72QT

The many-named 72 Queensborough Terrace (also known as the 72QT or the Lativian Guest House), is a pleasant Cheapo home base, offering 16 two-star guest rooms a stone’s throw from Hyde Park. Rooms share bathrooms and are equipped with a sink and coffee maker. Some rooms have a TV.

The basics

• Excellent value. Although not the cheapest hotel in town, the Latvian Guest House is an all-around package, with clean rooms, friendly service and decent rates.

• Simple, clean rooms. Rooms are basic but very clean. Only some offer a television (ask ahead). 

• Location, location, location! Um, hello, Hyde Park, just down the street.

• Noise can be an issue here. Although many guests say that the area is relatively quiet, a few complain of thin walls that let in noise from other guests.

• ”Private club.” The hotel’s cozy basement “Club Bar” is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights and serves a selection of Latvian beers. A Latvian-style supper is also available on Friday and Saturday nights.

• Shared bathrooms. One double room has a private bathroom while the rest have a sink and share other facilities.

• A cooked breakfast is included in the room rate.

• Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.

Location

The 72QT boasts a brilliant location (did we mention its proximity to Hyde Park?) in the residential neighborhood of Bayswater. Kensington Palace and Paddington Station are both a short walk away, and Buckingham Palace is a bit farther, but nice stroll through the park.

• Tube: The hotel is located within a five-minute walk of both the Bayswater (Circle and District lines) and Queensway (Central line) Tube stops.