Almost hidden in the quiet Bayswater neighborhood of Westminster in Greater London, the Vancouver Studios London is a cozy hotel that makes one feel at home. In contrast to a traditional full-service hotel, the Vancouver Studios is more of an apartment-style hotel.

Overall Rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Service: 3.5 of 5 Stars
Location: 4 of 5 Stars
Comfort: 4 of 5 Stars
Cleanliness: 5 of 5 Stars

I was spending a short 3 days in London with plans to spend most of my time in West London. I wanted to be close to Notting Hill to catch up with friends so the Bayswater location worked very well. I hadn’t really passed through Bayswater before and I fell in love with the neighborhood during my stay. It was incredibly convenient for my needs and tube access is easy. After my long flight form Los Angeles, this locations is very convenient to the Heathrow Express.

Even though on service with only 3.5 stars given, don’t take that as a negative. These aren’t full-service accommodations like a big full-service hotel. They will arrange breakfast for a charge but the Vancouver Studios London is designed for the more self-sufficient. I enjoyed the apartment-like feel to the room and I didn’t need amenities like a gym or a business center. The staff up front was friendly and casual.

A word of caution however about the lack of elevators and the very narrow stairs. If you are disabled or have an issue climbing steep stairs, this will not be the best place for you. There are no elevators and the staircases are very steep and narrow. Keep this in mind if you have large suitcases to haul. Even my small roller bag was annoying to haul up the tiny stairs.

The room itself was small but comfortable. For just one person, the twin bed room was cute and cozy. The bathroom is very tiny with a small water closet with a toilet and sink and a separate stall shower next to the water closet. In my room, the shower stall is open to the rest of the room. The twin room is only designed for one person but if you were to have another person in the room, well let’s just say there wouldn’t be much shower privacy.

The twin bed was comfortable with soft, fresh linens and pillows. There was a good-sized kitchenette with your most basic kitchen needs met including dishes, utensils, a tea kettle, and pots. There is no air-con in the room but there is a portable fan that you can move around for your comfort. Even in August, the room got a bit cool at night with the windows open. That’s London summers for you! And it terms of overall cleanliness, the room was very clean. Even for my high expectations for a spotless hotel room!

Overall, I had quite the lovely stay at the Vancouver Studios in Bayswater. It was the perfect type of accommodation for my solo trip to London. The price was definitely great at $106 USD/night and the location served my needs for this trip. If you seek a more home-like experience or a room with a kitchenette, the Vancouver Studios offer just that. I’d definitely return in the future!