The Piccadilly London West End

Formerly a Best Western Hotel, the Piccadilly London West End has been in operation since 1999 and was renovated in 2015. Thankfully, it's now a far cry from its days as a budget crash pad. Instead, this intimate hotel makes an ideal city hideaway with lots of luxury appeal. Although the decor is modern, it still manages to feel cozy and sophisticated. Situated on lively Shaftesbury Avenue, it's also surprisingly quiet once you're inside. The tiny lobby has glossy marble floors and a sleek black front desk. The space is decorated with red roses, soft purple chairs, and quintessentially-British Union Jack cushions. Ambient background music creates a relaxed atmosphere, while free daily newspapers and chocolates on the front desk add a nice extra touch for guests. The lobby is rarely busy during the day, though the common areas can get busy in the evening, with people grabbing a drink or bite to eat before heading out. The hotel attracts mostly business travelers during the week, with the majority of tourists visiting on the weekend. It's a popular choice for theater-goers due to the location, as well as families celebrating special occasions. 

Set on busy Shaftesbury Avenue, the Piccadilly London West End is right in the heart of central London. There are plenty of bars and restaurants in the immediate area, as the hotel is nestled between Chinatown and Soho, and the Trocadero entertainment complex is only a five-minute walk away. It's a convenient location for theater-goers as well, with the Queen's Theater just down the road, and the Prince Edward Theater only a three-minute walk from the hotel. The shops of Oxford Street and Carnaby Street are around a 15-minute walk away, while Covent Garden Market and The Royal Opera House are 10 minutes from the hotel on foot. Piccadilly Circus Underground Station is a five-minute walk, making it easy to get to London's main attractions, such as Buckingham Palace, The London Eye, Big Ben, and the British Museum. Travelers coming from Heathrow Airport can take the tube directly to Piccadilly Circus Underground Station in around 50 minutes. From Gatwick Airport, it's around 60 minutes by car, or 30 minutes by train to Victoria Station (from the station, it's a 15-minute tube journey to the hotel). 

Though guest rooms aren't big, they're surprisingly spacious for a boutique property. All 67 rooms and suites have a neutral color scheme, accented with bold patterned carpets and blue-and-gold toned details. Furniture is kept simple, with dark wood desks, ergonomic leather chairs, soft purple armchairs, and glass-top tables. Some rooms have four-poster beds with glittering LED lights in the canopy, while others offer lovely rooftop views of London. Modern amenities include flat-screen TVs with Freeview channels, DVD players, air-conditioning, safes, phones, Nespresso coffeemakers, Jing tea-making facilities, and well-stocked minibars. Guests also receive free bottled water, fresh fruit, magazines, and free robes and slippers. All rooms have a smartphone handset, allowing guests unlimited free calls to the U.K. and some international countries -- they're especially handy for the many international travelers who stay here. The turndown service is particularly thoughtful as well, including free lavender pillow spray and lip balm. Monochrome-tiled bathrooms are compact and contemporary, with underfloor heating, shower/tub combos with rainfall showers, magnifying mirrors, and free luxury Elemis toiletries. Despite its central location, there's very little noise from the road outside.

The Piccadilly London West End has an impressive number of facilities for a such a small property. A cozy, ocean-themed spa can be found on the basement level, offering Thalgo body and facial treatments, massages, waxing, brow, lash, and nail treatments. There are two small treatment rooms, a hot tub, sauna, and steam room. Guests should be aware that it's difficult to get a walk-in spa treatment, so it's best to book in advance. A fitness center is on the same floor -- a rarity in central London -- but it's tiny and includes just a few cardio machines and a universal pulley machine. Hankies restaurant and bar has a casual atmosphere, with rustic canteen-style decor. A reasonably-priced Indian street-food menu is served in the evening, consisting of small plates alongside a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Guests should note that the restaurant is also open to the public, making it busy at dinnertime, so it's best to book in advance. A generous healthy breakfast buffet is served here daily, including fresh fruit, cereal, pastries, fresh coffee, and tea -- however, this costs extra. Hot breakfasts are available from the a la carte menu, which includes delicious vegan and vegetarian options. The Club Lounge is a quiet, cozy place for those in Club Rooms to kick back, with comfy couches, games, and free refreshments. Other services include a 24-hour front desk, concierge, room service, laundry, free newspapers, free Wi-Fi, and a free welcome drink.