The best hotels in west London

What was London’s best-located YHA building has been nicely revamped as a 368-bed hostel. The Holland Park setting is glorious and inside the decor is light, bright and modern. Accommodation comes in the form of dormitories, plus a few private and family rooms. There’s a 24-hour front desk, a lounge, a games room and luggage storage, not to mention a garden and a terrace. The newly opened Design Museum is close by, and it’s a short walk to the shops in either High Street Kensington or Notting Hill.

A nice change from fusty old lodgings, Stylotel offers a more futuristic look – white furnishings, shiny surfaces and lots of glass. The 40 standard bedrooms are small and neat, with shower-only bathrooms; a hot buffet breakfast is included in the (very reasonable) room rates. Eight Stylosuites offer more space, and have kitchenettes. They’re in an annexe building, where you’ll also find the Sussex Arms pub, newly renovated by the hotel. Very handy for Paddington station.

A cosy, inexpensive choice on a leafy square in Earl’s Court. Rooms in this former Victorian townhouse come in all shapes and sizes, and some are a lot more appealing than others, but all are equipped with TVs and iPod docks, and there’s free wii. Decor is East meets West; one room has a four-poster bed, another has a terrace. Don’t skip breakfast, a splendid continental spread served buffet-style in a smart dining room.