This well-placed Paddington hotel sits right beside the train station

While visiting the capital, Helen Wilson-Beevers headed to the Art Deco-style Hilton London Paddington with a handy location

Sep 1, 2026 - 17:15

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This well-placed Paddington hotel sits right beside the train station

Offering easy access to Tube and National Rail lines, this four-star hotel originally opened in 1854 and some of its rooms have recently been renovated

Location

London Paddington Station is a two-minute walk from the hotel, and from here you can access all five Tube lines and National Rail services. With these rail connections, Heathrow airport is 15 minutes away. For city exploration, Notting Hill is a 30-minute walk from the hotel, and Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are both within half a mile.

The vibe

Echoes of Paddington’s heyday are found throughout the hotel

Echoes of Paddington’s heyday are found throughout the hotel (Rebecca Searle)

The hotel has a timeless glamour to it, reflecting the building’s origin as the main frontage of Paddington Station when it first opened in the Victorian era. Beyond the imposing facade of the white building, there are Art Deco details throughout, from geometric patterns seen in the textured wallpaper and metallic touches, to dark wood and vintage-style furniture like chaise longues. Bedrooms on the fifth floor have been renovated, and other areas could benefit from some modernising too, but the more old-fashioned elements do add to the charm and character of the hotel.

Service

Service is warm and welcoming, from the chatty reception team who offer interesting insights about the hotel to the restaurant staff who are on hand to help with menu choices and recommendations. At breakfast, I saw team members assist excited children using the pancake-making machine. Hilton Paddington broadsheet newspapers are left in rooms and given to guests detailing the hotel’s history and recent renovation, which is a nice touch.

Bed and bath

There are 432 rooms and suites in total, from smaller options with queen-sized beds through to king, deluxe and interconnecting options. The newly-refurbished Signature rooms and suites are available across the same size categories, but they are more luxurious than others due to their recent renovation. While other rooms and suites are decked in classic decor like heavy curtains and elegant headboards, Signatures have Art Deco wallpaper and mirrors, and other opulent features like glittery table tops and gold details.

There are 432 rooms at the hotel

There are 432 rooms at the hotel (Hilton)

All rooms have air conditioning, which adds comfort for a good night’s sleep in summer. There are no Nespresso or similar machines in any of the rooms, but they do have kettles, and plenty of teabags and instant coffee options.

Bathrooms vary per room type, and not all include baths. You will find Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries in all rooms except Signatures, which instead offer products from The White Company.

Food and drink

Bar and restaurant options at the hotel include Carriages Restaurant, Carriages Lounge and 146 Paddington Bar & Lounge. Carriages Lounge is a small area with a vibrant green bar, and more of the hotel’s signature gold and mirrored details. It frames the entrance to Carriages Restaurant, and has a limited menu of hearty classics like fish and chips and beef wellington.

Carriages Restaurant caters to varying dietary requirements

Carriages Restaurant caters to varying dietary requirements (Hilton)

For more extensive choice, Carriages Restaurant hosts guests for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are varying options to suit dietary requirements, including vegan choices and a kids’ menu. Dishes can also be adapted to suit specific dietary requirements. Breakfast includes buffet and a la carte options, including pastries, fresh fruit and cooked dishes, plus a separate gluten-free station. Meanwhile, lunch and dinner options include everything from pizzas, flatbreads, salads and burgers to sea bass, venison sausage, biryani and steak.

Both Carriages Lounge and Restaurant are situated in tucked-away areas without much natural light, and this adds to their atmosphere.

Alternatively, 146 Paddington Bar & Lounge offers light bites, and drinks options including cocktails and specialty gins. Some sports games are shown here too, signifying the bar’s more relaxed and sociable vibe.

The hotel’s vibrant green bar is another Art Deco-inspired feature

The hotel’s vibrant green bar is another Art Deco-inspired feature (Hilton)

Facilities

The hotel has a small 24-hour fitness centre, which has free weights and cardio equipment, including a Peloton bike. There is an Executive Lounge which is accessible to guests staying in Signature rooms and suites.

Accessibility

The hotel has four accessible bedrooms, with adapted bathrooms. Public areas in the hotel, including the restaurant, bar, lounge and fitness area, are accessible for wheelchair users. There are braille and audible alerts in the lifts and visual alarms in public areas.

Pet policy

Only guide and service dogs are allowed.

Some rooms have been recently renovated

Some rooms have been recently renovated (Hilton)

Check-in/check-out

Check-in is 4pm, check-out is noon.

Family-friendly?

Yes, family and interconnecting rooms are available and children under 12 stay for free when sharing a room with a paying adult. There are kids’ menus in the Carriages Restaurant. The hotel is a designated location on the Paddington Trail, too.