1 Craven Hill Gardens

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about 1 Craven Hill Gardens? It’s this handsome Victorian townhouse that somehow manages to feel both grand and welcoming at the same time. I mean, you’re literally staying in one of those gorgeous white-fronted buildings you see in every London movie, but without the stuffy atmosphere you might expect from a place with this much character.

The location is honestly brilliant – and I don’t just mean “convenient,” I mean actually useful in ways that matter. You’re tucked into this lovely residential square in Bayswater, which gives you that proper London neighborhood feel, but Lancaster Gate tube station is maybe a three-minute walk away. Hyde Park is right there too, and I found myself cutting through it constantly to get to different parts of the city. What’s really nice is how quiet it gets in the evenings – you’re close enough to Paddington and Oxford Street that you can be anywhere quickly, but far enough from the chaos that you actually sleep well. The surrounding streets have this mix of local cafes and Middle Eastern restaurants that you wouldn’t necessarily find as a tourist, plus there’s a Tesco Express around the corner (trust me, you’ll appreciate knowing that).

The hotel itself has kept most of its Victorian bones intact, which means high ceilings, original moldings, and these lovely big windows that actually open – something you don’t always get in London hotels. The rooms vary quite a bit in size and layout since it’s an old building, but that’s part of the charm rather than a problem. Mine had this beautiful bay window overlooking the garden square, and honestly, just sitting there with morning coffee became my favorite part of each day. The staff genuinely seem to care about the place – not in that over-the-top way, but you can tell they know their guests and remember details. Check-in was smooth, they sorted out some restaurant recommendations that were actually good (not just the usual tourist traps), and when I mentioned I was having trouble with the shower pressure, someone was up within twenty minutes to fix it. The 8.2 rating feels about right – it’s not trying to be the fanciest place in London, but everything works well and there’s real attention to detail. If you want to stay somewhere that feels like London rather than just being in London, this is exactly the kind of place that delivers on that promise.

Rooms

• Signature Suite with Jacuzzi with 1 double bed for 2 adults
• Double Room with 1 double bed for 2 adults
• Family Suite with 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults
• Double Studio (Lower Ground Floor) with 1 double bed for 2 adults
• Double Studio with 1 double bed for 2 adults

Facilities