The Pilgrm Hotel, London
The Pilgrm, located in London’s Paddington district, is a masterclass in sustainable restoration. Housed within a cluster of quintessential Victorian buildings, the hotel was reimagined to celebrate its heritage rather than hide it. The team painstakingly restored 200-year-old mahogany staircases and incorporated reclaimed treasures, such as parquet flooring from an old army gym and radiators salvaged from a psychiatric hospital, giving every corner a unique backstory.
The design philosophy prioritizes craftsmanship and authenticity. You won’t find cookie-cutter hotel features here; instead, the rooms are adorned with living plants to improve air quality and are intentionally stripped of “unnecessary” items like minibars and plastic bottles. By partnering with local artisans—such as the Sheffield-based studio 93ft—the owners ensured that everything from the furniture to the lighting feels intentional, grounded, and deeply rooted in British design.
The ground floor skips the traditional formal lobby in favor of a bustling neighborhood café. This casual approach continues upstairs in the lounge, where guests can enjoy seasonal British menus and refined, pre-mixed cocktails. It is a space designed for those who appreciate a thoughtful, eco-conscious stay without sacrificing aesthetic charm.
Convenience is another hallmark of the experience. Being less than a minute from Paddington Station, guests have a direct link to Heathrow Airport and easy access to the rest of the city. You are just a short walk from the expansive greenery of Hyde Park, the serene canals of Little Venice, and the upscale shopping of the West End.
Expert reviews
“Space may be at a premium in The Pilgrm hotel, but beautiful reclaimed fixtures and tempting food more than make up for the lack of elbow room. Cocktails, comfort, great cuisine… not things a true pilgrim would expect, but I can imagine food, style and bargain lovers everywhere being happy to make a pilgrmage.”
“It’s the most stylish, cool and comfortable place you’ll get for the price in central London. And even though the rooms are tiny, chances are you’re not going to be hanging out in them that much anyway.”
Featured in CN Traveler’s 2018 Hot List.
“A Victorian-era building brought back to life as a “reinterpretation” of the traditional hotel. All the frills have been stripped back so you’re left with simple, but considered, hallmarks: smooth check-in, meticulous design, a world-class cocktail menu and decent coffee. In short, it’s the future of city hoteliering.”
What guests liked
- Boutique style
- Paddington Station
- Friendly staff
- Excellent Wifi
- Top location
- Comfortable beds

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