Gloucester Terrace Gem

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about the Gloucester Terrace Gem? It’s one of those places that actually lives up to its name – and honestly, that’s rarer than you’d think in London. Walking up to number 56, you’re on this gorgeous tree-lined street that feels properly residential, not touristy at all. I mean, you’re technically in Westminster Borough, but it has this village-y vibe that makes you forget you’re smack in the middle of one of the world’s busiest cities.

The location is honestly brilliant – you’re a proper two-minute walk from Lancaster Gate tube station (which, let’s be real, is way less crowded than some of the more central stops), and Hyde Park is literally across the street. Not “near” the park, but actually facing it. I spent most mornings with coffee just watching joggers and dog walkers stream past, which sounds mundane but was actually quite lovely. The whole Bayswater area has this great mix of authentic London life and tourist convenience – you’ve got proper local pubs like The Swan on the corner, but you can also walk to Marble Arch in about ten minutes if you need that Oxford Street fix. Parking’s a nightmare, obviously (it’s London), but the tube connections are so good you won’t care.

What really sets this place apart though is the attention to detail that you only notice when you’re actually staying somewhere, not just passing through. The rooms – well, they’re what you’d expect from a solid 4-star place, but the little touches matter. Proper blackout curtains (crucial if you’re jet-lagged), actually decent water pressure, and – this might sound weird – but the heating system doesn’t clank all night like half the older buildings in this part of town. The staff genuinely seem to know the neighborhood; when I asked about good Indian food, the guy at reception didn’t just hand me a generic list but told me specifically to try the lamb biryani at Dishoom, which was absolutely spot-on advice. Check-in was smooth, no fuss, and they actually remembered my name the next morning, which feels increasingly rare these days. I’d say the only minor thing is that Gloucester Terrace can get a bit busy during morning rush hour – nothing terrible, but if you’re someone who needs complete silence, maybe pack earplugs. That said, by 9 AM it’s peaceful again, and evenings are properly quiet. The 9.3 rating makes complete sense to me – it’s the kind of place that doesn’t try to be flashy but gets all the fundamentals right, plus you’re genuinely living like a local in one of London’s most livable neighborhoods.

Rooms

• Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for 6 adults

Facilities