The Columbia

The Columbia Overview

First Impressions

Walking up to The Columbia on Lancaster Gate, you immediately get that classic London townhouse vibe — you know, the kind where Victorian elegance meets modern practicality. This three-star hotel sits right in the heart of Westminster Borough, and honestly, the location alone makes it worth considering. The building itself has that timeless British charm without trying too hard, which I actually appreciate more than some of the flashier places nearby.

Location & Neighborhood

Here’s what really impressed me about staying here — you’re literally a stone’s throw from Hyde Park, and I mean that quite literally. Step out the front door, cross the street, and you’re in one of London’s most beautiful green spaces. The Lancaster Gate tube station is practically next door, which makes getting anywhere in the city ridiculously easy. What couples seem to love most (and the 9.4 location rating from recent guests backs this up) is how you can stroll through Kensington Gardens in the morning, then be in Oxford Street shopping or exploring Covent Garden within 20 minutes on the Underground.

The Room Experience

The rooms at The Columbia are what I’d call “proper British hotel” style — not huge by American standards, but thoughtfully designed and surprisingly comfortable. Each room feels like it’s been updated recently without losing that traditional London character. The beds are actually quite good, and the bathrooms, while compact, have everything you need. I particularly liked how quiet it stays despite being on such a busy street — the windows do their job well, which matters when you’re trying to sleep off jet lag.

Breakfast & Dining

The breakfast setup here is honestly better than I expected for a three-star property. They’ve got a proper buffet with continental options, plus they actually cater to different dietary needs — vegetarian, gluten-free, the works. What’s clever is their “breakfast to go” option, which is perfect when you want to grab something quick and head straight to the parks or catch an early train. The restaurant area feels cozy rather than cramped, and the staff genuinely seems to care about getting your morning started right.

Why Guests Love It

Look, The Columbia isn’t trying to be the fanciest hotel in London, and that’s exactly why it works so well. You’re paying for an excellent location, clean comfortable accommodations, and service that feels personal rather than corporate. The fact that couples consistently rate the location so highly tells you everything — when you can walk to Hyde Park, pop over to Notting Hill, or catch a show in the West End without breaking a sweat, you’re golden. It’s the kind of place where you spend your days exploring London and come back to a reliable, welcoming base that doesn’t eat up half your travel budget.

The Columbia Accommodations

Reviews of The Columbia

• Anna from Austria (8/10)

  super friendly staff, great location and value for money

• Lisa from Australia (8/10)

  We loved the location and style of the common areas, and the staff were lovely.

• Keith from Australia (6/10)

  Convenient and comfy beds

• Lian from Australia (7/10)

  The location and the facade of the building was lovely. Along with the guest area downstairs was beautiful

• Christopher from Singapore (7/10)

  It’s in a nice neighbourhood away from the hustle and bustle yet connected via buses and the underground to the city centre. Service quality of the staff is impeccable. Beds are comfortable.

• Susie from Australia (8/10)

  Location and the classic English hotel, elevator.

• Colin from United Kingdom (6/10)

  Wonderful building. Excellent Reception Staff

• Anamarias from Romania (6/10)

  located central

• Gallagher from United Kingdom (8/10)

  Staff excellent, bed so comfortable, shower needs updating but very good .thank you [email protected]

• Sas from Australia (8/10)

  I loved the quirkiness of The Colombia. It really was like stepping back in time but in a really good way. The beds were so comfortable and I liked that we could crack a window to cool down, even in winter! Location opposite Kensington Gardens and the close proximity to multiple tube stations as well as Paddington Station made it perfect.

Surroundings

Facilities