Paddington and Bayswater, United States
Housed in attractive Georgian townhouse in quiet London street
Two blocks from Paddington station and 10-minute walk to Hyde Park
In-room amenities include flat-screen TVs with satellite channels
Computer terminal and printer in lobby
Buffet breakfast served each morning
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Rooms are small, some even tiny
Some mustiness in rooms reported
No on-site parking (public car park nearby)
Some guests report cleanliness concerns
The Shaftesbury Metropolis London Hyde Park is one of a chain of London hotels whose formula tends to be a period building with contemporary common areas and traditionally styled rooms -- and this is no exception. Location is great for transport links, being five minutes' walk from Paddington train terminal, and even the city center London. Like many of its kind, rooms are small, especially on the lower ground floor, and facilities are thin for this level of lodgings. Still, it's got enough going for it to be worth a look, and rates are reasonable for the area.
Scene
21st century interiors behind an attractive Georgian terrace townhouse
The hotel is housed in an attractive period townhouse at the end of a Georgian terrace row typical of the area, with yellow brick facade, manicured potted plants, and wrought iron railings. Inside the vibe turns modern, with the signature black and white wallpaper, polished tiled floors, and swish contemporary furnishings. Funky purple mood lighting and a crisp color scheme also create a fresh, 21st-century ambience, while fresh fruit and flowers bring a little hominess to the space. Clientele lean towards tourists favoring a quieter stay in the capital and business guests with connection from Paddington.
Location
Quiet, leafy central London setting a five-minute walk from Paddington station
The hotel is tucked away in a peaceful, leafy setting off Sussex Gardens in central London. It's particularly well positioned for transport links, being a five-minute walk from Paddington train terminal, as well as two blocks from busy Edgware Road. The green expanse of Hyde Park is under 10 minutes' walk away, while Marble Arch and the start of Oxford Street is fewer than 15.
Rooms
Rooms have English flavor and free Wi-Fi but some are tiny
Traditionally styled rooms are decorated with shimmery fabrics, patterned drapes, and a distinctly English flavor. Amenities include flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, free Wi-Fi, and tea and coffee facilities. Modern bathrooms have anti-mist mirrors and some include tubs. Room size vary though most are small, especially those on the lower ground floor, which are tiny. Some mustiness is also present in some rooms.
Features
Simple buffet breakfast and small gym
The hotel is somewhat light in facilities, though a simple buffet breakfast is served each morning in the (windowless) dining room. Guests also have access to a small gym with a few exercise machines. A computer terminal and printer can be found in the lobby, and Wi-Fi is free throughout.