Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much when I first walked up to the Caesar Hotel – I mean, it’s tucked into this quiet row of white Victorian townhouses on Queens Gardens, and you could easily walk right past it if you weren’t looking. But that’s actually part of its charm, you know? While everyone’s fighting for rooms near the chaos of Oxford Street, you’re sitting pretty in this little pocket of Bayswater that feels almost residential.
The location is what really sold me on this place. You’re literally a two-minute walk from Lancaster Gate tube station (which, let’s be honest, is way more convenient than those hotels that claim to be “near” transport but actually require a 10-minute trek with your luggage). Hyde Park is right across the street – and I don’t mean you can see it from some rooms, I mean you step out the front door and boom, there’s the park. Perfect for those early morning runs or late evening walks when London’s actually quiet for once. The Paddington area gets a bad rap sometimes, but this little stretch feels completely different – more like Notting Hill’s calmer cousin.
What surprised me most was how the staff actually remembered my name after the first day. The guy at reception (I think his name was Marcus?) gave me genuinely useful tips about avoiding tourist traps, not just the usual “visit Big Ben” nonsense. The rooms are that classic London size – compact but cleverly designed, with these tall Victorian windows that let in more light than you’d expect. The beds are honestly pretty comfortable, though the pillows are a bit soft for my taste. You can hear the occasional bus rumbling down Bayswater Road, but it’s more of a gentle London soundtrack than actual noise pollution.
The breakfast room overlooks one of those gorgeous garden squares that makes you feel like you’re in a period drama – I actually found myself lingering over coffee way longer than usual just watching the neighborhood wake up. Speaking of coffee, theirs is surprisingly decent for a hotel this size. They’ve got this whole continental spread that’s nothing fancy but hits the spot, especially when you’re planning to spend the day walking around the city.
Here’s the thing though – this isn’t one of those flashy hotels with a rooftop bar or Instagram-worthy lobby. It’s solid, reliable, and perfectly positioned if you want to feel like you’re staying in a proper London neighborhood rather than a tourist bubble. The Caesar’s biggest strength is that it gets out of your way and lets you actually experience the city. Plus, at an 8.2 rating, you know other people have figured out what makes this place work too.