You know what caught me off guard about The Hayden? I was expecting just another touristy pub with rooms slapped on top, but this place actually gets it right. Walking up Westbourne Grove – and honestly, this stretch is way nicer than the chaos around Paddington Station just a few blocks south – the building has this proper Victorian pub feel without trying too hard. The ground floor buzzes with that authentic London pub energy (locals mixing with hotel guests, which is always a good sign), but once you head upstairs, it’s surprisingly quiet. I mean, you might catch some laughter drifting up on weekend evenings, but nothing that kept me awake.
The rooms themselves feel thoughtfully done – not massive by any means, but they’ve used the space well. Mine had this lovely view toward the canal, and if you crane your neck a bit, you can actually glimpse Little Venice in the distance. The bed was properly comfortable (I’m picky about mattresses), and the bathroom had one of those rain showers that actually works, plus decent water pressure. What I really appreciated were the little touches that show someone’s paying attention – good reading lights, enough outlets for your devices, and windows that open properly for fresh air. The WiFi was solid too, which matters when you’re trying to plan your day or catch up on work. Check-in was refreshingly straightforward – no endless upselling or tourist trap recommendations, just genuine suggestions about the neighborhood.
Location-wise, this is where The Hayden really shines. You’re right in the heart of Bayswater, which I think is one of London’s most underrated areas. Hyde Park is literally a two-minute walk (perfect for morning runs or evening strolls), and you’ve got this brilliant mix of cultures all around – Lebanese restaurants, traditional British pubs, little independent shops that haven’t been chain-store-ified yet. The Westbourne Grove market happens on Saturdays, and it’s got this lovely community feel that’s hard to find in central London these days. Transport connections are excellent without being overwhelming – Bayswater and Royal Oak tubes are both close, plus those red buses that tourists love but actually work brilliantly for getting around. I walked to Oxford Street in about fifteen minutes, but honestly, the neighborhood has enough going on that you might not need to venture far. The staff seemed to genuinely know the area too – they pointed me toward this fantastic Middle Eastern place around the corner that I never would’ve found otherwise. For the price point and that 9.3 rating, it delivers exactly what it promises without any pretense.