The Paddington Hotel (Formerly Known As Scancourt Hotel) - London, United Kingdom 

There are many reviews which I consider unfair regarding The Paddington. Remember this is London and accomodation is expensive, especially when this close to the centre of town. The Paddington is close to the Heathrow Express and London's joys are a relaxing walk through Hyde Park away. I consider it great value and would book again. If you want a huge bathroom and fancy facilities, either increase your budget or look further out of town. If you'd rather spend your money on things other than a place to rest your head, book at The Paddington. I spent my savings on a deluxe dinner at Gordon Ramsay's ;-) Steve Barbuto Perth, Australia.

I scrutinise reviews before I visit hotels and the ones for Paddington put the fear of God into me. I went expecting rats etc. but I left feeling clean, happy, fed and satisfied with absolute bargain. I understand that other people may have had bad experiences, maybe we just got the best room (number 8) and were prepared for what to expect. I went away with my boyfriend and it was a nice city style room to stay in. I expected the hotel to be accessed by popping across the road to the other hotel and over there it was a nice reception, no faults in service although if you make a late booking as I did I advise that you call them as they hadn't read the email to say I was coming and got confused. They have a 24 hour reception and look after your keys while you are out. Across the road, the Paddington is smart and clean as the official pics show. Our room, number 8, had no marks or dirt, even when I checked inside the bedding and under the bed and shone all the lights at once. So, I ventured, barefoot, to the shower which worked and was warm etc. and used the sachets of toiletries. I'd take your own if you are staying for longer. There is just shower gel and shampoo. The bed was comfortable, the tv worked, there was nice furniture and even with an extra armchair there was room to spare. I had an idea what to expect with breakfast but to be honest I paid less than my train ticket to stay there for two people with breakfast (65 pounds). Yes, the lady supervising the food was on the phone the whole time and would not talk to people but I didn't care, there were croissants and jams, bread to toast (the toasters are in the nice sunny breakfast room), hot chocolate etc. to make and lots of orange and apple juice. The only thing I didn't like was the slices of processed cheese but I just had cereal instead. Honestly, if the other rooms are the same, I'd say the Paddington is a treasure in London. Plus you are next to Paddington Station and Lancaster Gate Tube and of course, Hyde Park leads to the V&A etc. Enjoy it, just don't expect silver service. As for the stairs, earlier this year I paid 600 euros for a week in Barcelona on the 7th floor of a difficult stone staircase so being on the 3rd floor with not that many above, accessed from a gorgeous ornate staircase was pleasant. I wouldn't recommend it to elderly, frail or disabled people but in my mid 20s and not excessively fit I was not out of breath. Well, I think I've made my point. If you are on a budget ?65 for 2 people and breakfast is a bargain in a nice area. There is no lift and London pads are small but I've stayed in much smaller. The place is tastefully decorated and you can tell it's been thought out well. It's owned by a larger hotel chain I believe by the way.