The hype
Travelers love the location and the renovated bathrooms but are consistently frustrated by the tiny room sizes and unreliable lift.
The 55 By Le Mirage
$150-250/ night
Book this if You want a modern, affordable base in Bayswater with a great shower and don't plan to spend much time in the room.
Why People Love It
- Prime location: 5-minute walk to Bayswater & Queensway tubes
- Surprisingly modern bathrooms with rainfall showers
- Quiet residential street despite being near the action
Quick Take: A polished hostel-hotel hybrid that nails the bathroom but fails the elevator test.
Reviewed by @conciergekate: I was worried about finding a decent budget spot in London, but this place surprised me. It’s compact but incredibly clean, and being able to walk to Hyde Park and Notting Hill made my trip. The free sleep mask was a lifesaver for jet lag!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The '4-star' rating is a stretch; expect limited service, no on-site gym, and a £50 security deposit that can be slow to refund.
- You prioritize a high-pressure shower over square footage
- You plan to be out exploring London from 8am to 10pm
- You want easy access to Hyde Park and Portobello Road
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8
- Housekeeping: Daily service is standard, though recent reviews mention missed vacuuming and dust in corners.
- Bathroom hygiene: Strongest point — bathrooms are typically sparkling, modern, and mold-free.
- Maintenance: The elevator is the main failure point; rooms show minor wear like scuffed walls.
- Linens & towels: Towels are decent but not plush; linens are crisp but mattresses can feel 'springy'.
- Odors & scents: Generally fresh, though basement rooms can smell musty/damp.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Creaky floorboards from guests above
- Doors slamming in narrow corridors
- Plumbing noise in adjacent rooms
Before you book
Good to know
- A £50 credit card deposit is required upon arrival
- Luggage storage is available but often involves carrying bags down stairs
- Breakfast is continental and basic (£17) — better value found at nearby cafes
What to pack
- Earplugs (essential for internal noise)
- Slippers (carpets have mixed cleanliness reviews)
- UK power adapter (limited USB ports in older rooms)
Room Genie
Best picks
- King Executive Room (upper floors for better light)
- Triple Room (if you need actual floor space to open a suitcase)
Rooms to avoid
- Lower Ground / Basement rooms (claustrophobic, noisy)
- Standard Double (often too small for two people + luggage)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a room on an upper floor (2nd or 3rd), specifically avoiding the Lower Ground/Basement level. Please ensure the room is not near the stairwell due to noise sensitivity.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there an elevator?
Yes, but it is frequently out of order. Call ahead to confirm if this is a dealbreaker.
Is there air conditioning?
Yes, most rooms have AC, which is a rare find for this price point in London.
How far is the tube?
Bayswater Station (District/Circle) is a 4-minute walk; Queensway (Central) is 8 minutes.
Is it pet friendly?
No, pets are not allowed.
Can I store my bags?
Yes, complimentary luggage storage is available before check-in and after check-out.
Is there parking?
No on-site parking. You must use public street parking or nearby garages.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Skip the hotel breakfast and walk 3 minutes to Guillam Coffee House for a superior flat white.
- ✨
Use the 'JustPark' app to find a spot on a nearby driveway; it's often 50% cheaper than the Queensway car park.
- ✨
The 'terrace' mentioned in listings is small and often closed; don't book based on this feature.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Double' bed is often two singles pushed together with a gap.
💡There is no alcohol served on the premises (dry hotel).
💡The staircases are narrow and steep, making it a nightmare with large suitcases if the lift is down.
💡Housekeeping sometimes misses restocking tea/coffee supplies.
💡The 'City View' usually just means looking at the street or the building across.
Local Playbook
Map
See where The 55 By Le Mirage is located and what's nearby.