"How did it strike you on arrival?Most people who walk by the Pilgrm's vivid blue tiled exterior would think the place is a low-key café: instead of a traditional lobby with a front desk, guests are greeted by an espresso bar, a handful of low tables, a wall covered with plants, and a rack of cool design magazines. The only thing that gives it away as a place you can spend the night is the "Lifts to Rooms" sign just to the left of the grand wooden staircase. You might even be surprised that the cool-looking person who appears to be working on their laptop is actually the person who's in charge of checking you in and bringing your luggage upstairs. It's casual and easy in a way that makes perfect sense to the way young people travel today: no pomp and circumstance, just a cool, laid-back place to hang out. Plus, it's half a block from Paddington Station, which is just about as central as you can get (it's also where the Heathrow Express gets into the city). Nice. What’s the crowd like?Everyone is young, cute and wearing outfits that say "I work at a startup." Stylish but totally un-fancy. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.There are four types of accommodation at the Pilgrm: the tiny, compact Bunk Rooms for two, and Small, Medium and Large rooms. In the Smalls and Mediums, the queen beds takes up most of the room—the space is tiny but efficient, kind of like a boat cabin. In the Large, you get a king bed and a little more wiggle room, with space for a chair and two side tables. They're all sleek and stylish, with beautiful wood paneling, old-school paned windows, and a tidy little wall-mounted closet. Bathrooms are small but well-outfitted, covered in white subway tile and gleaming fixtures. The most notable thing about them, though, is the prices: they're super affordable for what you're getting. Especially in central London, which is notoriously expensive. It's the perfect place to stay if you're trying to save on costs but don't want to skimp charm and cool-factor. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?There's not a lot when it comes to in-room amenities, as everything is simple and efficient to keep costs down. Two annoying but not deal-breaking things: the showers are stocked with a shampoo/body wash combo, but no conditioner, and there's basically no counter space to put any of your toiletries. So if you have a lot of products, you end up laying them out on the floor. These are the kinds of rooms you book if you're planning on spending most of your trip exploring the city—which is what most people are doing in London anyway. Should you order room service?There's no room service, but on the mezzanine level you'll find a chic lounge filled with guests taking meetings and getting work done on the low-slung velvet couches. The vibe is Soho-House-Lite, without any of the pretension. The all-day menu is more fuel for working (avocado toast, fresh pastries and grain bowls) than it is big meals for savoring, but it's well-done and a convenient spot to grab a quick breakfast on your way out for the day. Bottom line: worth it, and why?It's the most stylish, cool and comfortable place you'll get for the price in central London. And even though the rooms are tiny, chances are you're not going to be hanging out in them that much anyway." - Andrea Whittle
