The Pilgrm Hotel Restaurant and Bar Paddington

"Steps from Paddington Station, The Pilgrm offers a welcoming lobby coffee shop and sustainable design. It features retro decor and upcycled materials, fitting into the Victorian townhouse surroundings." - Nicholas DeRenzo

"Best for: Feeling like one of the locals What's the story? Four Victorian townhouses make up the bones of the Pilgrm, Paddington’s first properly cool hotel. Not that it looks like one at all from the outside, with a neighborhood coffee joint replacing a traditional reception. This corner of town isn’t traditionally the most hip or interesting, but new openings over the past few years have marked it as one to watch when the stars of Peckham and Dalston finally fade, including lovely roof terrace Pergola Paddington and canal brunch spot Darcie and May Green, set on a barge. The bedrooms Interiors have been kept fairly minimal, with lots of vintage touches that bring out the building’s original features. Reclaimed, 200-year-old parquet flooring and cast-iron radiators rescued from old schools and hospitals are authentic touches; even the sweeping staircase was restored, its layers of paint stripped away. Up-to-the-minute accents have been added: brass lights and white-tiled bathrooms make it both bang on trend and timeless. On the menu First-floor café-bar the Lounge is a tucked-away spot for a casual supper—locals and young creatives settle into the low banquet seating for a menu overseen by Sara Lewis, formerly of Grain Store and Nobu. Try creamy lentil daal with punchy mackerel, soy-glazed pork belly, or the unusual chocolate-and-red-wine salami. Cocktails come on loan from superior bars all over the world: a Negroni from London's Bar Termini and the Reverse Martinez made with rose vermouth, gin, and maraschino liqueur from The Clumsies in Athens. What we love The stacks of plants from East London’s loveliest green-fingered hotspot Conservatory Archives. What we don’t like Some rooms have views of Paddington’s not-so-cool side—we overlooked an Angus Steakhouse on our stay. —Sarah James Address: The Pilgrm, 25 London Street, London W2 1HHDoubles from: $157" - Sarah James

"In London, the Pilgrm Hotel, Paddington offers 73 rooms stocked with custom toiletries and organic mattresses." - Travel + Leisure Editors

"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

"This hotel has also done away with the front desk in favor of mobile attendants and technology."