You know what struck me first about Norfolk Towers? It’s tucked away on this quiet residential street that feels completely removed from the Paddington chaos, but you’re literally a three-minute walk from the station. I mean, Norfolk Place is one of those lovely Georgian terraces that somehow survived the urban planning disasters of the 60s – you’ll walk past these beautiful white-fronted townhouses thinking you’ve stumbled into a much posher neighborhood than you expected. The hotel itself occupies what clearly used to be several of these grand houses, and honestly, they’ve done a decent job maintaining that residential feel rather than going full corporate makeover.
Inside, it’s properly comfortable without trying too hard to impress. The lobby has this lived-in elegance – think worn Persian rugs and wingback chairs that actually look like people sit in them, not like they’re waiting for a magazine shoot. My room (I’ve stayed here twice now) was smallish but cleverly laid out, with one of those bathrooms where they’ve somehow managed to fit everything without making you feel like you’re in an airplane lavatory. The beds are actually good – I’m picky about mattresses and slept well both times. What I really appreciated was the soundproofing; Norfolk Place gets virtually no traffic, so it’s genuinely quiet at night, which is pretty rare for central London. The staff seem to know what they’re doing too – check-in was smooth, and when I had a question about getting to Camden, the guy at reception gave me proper local directions instead of just pointing me toward the Tube.
Location-wise, this is where Norfolk Towers really shines, though not in the obvious ways. Sure, Paddington Station is right there (handy for Heathrow connections), but what I love is how walkable everything becomes. Hyde Park’s north corner is about two minutes away – perfect for morning runs or cutting through to get anywhere in Mayfair. You’re also weirdly close to some brilliant restaurants along Connaught Street that most tourists never find, and Little Venice is just a pleasant ten-minute stroll if you want to escape the crowds. The area gets busy during rush hour with commuters, but evenings and weekends it settles into this almost village-like quiet. Honestly, for a 4-star hotel with a 7.7 rating, it delivers exactly what you’d expect – nothing revolutionary, but solid comfort in a spot that puts half of London within easy reach. It’s the kind of place I’d recommend to friends who want to feel like they’re staying somewhere with character rather than in some soulless chain hotel near a major tourist trap.