This is London as London wants to be. Forget the City or the West End, the area around Bayswater is where London’s true centre resides. It is cosmopolitan and wealthy, crammed with luxury boutiques and foreign-food delis, and then there’s the lovely expanse of Hyde Park to the south.
And there are a mass of hotels here, too. Dare we say it, but most even come highly recommended; a good number are pretty decent value. Nevertheless, just to make absolutely sure that you don’t put so much as a toe wrong in terms of which one you choose, we’ve sieved out the very, very best for your stay in London town.
Smart Hyde Park View Hostel
From £20/ night
One of the least expensive places to stay anywhere in London, dorm beds are on offer here at a price that slips below most rental agreements in this part of town. So, if you don’t mind sharing this is a great and comfortable place with WiFi in common areas, a 24-hour front desk, laundry service and lockers. There are also private rooms if you’re willing to stomp up a little more cash.
Central Park Hotel
From £89/ night
You might have to get over its somewhat car park like façade, but inside the Central Park Hotel is nothing but plush comfort. And what a fantastic location. With so much green space just outside its front doors by way of Hyde Park, you’d be forgiven for forgetting you’re actually slap bang in the middle of one of the most heaving metropolises anywhere on the planet. Naturally, such a hotel would not be complete without the full bevy of modern conveniences and sure enough TVs, WiFi, and en suites are standard in all rooms.
Royal Eagle Hotel
From £80/ night
Situated within a beautiful ode to Victorian architecture, the Royal Eagle is a hotel that appeals to the traditionalist in all of us. It’s also excellently connected to the rest of London and just a five minute walk away from the glorious Hyde Park. And despite its external appearance, inside is actually very modern, and is accommodated accordingly.
Prince William Hotel
From £72/ night
In a listed 18th Century building, with an interior representing the archetypal image of “Cool Britannia”, and named after the country’s king-to-be, there are few hotels, surely – and none for such low prices – that better represent modern London than this. Expect to be well looked after by the 24 hour reception and kept in touch by the free WiFi, before dashing out to explore the capital’s frenetic streets.
Hyde Park Boutique Hotel
From £89/ night
For a Londoner, which – full disclosure – I am, there’s something about buildings that look like the Hyde Park Boutique Hotel that brings real estate price-related tears to the eyes. Existing in some of the most desirable parts of town, they’re a physical manifestation of six or seven figure price tags. Which makes the price that you can stay here for almost tear inducing in the opposite way. So, come here to live like an oligarch for the night, while enjoying all the other more standard services that this great hotel has to offer.