You know what struck me first about Chilworth Court? It’s one of those Georgian terraces on Gloucester Terrace that actually feels like London – not some generic international hotel that could be anywhere. I mean, you’re literally a two-minute walk from Paddington Station, which sounds hectic but honestly isn’t once you’re tucked into this quiet stretch. The building has that proper white-painted facade thing going on that makes you feel like you’re staying in someone’s very posh townhouse.
The location is honestly brilliant if you know London at all. You’ve got Hyde Park right there – and I don’t mean a long schlep, I mean you can see the trees from some of the upper floor windows. Bayswater Road runs along the bottom, so you’re connected to everything, but Gloucester Terrace itself is surprisingly peaceful. There’s a little Italian place called Noor Jahan just around the corner that does decent curry (the staff at Chilworth actually recommended it), and if you walk five minutes toward Lancaster Gate, you hit that strip of Lebanese restaurants that locals actually use. The hotel itself feels more intimate than you’d expect from a four-star place – maybe it’s because it’s spread across what were obviously separate Victorian houses originally, so the layout has character instead of that cookie-cutter hotel corridor vibe.
What really won me over was the attention to detail without the stuffiness. The rooms aren’t huge – this is London, after all – but they’re thoughtfully designed with decent storage and proper lighting for actually reading. The bathrooms are updated but not in that aggressive modern way that strips all the character out. Staff genuinely seem to know the neighborhood, which sounds small but makes such a difference when you’re trying to figure out whether to walk or tube somewhere. Check-in was smooth even when I arrived early on a Sunday, and they stored my bags without any drama. The breakfast room gets lovely morning light, and they don’t rush you out like some places do. Honestly, at an 8.3 rating, I’d say it’s one of those hotels that delivers exactly what it promises – comfortable, well-located, and run by people who actually care about hospitality rather than just processing guests. If you’re the type who wants to feel like you’re staying in London rather than just sleeping in London, Chilworth Court gets it right.