London Bayswater

The Pavilion, 34-36 Sussex Gardens (020 7262 0905; www.pavilionhoteluk.com) All you really need to know about the Pavilion is that the most popular room is named "Honky Tonk Afro." Maybe you need to know more. No, the Pavilion is not a blaxploitation film, but rather a themed hotel with rooms ranging from '70s decor to a Casablanca theme. Many famous and half-naked celebrities have posed here, and the hotel is often used by modeling companies. Paddington. Left onto Praed St., right onto London St., left onto Sussex Gardens. Continental breakfast delivered to your room. Small singles £60, large singles £85, doubles £100, triples £120, family (4 people) £130. 4% extra charge when you pay with a credit card. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access.

Astor Quest, 45 Queensborough Terr. (020 7229 7782; www.astorhostels.com) A homey and friendly hostel with a chummy staff that lives on-sight. The rooms are par for the course in hostel-land, but everything is cleaned and beds are made with fresh sheets daily. Breakfast included and served in a room by the kitchen, which is freely available for use. Hostel-weary travelers have the unique experience of dining under Sid Vicious's drugged-out gaze. Be sure to ask the 24hr. receptionist for deals on clubs. Bayswater. Take right onto Queensway, left onto Bayswater Rd., and left onto Queensborough Terr. Age limit is 18-35. 4-bed dorms and twins have shared bathroom. Free luggage storage. Padlocks £2. 1 female-only room available; 6 beds; £19. Laundry wash £2.50, dry £1. Check-out 10am. Check-in any time after 2pm. Hostel renovations should be completed in Jan 2011. 4-bed dorm £20, 8-bed £17, 6-bed with ensuite bathroom £19, 4-bed with ensuite £21. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Has internet.
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Hyde Park Hostel, 2-6 Inverness Terr. (020 7727 9163; www.hydeparkhostel.net">www.hydeparkhostel.net">www.hydeparkhostel.net) Ramshackle glory seems a fitting description for this aging, battered but grand hostel. Ten-bed dorms have high ceilings with intricate woodwork and lots of open space. While it doesn't seem a particularly convivial hostel, the rooms are well-suited to a debauched weekend in the city. Shared bathrooms. Bayswater. Take right onto Queensway, left onto Bayswater and left onto Inverness Terr. Must be above 18. 2-week max. stay. Wi-Fi £1 per hr. Lockers £1.50 per day. Free bed sheets are given daily upon request. 14-bed dorm £7.99, 4-bed £14, 6-bed £13, 8-bed £12.50, 12-bed £11, 10-bed £10, singles £40. Reception, kitchen, laundry, TV room 24hr. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Has internet.
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Garden Court Hotel, 30/31 Kensington Gardens Sq. (020 7229 2553; www.gardencourthotel.co.uk">www.gardencourthotel.co.uk">www.gardencourthotel.co.uk) The Garden Court Hotel offers a bed and breakfast level of comfort, cleanliness, and isolation within the bustle of London. The gardens make the Garden Court feel tucked away, but it is actually phenomenally close to Bayswater's attractions. The Garden Court has spacious and reasonably furnished rooms at a price. To save money, you may book a room without a bathroom. Bayswater. Left onto Queensway, left onto Porchester Gardens, right onto Kensington Gardens Sq. Wi-Fi £1 per hr. Singles without facilities £49, with facilities £74; doubles £78/119; triples with facilities £150; family with facilities £170. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access. Has internet.

The Admiral Hotel, 143 Sussex Gardens (020 7723 7309; www.admiral-hotel.com) Though the art lining the walls tries to be as suave and modern as the blue lights throughout the hotel, the presence of glitter in the paintings sort of ruins the effect. The rooms are modern and sophisticated and are spacious enough, well-furnished, and lit by large windows. The glass door in the lobby leads to a breakfast room where a picture of Sinatra hangs on the wall: yup, Old Blue Eyes in Britain. Paddington. Left onto Praed St., right onto London St., left onto Sussex Gardens. Check-in at 139 Sussex Gardens. Singles £59-69, doubles £69-79, triples £89-99, quads £99-119. Takes credit cards.