Best Boutique Hotels in Paddington and Bayswater, London

The Space Apart Hotel is an upper-mid-range property occupying an attractive Georgian townhouse near Kensington Gardens. The 30 studio-style apartments sleep up to four and all come with full kitchens, brushed-glass bathrooms, and modern decor that includes wood floors and chic wallpaper. With its quiet yet convenient location, the hotel is a good choice for business or leisure travelers in need of an extended-stay hotel. However, the property lacks some of the amenities common to more traditional hotels -- there's no fitness center or on-site bar/restaurant. Travelers may want to compare rates at Go Native Earl's Court, an apartment hotel with easy access to the A4 road that leads to Heathrow.

This boutique hotel has a great West End location with efficient transport links to Heathrow Airport, and rooms are refreshingly colorful and modern -- but the almost futuristic style of the lobby might not be to everyone's taste. The fitness center is a perk for a hotel of this size, as is the inclusion of a stylish brasserie on-site. Overall, though, Hotel Indigo lacks the amenities of a larger hotel, and cheap materials can make the funky, stylish decor feel a bit less high-end than the decor at some competing four-pearl properties.

The 40-room Arbor Hyde Park Hotel is a chic, upper-middle-range boutique set in a traditional Victorian townhouse occupying a typical residential square. Its Bayswater location near Hyde Park means easy access to central London and Heathrow airport via dependable local transport links. While often small and on the spare side, rooms are smart and contemporary with free Wi-Fi and Nespresso machines, plus sleek bathrooms that have walk-in showers. A free continental breakfast is served in a simple breakfast room. Although it's all rather easy on the eye, the lack of facilities makes the rates feel a bit high; the nearby Best Western Mornington Hotel is often cheaper and has a small fitness room. 

Conveniently positioned between Hyde Park and Paddington Station, this four-pearl Mercure property has 72-rooms spread over a series of gorgeous, garden-facing Victorian townhouses. Short on space but not on style, the boutique hotel offers a bold contemporary twist on traditional decor in both its common areas and guest rooms -- the latter all outfitted with mini-fridges, interactive flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. The property also has a popular lobby bar plus three meeting rooms and a basement gym; however, the free loaner smart phones may be the most appreciated perk. If this hotel is fully booked, a comparable converted building nearby is the Park Grand London Paddington.

The Parkwood at Marble Arch is a mid-range, bed-and-breakfast hotel located opposite Hyde Park, and a five-minute walk from Marble Arch station. There are 16 guest rooms with basic decor, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and dated bathrooms. All bookings include a free full English breakfast and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. There are no elevators available in the four-story hotel, no on-site parking, and no air-conditioning. For about the same rate, the Avni Kensington Hotel also has a free breakfast and fresher rooms near Hyde Park.

Shaftesbury Hyde Park International is located away from the hubbub of the city center in a popular West London neighborhood. The area is pleasant, with transport links close by and many local attractions, restaurants, and shops within easy walking distance. Rooms are small, even by London standards, though amenities are more than adequate. There's not much that sets this hotel apart from numerous others in the area, but rooms are clean and rates are reasonable for the excellent location.

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.

The Thistle Hyde Park is an elegant hotel dating back to the Victorian era. Decor is traditional with chandeliers, hanging portraits, and dramatic curtains. All 54 rooms are comfortable and clean with flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, and big bathrooms. Some rooms also have excellent views over Hyde Park. With high ceilings and plenty of character, this hotel is a good match for guests seeking relaxation over contemporary style. Hotel highlights include a restaurant, lounge, and bar along with a cozy writing room. While some rooms are on the small side, the location is convenient for walking to nearby Notting Hill Gate and the rooms are good value.

This upscale boutique hotel in West London has 80 stylish -- but compact -- rooms. In a quiet area, but with plenty of attractions nearby, it provides a peaceful retreat, and the Japanese-style decor adds to the tranquil feel. The hotel’s owner dictates that no alcohol is served on the premises, and the restaurant only serves vegan food. Breakfast is not included and is on the pricey side, in line with the expensive room rates.

An elegant boutique hotel in a classic Georgian townhouse near Hyde Park and Notting Hill, the New Linden Hotel is a great value for a hotel of its caliber, in an upscale residential neighborhood, a quick tube ride from city-center attractions like Leicester Square. Like most small hotels in London, rooms are compact, and some are nicer and more spacious than others, but they're bright and well-decorated, some with private terraces. With free Wi-Fi and breakfast, it’s a great option for any visitor wishing to be in quiet, picturesque part of London.

As its name implies, the 42 rooms at this mid-range Victorian hotel are only a 10-minute walk from attractions like Hyde Park and Kensington Palace. While many of the guest rooms are extremely large, others are tight on space. Style across the board is bright, homey, and simple, and rooms have high ceilings and contemporary bathrooms. Facilities are lacking here, though, and while a cold buffet breakfast is available for a fee, there is no restaurant or bar, and rooms are not air conditioned. Guests should also consider BEST WESTERN Shaftesbury Paddington Court London for a nearby three-pearl option that features a small bar and fitness center.

Created by acclaimed British designer Anouska Hempel more than a decade ago, this boutique hotel features a unique, Zen-inspired vibe that incorporates minimalist decor and a neutral color scheme. However, the property looks a bit past its prime, with faded paint and tired furnishings throughout. Rates are fairly reasonable considering the hotel's exclusivity (Michael Jackson once stayed and stars such as Keanu Reeves have reportedly been spotted), but the competitive price point and innovative design may not be enough to make up for the wear and tear.