the toilet and shower. There are no shower doors, so water easily leaks onto the floors, and we did spot some grimy tilework in the room we visited. Bathrobes are provided and fair-trade toiletries are replenished daily. 

While this Novotel is in the center of London, it's not limited in the way many hotels are when it comes to features. The rectangular indoor pool is a surprisingly welcome feature, not to mention the sauna, which stands next to the locker room, complete with showers and extra towels. There's also a simple fitness center with a few pieces of cardio and weight-training equipment. There's a rooftop terrace that isn't much, though it's still a place to escape from the hustle and bustle of meetings and conferences -- which are common at the hotel, thanks to at least eight available spaces, one of which spans over 3,000 square feet. The business center also takes up a corner of the lobby, with several up-to-date computers available for guest use. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. While breakfast isn’t free, it’s available at a discounted rate at check-in. Otherwise the bar and lounge serve a range of cocktail drinks. Elements Restaurant offers international food that you can order from an iPad at your table. The hotel has a kids' club and a teen room, which are a rarity among central London business hotels.