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The Ashley Hotel, a charming 53-room bed-and-breakfast, is situated on lovely Norfolk Square, just two minutes from Paddington Station. This self-described "haven of civility" is a real charmer and quite a bit nicer than many of its neighbors.
A sign on the door declares to passers-by that "this is a respectable establishment and any anti-social behavior will not be tolerated." (So much for spray-painting the town red!)
The proper British receptionist, who has been with the hotel for more than 15 years, informed us that the sign has been hanging there for as long as she can remember, but there's never been any sort of problem. "Paddington hasn't always been such a desirable neighborhood," she hinted.
Rooms are lovely, decorated in warm, inviting tones that would please your grandmother. Colors stick safely to navy and yellow, with plush carpets and new comforters never veering far from predictability. Baths are fine, though they could use a face-lift.
Guests get their own keys to the front door, so you can stay out as late as you want (as long as you behave when you come crawling in).
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