The Darlington Hyde Park

Spread across four converted Victorian townhouses, the Darlington doesn't have much in the way of character, but definitely serves its purpose of adequate accommodation in a great part of town. A mix of tourist and business guests are greeted by a traditional Old-English-style lobby with large sash windows letting in plenty of light. Brown-leather sofas sit on red-patterned carpeting and blue-and-yellow-patterned curtains that give the space a dated feel, however, a fireplace and pale-yellow walls help give it a homey touch. A bonus for older London hotels, there is an elevator. Thanks to the array of room sizes, guests run the gamut here. 

For a city brimming with hotels, the Darlington's location is definitely one of its strongest features. The Darlington sits on a busy Paddington street lined with terraced Victorian houses. The wide open spaces of famed Hyde Park are a seven-minute walk away, and even closer are the quaint Norfolk and Talbot garden squares. The charming canals and quaint cafes of Little Venice are a 15-minute walk, while happening Soho -- with its endless bars and restaurants -- can be reached in about 20 minutes on the tube. Heathrow Airport is a 40-minute taxi ride from the hotel, or there's a direct express shuttle running every fifteen minutes to Paddington Station, a five-minute walk from the hotel. Faster than the nearby bus routes, Paddington Station serves four of London's tube lines, with the Bakerloo best for accessing sights and shopping. It's only four stops to Baker Street (for Madam Tussauds and the Sherlock Holmes Museum) and one more stop to the shops of Oxford Street, which can be reached on foot in 15 minutes.

Rooms are decently-sized for London and range from Singles and Doubles to Triples, Quads, and Family. They have adequate amenities but are nothing special, outfitted with a mix of traditional and contemporary elements. Decorative crown molding and pelmet sash curtains give some character, but overall decor is simple and uninspired with beige-painted walls, basic light-wood furniture, and patterned carpets. A much-needed pop of color comes from green-olive or deep-red bed throws, matching decorative cushions, and London-inspired artwork. Note that some guests have complained of thin walls between rooms.

All come with small 20-inch (51-cm) flat-screen LCD TVs and phones, alongside a quirky Union-Jack-patterned teapot and cups set with tea and coffee supplies. There's a small fridge in every room with free bottled mineral water (on arrival only), free Wi-Fi that can be patchy, and an in-room safe. Guests should note rooms are not air-conditioned, although fans are supplied. Portable air-conditioning units can be hired at a fee. Bathrooms are modern and well-lit with showers or shower/tub combos, toiletries, plenty of fluffy towels, and hairdryers.

All rates include a quality breakfast served in the basement breakfast room. The space is filled with green-wicker chairs, tables topped with white and red cloths, and artwork along the walls. Made-to-order cooked options of sausage, bacon, and eggs prove particularly popular and buffet-style continental options of pastries, fruit, and jams are available, alongside cereals and hot and cold beverages. The hotel's luggage storage and on-site laundry facility are convenient. Wi-Fi is free but patchy.