StylotelEditor's Pick

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Love it or hate it, the three-star Stylotel really stands out in London's budget accommodation scene. Its design is more reminscent of a spaceship than a hotel, but it’s worth a try if you’ve tired of floral bedspreads and traditional B&Bs. An added selling point is its central location near Paddington station and within walking distance of Hyde Park and the Oxford Street shopping mecca.

Hardwood flooring and plain white bedding are the most normal things you’ll find in the Stylotel’s 39 good-sized guestrooms. Walls are covered with silver metal panels, beds have electric-blue headboards and bedside tables are metallic light-boxes. Flat-screen TVs hangs from the metal studded walls and other room amenities include a coffee/tea maker, fan, telephone and soundproof windows.

The private bathrooms are so tiny we thought it an incredible feat of architectural engineering that a shower, sink and toilet all fit inside the cylindrical-shaped room. Nonetheless, they are clean and well maintained, if a little too “cozy.”

Those looking for more space might opt for the newly opened Stylotel Suites, which sleep two to four people in a setting that is sleeker and slightly less “unique” than the regular guestrooms. Think dark hardwood floors, chrome kitchenettes, glass tables and roomier bathrooms. The suites are located just across the road above the Sylotel's pub, the Sussex Arms.

Breakfast at the Stylotel is included, but those staying in the suites will have to pay an additional £8 for breakfast. Either way, it’s served in a space-age basement breakfast room, decked out with yellow and blue walls, green tables and angular chairs. All other meals can be purchased for a discount at the Sussex Arms.

Wi-Fi and a computer station are available in the lobby, both for an additional charge. Note that both the Stylotel and the Suites have a lot of steep stairs and warren-like corridors—there is an elevator in the Stylotel but not in the Suites.

» Nina Derham

Note: This hotel was visited by a EuroCheapo editor and is recommended based on cleanliness, location, price and overall quality. EuroCheapo did not charge this hotel to be listed.