Look, I’ve stayed in plenty of London apartments over the years, and this Bayswater spot honestly surprised me. You know what caught me first? The lobby actually feels like a proper hotel – none of that awkward “am I in the right building” moment you get with some apartment rentals. The whole place has this clean, contemporary vibe that feels genuinely modern, not just slapped together with IKEA furniture.
The location is what really makes this work, though. I mean, Bayswater gets overlooked by tourists who are obsessed with staying right in Covent Garden or whatever, but honestly? You’re two minutes from Hyde Park – and I’m talking about the good bit near the Serpentine, not just some random corner. Plus you’ve got Paddington Station practically next door, which sounds terrible until you realize how brilliant it is for airport runs and day trips. The Heathrow Express literally takes fifteen minutes, and after a long flight, that convenience is worth its weight in gold. Lancaster Gate tube station is right there too, so getting into central London is actually faster than from a lot of “central” hotels.
What I really appreciated was how quiet it stays at night – Bayswater has this residential feel that a lot of London neighborhoods have lost. You’re not dealing with drunk tourists stumbling around at 2 AM like you would near Leicester Square. The apartment itself feels properly spacious by London standards (which, let’s be honest, isn’t saying much, but still). The kitchen actually works for more than just making tea, and there’s decent storage if you’re staying more than a few nights. The 8.7 rating makes sense once you’re there – it’s not trying to be the flashiest place in London, but everything works well and feels thoughtfully put together. I will say the Wi-Fi was solid, which matters more than people admit when you’re trying to sort out dinner reservations or figure out your next day’s plans. The whole area comes alive during the day with that mix of locals and international visitors that makes Bayswater feel authentically London without being touristy. Honestly, if you want to feel like you’re actually living in London for a week rather than just visiting, this hits that sweet spot perfectly.