Pavilion
34-36 Sussex Gardens, London, United Kingdom, W2 1UL
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#48 of 80
expert-rated hotels in London- Recommended for:
- Families with teenagers, Singles, Nightlife, Shopping
Expert review of Pavilion
Fun, flamboyant and stylish rooms at affordable prices.
From the outside, the Pavilion doesn’t look much different from the many neighbouring cheap hotels, but within the décor says too much is never enough. The rooms are all individually and extravagantly styled to different rock ’n’ roll themes.
Location:
The north side of Sussex Gardens, which runs down nearly as far as Hyde Park, is pretty much just a string of cheap hotels, all set back from a busy road. The nearest Underground station is Edgware Road, but Paddington rail station is hardly any further. Apart from the park, most London attractions are easily accessible - but elsewhere.
Bedrooms:
Where to start? Most townhouse hotels have different design notes for each room. Here you could be moving into a completely different hotel each time you open a room door. On the 2nd floor, the twin called Honky Tonk Afro thrusts you straight into the psychedelic ’60s, with mirrored love-heart headboards, a disco ball and garish prints of Marc Bolan and John Lennon. The tiny but coddling War & Peace squeezes in a scarlet army tunic, canopied four-poster single bed, writing desk and a wall-mounted crossbow. On the top floor are White Days & Soul Nights (a boudoir done out in cream and whites, with a chandelier) and, my favourite despite the rather functional bathroom, Flower Power. Looking out on the treetops, its turquoise floral décor makes the room feel airy as a conservatory - there’s a fine cast-iron sink with marble top in one corner too. There’s free wireless internet and a TV in each room, although the screens aren’t always helpfully positioned.
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Public areas:
I like the amiable clutter of cricket bats, steamer trunks and old black-and-white photos in the reception area, with a couple of leopard-skin chairs facing the desk, but the residents’ lounge in the basement is the real stunner: the Parlour is a cosy and darkly handsome little sitting room full of books, mirrors and neo-classical busts, which opens on to outdoor decking with metal water feature and some geometric modern chairs. I liked the stained-glass in the firedoors too.
Eating and drinking:
A breakfast of cereal and pastries is delivered to your room in a sealed plastic tray, or you can spend £5 on a ham, cheese or chicken sandwich or fries. I’d head into Notting Hill for a drink or bite to eat.
Service:
Calm, but a bit detached. Do confirm internet bookings by phone before you set off.
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Who stays there:
Lovers of the eccentric and bohemians with an eye for a bargain.
Pros:
Eye-popping kitsch décor
Good prices
Cons:
No lift and few amenities
Some bathrooms are small and a bit dull
More information on Pavilion:
- Price from:
- Type:
- Hotel
- Address:
- 34-36 Sussex Gardens, London, United Kingdom, W2 1UL
- Amenities:
- High-Speed Internet, Parking
- Neighbourhood:
- Paddington
