Nice hotel close (but not too close) to Paddington?

I stayed at NUMBER 63 last spring. It has what you require but is on a busy street. It is across the street from Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens where they come together. The hotel is about a 10 min walk from Paddington and close to a Tube stop. A plus for me was that the hotel had an elevator. I paid 72 GBP for a single. This hotel is somewhat more expensive than the hotels close to Paddington, but a "cut above" in comfort and quality.

Thanks! I'll check it out right now.

I'll suggest the Thistle Kensington Gardens Hotel. We stayed there in July (booked well ahead) for a discounted rate of around 110 GBP a night (did not get the breakfast option). Room was small but beautifully located directly across from Hyde Park and Kensington Palace. 2 tube stops within easy walking distance (we used Queensway). We loved the location and the decor was along the lines of what you are looking for. Probably about a mile or less from Paddington....

I've stayed at the Paddington Hilton, actually connected to the station. That may be closer than you asked for, but it sure was convenient and lovely. Price may be higher though... Walking distance to parks. I've been there twice and enjoyed my stay each time.

OK, feedback time. Swan, the 63 is apparently run bY Soroptimists, and they are more oriented toward women travelers than couples. No double rooms, only singles, twins, and family rooms. But it does look nice for a woman traveling alone. Roy, did you join a loyalty club to get that rate at the Thistle? I looked at it earlier and it was around 200 GBP. But I'll keep trying as it looks nice. Andrea, the Hilton connected to the station might be too close but I don't know why I say that. I will take a look. Our plans are to travel to and from Heathrow on the HE, and also take an afternoon trip up to Oxford, so I guess the closer we are to Paddington the more convenient it will be. Just seems weird to go to London and stay in a Hilton!

This actually will be at the end of October, so not summer high season. The Indigo comes in around 139 (pre-booked, non-refundable) or 155 (flexible rate, no breakfast) but I'm just wondering what else I should consider before booking. I believe the classification I am looking at is 3 star "boutique" hotel (don't need spa, meeting rooms, etc. like a 4*) but we would like contemporary decor and nothing worn or shabby. From what I have seen, there are lots of hotels just south of the station, but many of them fall into the tired or shabby category.

Hmmm, around 150-160 GBPs, close to Paddington, but sorta high end establishment? Personally I think you're shooting for the moon...lol...no offense meant by that comment ...at that price, in that area( and I've stayed at several hotels within a 5-10 walk of Paddington ) during summer or shoulder season, you'll pay that amount for a decent budget hotel. That's what I stay in, and they have always been clean, comfortable, etc. The only time I ever stayed at a high end hotel( 4-5 stars ) for that price, close to Paddington, was in November, during the off season, when you can get some great rates.
PS...one thing there's no shortage of close to Paddington(but not too close..lol ) is hotels...there are dozens upon dozens of them, I kid you not

Lola - You didn't say when you were travelling, but I ran some dates in June 2013 and with advance payment it came out to 134 GBP per night, with about another 10 GBP per person for breakfast....

Check out this link (can't vouch for the website, but it caught my eye): http://www.london.hotelsoffer.com/hotel/thistle_kensington_gardens_hotel.php

The London Elizabeth Hotel....http://www.londonelizabethhotel.com/ ....it's fantastic...it's a two minute walk to the Lancaster Gate tube station. Across the street from Kensington Gardens/Hyde Park, and around the corner from a great pub..The Swan.

Hi Lola !
I wholeheartedly agree with Robin. We stayed in several hotels in that area until we tried the London Elizabeth. We have now stayed there twice and will stay again if we get to go back. It is 10 minute safe walk from Paddington, across the street from beautiful Hyde Park and the Tube.....and Robin....isn't the Swan great?? We ended up there every night...

@Dianne, yes the Swan is great!! We love going there, we go every time we are in London. And we will stay at the London Elizabeth again.

Lola - Check out the Falcon Hotel. It's easy walking distance from Paddington Station.

Thanks everyone! I think I have narrowed it down to a choice between the London Elizabeth and Vancouver Studios. I'll let my husband choose.