Okay, so I’ll be honest – when I first saw “Design studio in Paddington GT” listed as accommodation, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. But this little gem tucked away on Gloucester Terrace completely surprised me in the best way possible. You know how sometimes these converted spaces can feel a bit makeshift? Well, this actually feels like someone put real thought into making it work as a proper place to stay.
The location is honestly brilliant if you know London at all. Gloucester Terrace is one of those lovely tree-lined streets that feels properly residential but you’re literally a three-minute walk from Paddington Station – and I mean actually three minutes, not travel website three minutes. Hyde Park is right there too, which means you can grab coffee and sit by the Serpentine if the studio starts feeling cramped (though it really doesn’t). What I love is that you’re in Westminster Borough technically, but it has this village-y Paddington vibe where you’ll find proper local pubs mixed in with the fancy gastropubs that cater to the Heathrow crowd passing through.
The studio itself… well, it lives up to the “design” part of its name. Everything feels intentional – the lighting is actually decent (you know how rental places usually have those harsh overhead bulbs?), and there’s proper storage space which seems obvious but you’d be amazed how many London accommodations forget about that entirely. The flat is on the second floor of a gorgeous Victorian terrace, so you get those high ceilings and big windows that flood the place with light during the day. Honestly, the whole setup feels more like staying at a design-savvy friend’s place than a typical hotel room. There’s a small kitchenette that’s actually functional – I mean, you could cook a proper meal if you wanted to, though with Borough Market just a tube ride away, why would you? The bathroom surprised me too; it’s compact but everything works perfectly and the shower pressure is brilliant (sorry, but after years of disappointing London showers, this matters to me).
Check-in was refreshingly straightforward – none of that awkward hanging around a lobby situation. The whole building is pretty quiet too, which I wasn’t expecting being so close to Paddington. I stayed during a busy week in October and barely heard any street noise, even with the windows open. You will hear the occasional rumble from the tube, but honestly it becomes quite soothing after a day or two. The only thing I’d mention is that like most London buildings, there’s no lift, so if you’re traveling with massive suitcases, just be prepared for a bit of a workout getting up those stairs. But honestly? For the price point and location, this place delivers way more than you’d expect from a four-star spot in central London. It’s perfect if you want somewhere that feels like home base rather than just a place to crash.