As mentioned in my London 101 post, take your airport into consideration when sleeping in London. Over the years, I’ve been set on these two strategic areas:
- most budget-friendly: around Paddington Station
- South Kensington
Both areas are served by the District and Circle lines, connecting you to Notting Hill, Victoria (Buckingham Palace), Westminster (Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey) and Tower Hill (Tower of London, Tower Bridge).
Another consideration is the kind of accommodation. For short trips, I definitely recommend hotels. For longer trips, an apartment is a much better option, since you can make trips to the supermarket and save on some of the restaurant costs. It’s also nicer to have more space day after day, instead of being cramped in a hotel room.
In this Part I, some recommendations for hotels in the Paddington area:
Budget Hotels
I have stayed in these two hotels years ago but I know they still exist and there’s no reason to believe they changed much. You will get just the basic, but if you are staying for a short period and you only need a bed to crash at the end of a long day outside, these prices are unbeatable.
easyHotel Paddington
You probably know EasyJet. Take the same no-frills concept to accommodations and you have EasyHotel. All apartments have an ensuite bathroom and are clean but they are super small (think airplane bathroom with a shower), you do not have elevators and you will need to pay for internet or tv. You can choose from various locations in London (and other cities). It’s less than 300m from Paddington Station, making it very convenient. Book here.
Alternative locations include Victoria and Old Street.
Point A Hotel London Paddington, former Tune Hotel
Following the same no-frills concept, this has a little nicer look than the EasyHotel. Other points where Tune/Point A wins is that it has free wi-fi throughout the hotel, tv, elevator and luggage storage. Just a little bit further from the station, but still a short 400m walk. Book here.
Other locations include Westminster and King’s Cross.
APARTMENT
Apartments have the definite advantage of a “home away from home” feel. If a stay is longer than 4 days, this is a welcome comfort and having a kitchenette will save you some serious money, just for not having to eat in restaurants for every single meal.
The Westbourne Hyde Park
I stayed there with my mom and sister when it was called Royal Court Apartments some years ago. I know it was closed for a while for renovations which, judging by the pictures and the 8.9 rating, I can only imagine improved the premises. It has a safe place among my recommendations due to the great location, between Paddington and Lancaster Gate, right by Hyde Park. They offer studios and one-bedroom suites with kitchenettes. Book here.
Read here for hotel recommendations on the area between South Kensington and Earl’s Court.
Read also:
London 101: Arriving & Getting Around
The Easy Three Rule, feat. London
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