The J Hyde Park Hotel

We arrived in London for the first time and ended up searching for a hotel in the middle of the night. Our flight connection went wrong, so we had to stay in Dubai overnight and reached the hotel on the evening of March 9, for a booking from March 8-11. They had cancelled the entire reservation because they marked us as a no-show, and said they were fully booked. We spoke to a staff member over the intercom, but they wouldn’t give us a room. It felt like they’d given it to someone else for more money. We’d have understood if they kept the payment for March 8, but we arrived on the 9th with two paid nights still left. They wouldn’t let us in or offer a refund. They showed no consideration at all. This ruined the start of our trip, and the whole experience felt like a scam. Worst hotel to book.

The location is GREAT, and check-in was smooth and easy. I’d been a bit wary after reading reviews, but was pleasantly surprised: my room was lovely, clean, fairly spacious, with a great bathroom and a very comfy bed. There was some noise, which I know can be an issue, but it honestly didn’t bother me. I was on the first floor, and the reception staff kindly carried my bag up. They also arranged a late checkout, which was a bonus.

Avoid, in my view. The one upside is how close it is to Bayswater Underground station. There’s no lift, and the stairs to the rooms are steep. The rooms and glasses weren’t very clean, and they didn’t follow up on issues. They also claim to have front desk cover 24 hours a day, but that wasn’t true.

It’s a very central hotel, and the bed was so comfy. The bathroom was lovely, the air conditioning worked, and there was complimentary tea and coffee as well as a coffee machine for anyone who likes proper coffee. My partner and I hope to come back. Thanks for a lovely stay. If you want somewhere simple, this is a perfect choice, so I wouldn’t let the bad reviews put you off.