The Pilgrm Hotel

This former, rather staid, Victorian hotel has been given a contemporary makeover that's fresh and modern without being achingly hip and cool. Plus the atmosphere is relaxed and the prices affordable - all of which is quite a feat to pull off in central London. The tone is set by the entrance: a small, breezy coffee bar, with exposed brick walls and big windows; reception a tiny side-table. A well-worn staircase, lined with original wood panelling, leads up to the first-floor cafe-bar-lounge, comfortable with retro-style velvet armchairs, banquette seating, reclaimed parquet flooring and pale walls. Pot plants and French windows leading on to a balcony, overlooking the bustling street below, give a feeling of a private, but nicely informal, members' club. Rooms are crisp and minimal - more parquet floor and pale-grey walls plus simple blinds and open wardrobes - but softened with more house-plants, a 'cloud-pattern' carpet, and contemporary art (from one of the owner's private collection). Apart from the 'large' rooms, they're on the compact side, but cleverly designed to make the most of the space; particularly the boldly utilitarian shower-rooms. Breakfast options include brunch-style dishes such as avocado and poached eggs on toast; and there's an all-day menu of small plates.

Why do people love staying in your hotel?
People love staying at The Pilgrm for its warm, welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, delicious breakfast and clean, bright rooms, plus it's convenient location right next to Paddington station.

What is there to do in the area?
We are a ten minute walk away from London's famous Hyde Park which is perfect for picnics and visits to the Serpentine lake. We are also 5 minutes away from Regents Canal, and the picturesque area of Little Venice, and we're a short tube ride or cab journey into Soho and the West End for shopping and theatre.

What kind of breakfast do you offer?
We offer a selection of seasonal dishes made with as many locally sourced ingredients as possible, from a traditional cooked breakfast (available as a vegan option), to avocado on toast, homemade granola, American style pancakes, stewed spiced tomato, and caramelised banana on toast. Each dish has been lovingly created by head chef Sara Lewis.

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally?
Our breakfast/brunch menu is available daily until 3 pm, from which point we offer a small selection of seasonal small plates and sharing boards until 10 pm. Examples of dishes include Mac n Cheese, Padron Peppers, Cured Meats board, Spicy Fishcakes, Burrata salad.
Otherwise, there are some great food options locally. The Harcourt and The Cleveland Arms are both gastro pubs with very good food, and there's Pergola Paddington which provides rooftop drinking and dining, Paramount Lebanese Kitchen is a good value option for something quick and easy, or Darcie & May Green is 5 minutes away on the canal, and provides a restaurant on a stationary boat which is a lovely spot in the warmer months.

Which are your most popular room types, and why?
All of our rooms are popular for different reasons, however most frequently booked rooms are our medium and large rooms because they provide a lovely space for a short stay at a very reasonable rate.

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms?
We have 3 baby cots which we can provide on request for a selection of our large rooms. This would need to be requested on booking to make sure guests are allocated the correct rooms. We cannot place additional full sized beds within any of the rooms, so for families travelling with children we recommend booking one of our bunk rooms which contain two single beds (bunk-style), or a small or medium room, which contain double beds.

What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers?
The Pilgrm is an ideal hotel for modern travellers who are looking for a homely and welcoming stay in a convenient and central location, at a reasonable price.