You know what really struck me about the Inhabit when I first walked in? It’s tucked into this quiet residential stretch of Southwick Street where you’d never expect to find a hotel – I actually walked past it twice looking for the entrance. But that’s part of its charm, honestly. It feels more like staying at some design-savvy friend’s place than a typical London hotel, which makes sense since it’s part of that Design Hotels collection.
The whole sustainability angle isn’t just marketing fluff here – they actually walk the walk. I mean, sure, you’ll find the usual eco-friendly toiletries and recycling bins, but they’ve gone deeper than that. The rooms have these gorgeous reclaimed wood features, and there’s this living wall in the lobby that’s genuinely impressive (not just a few sad plants stuck to a wall like some places). What I loved most was how they’ve managed to make all the green initiatives feel luxurious rather than like you’re roughing it for the planet. The bedding is ridiculously comfortable – some kind of organic cotton that’s softer than most high-end hotels I’ve stayed at. And the air quality actually feels different, probably from all those plants they’ve got scattered around.
Location-wise, you’re in this sweet spot where you can walk to Hyde Park in about three minutes (perfect for morning runs, if that’s your thing), but you’re also close enough to Paddington that getting anywhere else in London is pretty straightforward. Honestly, I loved being off the main tourist drag – no crowds of people with roller bags clattering past your window at all hours. The neighborhood has this proper residential London feel, with those beautiful white Georgian townhouses and little cafes that aren’t trying to fleece tourists. There’s this excellent Lebanese place just around the corner on Edgware Road that the front desk recommended – definitely worth checking out. The only minor downside is that you’ll need to walk a bit for major shopping or nightlife, but if you’re looking for a peaceful base rather than party central, this works perfectly. Service feels genuinely personal too – they remember your name, know your coffee preferences by day two, that sort of thing. I’d definitely come back.