You know what struck me first about the Rove Hotel London Paddington? It’s actually tucked away on Norfolk Square, which is one of those proper Victorian garden squares that somehow escaped the chaos of central London. I mean, you’re literally a five-minute walk from Paddington Station – you can hear the distant rumble of trains if you really listen – but the square itself feels almost village-like with its neat Georgian terraces and that lovely little garden in the middle.
The hotel itself has this interesting vibe where they’ve clearly put effort into being modern without completely gutting the building’s character. The lobby’s got these sleek lines and contemporary furniture, but you can still see the original cornicing if you look up. Check-in was refreshingly quick (I was there on a Tuesday afternoon, which probably helped), and the staff actually seemed to know the neighborhood well – the guy at reception gave me proper directions to the Regent’s Canal towpath, not just the standard tourist spots. My room was on the third floor facing the square, and honestly, it was quieter than I expected given how close we were to one of London’s busiest transport hubs. The rooms aren’t huge – this is London, after all – but they’ve used the space cleverly. Big windows, decent shower pressure, and the bed was actually comfortable, not just acceptable.
What I really appreciated was how the location works in practice. Sure, everyone mentions Paddington Station, but what they don’t tell you is that you’re also perfectly positioned for exploring some of London’s most interesting bits on foot. Hyde Park is right there – I could see the trees from my window – and you can walk to Little Venice along the canal in about fifteen minutes. The area around Norfolk Square has some brilliant pubs too, including the Victoria which does proper fish and chips if you can’t face another trendy gastropub. Parking’s a nightmare, obviously, but if you’re arriving by train (which, let’s be honest, most people are), you couldn’t ask for better positioning. The 7.6 rating feels about right – it’s solid without being spectacular, and the four-star designation seems fair. It’s not trying to be the Savoy, but it’s definitely a step up from your average chain hotel. The price point makes sense for what you get, especially considering you’re in Zone 1 and can walk to Oxford Street in twenty minutes if you’re feeling energetic.