Princes Square

First Impressions

You know what hits you first about Princes Square? It’s tucked away on this quiet garden square that feels miles from the chaos of central London, even though you’re literally in Westminster. The building itself is one of those classic Victorian conversions — white stucco facade, black railings, the works. I mean, it’s not flashy, but there’s something really appealing about how understated it feels compared to the big chain hotels nearby.

The Neighborhood

Here’s the thing about this location — Ilchester Gardens is basically a local secret. You’re a five-minute walk from Bayswater tube station, so getting around is actually dead simple. But the street itself? It’s residential, tree-lined, and you’ll see more locals walking their dogs than tourists dragging suitcases. Hyde Park is right there too, which honestly makes a huge difference when you want to escape the city buzz for a bit. The cafes along Westbourne Grove are worth exploring if you’re into that sort of scene.

The Room Experience

The room I stayed in was small — let’s be honest about London hotel rooms — but cleverly designed. Everything felt thoughtfully placed rather than cramped, if that makes sense. The bed was comfortable enough (no complaints there), and the bathroom was modern without trying too hard to be trendy. What I really appreciated was the attention to soundproofing; you’d never know you’re in one of the world’s busiest cities from inside.

Service and Atmosphere

The staff here strike this nice balance between professional and genuinely friendly. They’re not hovering, but when you need something, they actually seem to care about helping rather than just going through the motions. For a four-star property, the service felt more personal than I expected — probably because it’s smaller than those massive hotel complexes. The common areas have this relaxed, almost residential feel that works well if you’re not looking for a grand hotel experience.

Why Guests Love It

Look, Princes Square isn’t going to wow you with flashy amenities or a rooftop bar. What it does well is give you a comfortable, well-located base that doesn’t feel like every other London hotel. The combination of being in Westminster but on a quiet street, plus having genuinely decent rooms and service, makes it work for both business trips and leisure stays. It’s the kind of place you’d book again without thinking twice about it — which, honestly, says a lot more than any fancy marketing could.