Authenticity over gloss, in Paddington

The building itself is a Victorian era gem, a grouping of former townhouses stitched together – complete with a beautifully restored 200 year old timber staircase and original features like cast iron radiators and parquet floors. Inside, there’s no sterile reception – you enter through a ground-floor café, pick up your key online or from the discreet and friendly ‘host’, and you’re already part of the neighbourhood vibe.

Rooms come in a variety of shapes and sizes — from “Bunk” and “Small” through to “Medium” and “Large” – reflecting the building’s irregular layout. Each room is different. Some are compact and minimalist (ideal for solo travellers or short stays), others offer more breathing space with king beds and a subtle mid century flavour. All share a commitment to thoughtful design: reclaimed radiators, bespoke shelving or “wails” instead of wardrobes, soft handmade mattresses, Marshall speakers and natural materials.

Despite the constraints of old walls and narrow town house geometry, The Pilgrm manages to keep occupancy high – a testament to how well its blend of location, design and flexibility resonates with modern travellers. Its location gives easy access to Heathrow Express, central West London hotspots, and leafy green respite in Hyde Park – ideal for both business and leisure stays.

What’s compelling about The Pilgrm is how it turns constraints into character. The irregular rooms, the compact layouts, the omissions (no in-room minibar, no air-conditioning): instead of feeling like compromises, they feel honest – part of a conscious design philosophy. The result is a hotel that feels more like a well-loved urban home than a corporate machine. And in central London, that kind of authenticity feels rare. www.thepilgrm.com

"The finishes here are the first hint at the care that's gone into refitting the Victorian-era digs."

— Monocle

www.thepilgrm