You know what struck me first about Inverness Terrace Studios? It’s tucked away on this lovely tree-lined street that feels properly residential – not touristy at all – but you’re literally a three-minute walk from Hyde Park and even closer to Bayswater station. I mean, the location is honestly brilliant if you want that local London feeling without being stuck in the middle of nowhere.
The studios themselves are exactly what you’d expect from a solid 4-star place in this part of town. Nothing flashy, but thoughtfully done with decent kitchenettes that actually work (I’ve stayed in too many places where the hob barely heats water). The rooms are compact – this is London, after all – but they’ve maximized the space well. What I really appreciated was the quality of the beds and the fact that double-glazed windows actually keep out most of the street noise, which can be a real issue around here with all the buses rumbling down Bayswater Road. The decor is sort of modern-neutral, clean lines without being sterile, though honestly the bathrooms could use a refresh – they’re perfectly functional but feel a bit dated.
Here’s the thing about this area that most visitors don’t realize – you’re positioned perfectly between Paddington (great for Heathrow connections) and Notting Hill, but without the crowds and inflated prices of Portobello Road. There’s a brilliant little Sainsbury’s Local just around the corner on Westbourne Grove, plus some genuinely good cafes that aren’t tourist traps. The 7.7 rating feels about right – it’s not going to blow you away, but it delivers on what it promises. Staff are helpful without being overly chatty, check-in was smooth even when I arrived early, and they actually know the neighborhood well enough to give proper recommendations. I’d definitely stay here again, especially if I was planning to spend time in Hyde Park or needed easy transport links – just don’t expect luxury touches at this price point in Westminster.