Montcalm Chilworth Townhouse, Paddington

Hotel Description

You know what? I’ve walked past the Montcalm Chilworth Townhouse dozens of times on Westbourne Terrace without really noticing it – which, honestly, is sort of the point. It’s this gorgeous Victorian townhouse that blends so seamlessly into Paddington’s elegant streetscape that you’d think it’s just another posh residential building. But step inside and you’ll immediately get why they charge five-star rates.

The location is actually brilliant if you know London at all. You’re literally two minutes from Paddington Station (I mean, you can hear the distant rumble of trains if you really listen, but it’s not bothersome), which makes airport runs stupidly easy, but you’re also nestled in this quiet residential pocket that feels miles away from the tourist chaos. Little Venice is just a pleasant stroll north – I love grabbing coffee there in the mornings – and you’ve got Hyde Park sprawling out to the south. The 7.6 rating makes sense to me because while everything here is genuinely lovely, you’re paying premium prices for what’s essentially a very nice boutique hotel rather than anything groundbreaking.

What I really appreciate is how they’ve kept the townhouse feel intact. The rooms have these gorgeous high ceilings and period features, but they’ve been fitted out with proper modern bathrooms and decent Wi-Fi (which, let’s be honest, can be hit-or-miss in these old London buildings). The staff actually knows the neighborhood – ask them about the best route to avoid Oxford Street crowds or where to find a proper pub that’s not full of tourists, and they’ll give you solid advice. Parking is tricky around here, as it is everywhere in central London, but they’ll sort you out with nearby options. I’d definitely stay here again, especially if I needed to catch an early Heathrow flight or wanted somewhere quiet but central. Just don’t expect it to blow your mind – it’s more about doing the fundamentals really, really well in a spot that most visitors completely overlook.

Rooms

• Deluxe Double Room with 1 double bed for 2 adults
• Deluxe Twin Room with 2 single beds for 2 adults
• Deluxe Single Room with 1 single bed for 1 adult
• Deluxe Triple Room with 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for 3 adults, 1 child
• Club Double Room with 1 double bed for 2 adults
• Club Twin Room with 2 single beds for 2 adults
• Compact Double Room with 1 double bed for 2 adults

Facilities