Image source | Accor Group
3 Kingdom Street, Sheldon Square, Paddington W2 6BD, London, United Kingdom.
+44 207266600
We all know what a difference a short stay away from home can make and a change of scenery can also help to, ahem, break up the long summer holiday. So, when Novotel Hotel, Paddington invited us for a weekend stay, to celebrate the new Lightyear movie - we were completely buzzed *no pun intended.
Travelling with kids abroad can be pretty tiresome, so making the short trip into the centre of London for the weekend, and not having to face arduous delays and covid testings as a result of going abroad, made for an easily accessible, fun and stress-free weekend.
Location
Situated in the chic Paddington Central, W2, is one of London's 'hotel gems' Novotel Hotel. Tucked inside the beautiful, modern and leafy Sheldon Square the French-originated hotel towers into the sky. Surrounded by well-known restaurants and local shops - it feels like a little town within the city.
Just a 5-minute walk from Paddington station and a 15-minute link to Heathrow Airport via Heathrow Express and link to Elizabeth line the hotel is easy to get to and close to shopping areas, such as Oxford and Regent Street.
Image source | Accor Group
Hotel Style
For those of us who are into contemporary settings - Novotel does not disappoint. With stunning high ceilings - the hotel lobby is bright, airy and spacious and presented with modern decor, with three reception desks positioned to the left. Gorgeous large planters align the first-floor hallway, which mirrors the outdoor leafy surroundings of the hotel, leading up to the very large terrace, with comfortable seating - looking out onto the city. With over 500 hotels in 65 countries worldwide, each location has something different and special to offer.
Wellness Centre Pool | Image source | tripadvisor.co.uk
Facilities The wellness centre consists of a gym, heated swimming pool and two saunas, so we were absolutely spoilt for choice. The centre was clean, a good size (so as not to get overcrowded) and very well equipped - with treadmills, weights, exercise bikes and more.
Wellness centre Sauna | Image source | tripadvisor.co.uk
Rooms
The hotel boasts 206 modern rooms and 11 disabled-accessible rooms. The family room was modern, with dark wood furnishings and wall art that set a calming tone to the room. Accompanied with features such as a desk, mood lighting and mini fridge - alongside other usual hotel features, such as a blow dryer, desk lamp and phone etc. The bathroom was large and spacious with a twin shower set, and the toilet was located in a separate space - a great feature for when children want to use the toilet when you're trying to have a relaxing shower!
Image Source | Accor Group
Service
The service was wonderful, as we were greeted with a warm welcome from the reception staff and waiters/waitresses over the course of our stay. Upon arrival, the reception staff were friendly and attentive - reminding us that if we required anything, they were just a call away.
Dining area | Image source | Accor Group
Food and Drink Dinner was fantastic, again with great efficient service and smiles from the staff all around. At dinner, we were presented with a gourmet and kid's menu - with enough options for even the fussiest of kids. Opting for the steak and wok rice noodles and the kids' chicken strips and chips, and then served with the most delicious rhubarb crumble and chocolate brownie for dessert - the kids at this point were very happy.
The hotel has a lovely bar within the dining area with a huge array of wines and cocktails and non-alcoholic options.
Breakfast was continental style and self-service - with pastries, hot breakfast - including eggs, toast, sausages etc, fruit and grains and cereals. The breakfast room was lightly lit - so perfect for those who aren't particularly morning people.
For Families
Yes, most definitely. The children were gifted with Paddington Bear teddies, activities and badges when we arrived, which immediately took the stress of how to entertain them out of our hands. We stayed in a very contemporary family room, with a kingsize bed, and 2 fold-out single beds. A projector was also provided and helped to keep wandering minds occupied, set a calming tone for the evening, and, most importantly, get the kids to sleep!
If you would like to book a stay at any Novotel hotel in the U.K. or abroad, please book via novotel.accor.com