So, you're looking at London hotels. Your eyes are probably crossing at the prices. You’ve likely stumbled upon the Rhodes Hotel Sussex Gardens while scrolling through booking sites, seeing that distinctive white Victorian facade that defines the Paddington area. It looks charming. It looks central. But if you’re like most travelers, you’re wondering if a hotel this close to Hyde Park for under £150 a night is actually a "find" or a total disaster.
London is expensive. Like, "oops I just spent £20 on a sandwich" expensive. Finding a place to sleep that doesn't feel like a broom closet or a biohazard is a genuine skill. Honestly, the Rhodes Hotel is one of those polarizing spots. You've got people who swear by it for a quick weekend trip and others who expected the Ritz and left a one-star review because the elevator was tiny.
The Rhodes Hotel Sussex Gardens occupies a pair of Grade II listed Georgian townhouses. That sounds fancy. In London-speak, it basically means "really old, beautiful on the outside, and full of weird architectural quirks on the inside." You aren't getting a cookie-cutter Marriott experience here. You're getting a slice of 19th-century London that’s been retrofitted—sometimes awkwardly—for the modern traveler.
The Location Reality Check
Let's talk about Sussex Gardens. It’s basically "Hotel Row." This long, leafy stretch connects the Edgware Road area toward Lancaster Gate and Paddington. If you stay at the Rhodes Hotel, you are exactly a five-minute walk from Paddington Station. That matters. If you’re flying into Heathrow, you take the Elizabeth Line or the Heathrow Express, and you’re at your hotel door within 20 minutes of leaving the airport. That is a massive win.
You’re also a stone's throw from Hyde Park. You can literally walk out the front door, hang a left, and be at the Italian Gardens in about seven minutes. For some, this is the entire selling point. You get the "leafy London" vibe without the Mayfair price tag.
But here’s what people miss. Sussex Gardens is a busy thoroughfare. It’s not a quiet, tucked-away mews. There are buses. There are black cabs honking at 2:00 AM. If you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room at the back. Seriously. The front rooms have those gorgeous big windows, but they also have the soundtrack of London traffic.
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The Room Situation: It’s... Complicated
Rooms at the Rhodes Hotel vary wildly. This is the part that trips people up. Because these are converted townhouses, no two rooms are the same size. You might get a "Deluxe Double" that feels spacious, or you might end up in a "Small Double" where you have to shimmy past the bed to get to the bathroom.
They’ve tried to modernize. You’ll find air conditioning, which is a rare luxury in budget-to-mid-range London hotels. Most of these old buildings just tell you to open a window and pray for a breeze. Having a remote-controlled AC unit in a building from the 1830s is a legitimate flex.
The decor? It’s a bit of a time capsule. Think heavy drapes, patterned carpets, and some ornate wooden furniture. It’s clean, but it isn’t "Instagram-minimalist." It feels like staying at your posh British aunt's house—the one who hasn't updated the guest room since 2004 but keeps the sheets impeccably crisp.
- The Bathrooms: Small. Usually clean, but small. If you’re a tall person, the shower might be a bit of a geometric challenge.
- The Stairs: There is a lift, but it’s a "one person and a suitcase" kind of situation. If the lift is busy or (rarely) out of service, prepare for some vertical cardio.
- The Tech: Wi-Fi is generally decent. Not "pro-gamer" speeds, but enough to stream Netflix or hop on a Zoom call without it turning into a slideshow.
Why People Keep Coming Back (The "Vibe" Factor)
Why does this place stay booked? It’s the staff. Unlike the massive corporate hotels nearby where you’re just a reservation number, the Rhodes is often praised for being genuinely helpful. The reception is 24 hours. If your flight is delayed and you roll in at 3:00 AM looking like a swamp monster, they’re usually pretty cool about it.
Also, the price-to-location ratio is hard to beat. You are walking distance to Marylebone, Oxford Street, and the independent cafes of Connaught Village. You can skip the Tube entirely for half your trip if you like walking.
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There’s no "grand dining hall" here. Breakfast is usually a continental affair. It’s basic: croissants, cereal, coffee, maybe some fruit. Honestly? Skip it. You’re in London. Walk three minutes to Saint Aymes or Kioskafe and get a proper flat white and a pastry. Supporting the local cafes is part of the experience anyway.
Let’s Address the "Budget" Label
There’s a misconception that "budget" means "dirty." That isn't the case here. The Rhodes Hotel Sussex Gardens is well-maintained, but it’s old. Old buildings have creaky floorboards. They have walls that aren't perfectly soundproof. If you hear someone walking in the room above you, that’s not a defect; it’s just 200-year-old timber doing its thing.
I’ve seen people complain about the "lack of facilities." Look, there isn’t a gym. There isn't a spa. There isn't a rooftop bar with £18 cocktails. But you aren't paying for those things. You’re paying for a safe, clean, air-conditioned bed in Zone 1.
Navigating the Neighborhood Like a Local
If you stay here, don’t just stick to Sussex Gardens. Wander into the backstreets toward Bathurst Mews. It’s one of the last remaining "working" mews in London where they still keep horses. You’ll literally see people riding horses through the streets of Central London. It’s surreal and wonderful.
For food, avoid the tourist traps directly across from Paddington Station. Instead, head toward Edgware Road for some of the best Middle Eastern food in the city. Or walk toward Little Venice—about 15 minutes away—and grab a pint at The Bridge House overlooking the canal.
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Practical Tips for Your Stay
Booking directly can sometimes snag you a better rate or a slightly better room allocation than the big third-party sites. It's worth an email.
Ask for a room on a lower floor if you hate small elevators. The climb to the top floor is no joke if you’re carrying a heavy bag and the lift is occupied. Also, check the room type carefully. "Budget Double" is exactly what it sounds like—compact. If you’re traveling as a couple with two large suitcases, pay the extra £15 for the "Executive" or "Deluxe" options. Your shins will thank you.
- Check-in: Standard is 2:00 PM. They will hold your bags if you arrive early.
- Transport: Use the Elizabeth Line from Heathrow. It’s faster and cheaper than the Express if you don't mind a few extra stops.
- Supplies: There’s a Tesco Express and a Sainsbury’s Local near Paddington Station for snacks and water. Don't pay hotel minibar prices.
Final Verdict on Rhodes Hotel Sussex Gardens
Is it the best hotel in London? No. Is it the best value for this specific pocket of the city? It’s a very strong contender. It fills a niche for the traveler who wants the "West End" lifestyle without the Mayfair budget. It’s for the person who spends their day exploring and just needs a reliable, air-conditioned home base.
If you want sleek, modern, and silent, go elsewhere and pay double. If you want character, a killer location, and a staff that actually knows your name, this is your spot. Just bring some earplugs if you’re a light sleeper and don't expect a ballroom. It’s a townhouse stay in the heart of the city—take it for exactly what it is.
Next Steps for Your London Trip
Before you click "book," take two minutes to look at a satellite map of Sussex Gardens. Identify the "front" versus "back" of the building so you can specifically request a quiet room in your booking notes. If you’re arriving via Paddington, plan your walk via London Street to avoid the heaviest traffic. Finally, check the current London Underground status for the District and Circle lines, as these are your primary links from the hotel to the rest of the city's sights.