You know what struck me first about Queens Park Premier? It’s actually not in Queens Park at all – it’s tucked away on this quiet residential street in Bayswater, which honestly works out way better for most people. Queensborough Terrace is one of those tree-lined London streets where you feel like you’re staying in a proper neighborhood rather than some touristy bubble. I mean, you’re literally a three-minute walk from Hyde Park’s north side, but it’s the less crowded bit where locals actually walk their dogs and kids play football.
The hotel itself has that solid 4-star feel without trying too hard – think clean lines, decent-sized rooms (well, decent for London standards), and staff who actually seem to know the area. What I really appreciated was how quiet it gets at night, even though you’re so close to the Paddington chaos. The building’s got good bones, you can tell, and they’ve done a smart job with the renovation without going overboard with trendy nonsense that’ll look dated in five years. Check-in was refreshingly straightforward too – none of that “let me tell you about seventeen amenities you’ll never use” routine. The lobby’s got this understated elegance thing going on, dark wood and muted colors that feel more grown-up than flashy.
Here’s the thing though – location is everything with this place, and they’ve nailed it. You’re a proper walk to Lancaster Gate tube (maybe seven minutes), but honestly, I found myself just wandering through the park to get places instead. It’s actually faster to cut through Hyde Park to reach Marble Arch or even Oxford Street than dealing with the tube sometimes. Plus you’ve got that whole Connaught Village area right there – brilliant little strip of independent shops and cafes that most tourists completely miss. The Greek restaurant on the corner of Connaught Street? Don’t skip it.
The rooms are what you’d expect – they’re not huge, but they’re thoughtfully laid out with proper storage and decent lighting for actually getting ready. Bathrooms are modern without being sterile, and the beds are legitimately comfortable (I’m picky about this). What really sealed it for me was the neighborhood vibe in the evenings. After the day-trippers clear out, you get this lovely residential feel where you might pop into the local pub or grab groceries from the little Sainsbury’s down the street. It’s London life, not London tourism, if that makes sense. The 7.6 rating feels about right – it’s not going to blow your mind, but it’s solidly good at what it does, and sometimes that’s exactly what you want.