Wilde Aparthotels by Staycity Paddington, London
For stays of seven nights or more, a full cleaning service is included on the fourth day
BACKGROUND
Dublin-based aparthotel operator Staycity launched its design-led Wilde brand in 2017, with the first property opening in London’s Covent Garden in 2019.
There are Wilde aparthotels in Berlin, Edinburgh, London and Manchester, with forthcoming destinations including Cambridge, Lisbon, Porto and Amsterdam.
WHERE IS IT?
Just off the A40, around ten minutes’ walk from London Paddington station, with several underground and national rail links as well as the Heathrow Express and the Elizabeth line nearby.
The two sections of Edgware Road Underground station are slightly closer. The property is also a couple of minutes’ walk from Paddington Basin, which is home to several restaurants and shops.
WHAT’S IT LIKE?
Wilde Paddington opened in December 2021 and is housed within a new-build development that also comprises the Premier Inn Paddington Basin. For now, the aparthotel looks across to the gargantuan Hilton London Metropole, although a building site in between the properties will eventually house a 16-storey office building.
Entering through the main entrance on North Wharf Road, guests arrive straight into an open plan lobby/reception/ breakfast/lounge area. The overall feel of the ground floor space is stylish, with designer furniture providing pops of colour against the jet-black ceiling.
ROOMS
There are 249 rooms, split across studio (21 sqm), studio superior (25-26 sqm), one-bedroom apartments (32-34 sqm) and one-bedroom superior apartments (38-41 sqm), with accessible options also available.
Decor is bright, light and airy, with Irish tweed elements and quirky cushions depicting people playing football. All rooms come with kitchenettes, which include a Smeg kettle and toaster, Nespresso machine, combination microwave/oven, hobs, dishwasher, fridge, and plenty of crockery, pots and pans. Complimentary items include water and small bottles of milk, washing up liquid, dishwasher powder, tea bags, sugar, salt and pepper, and Broderick’s snacks.
Other amenities include an iron and ironing board, safe, hairdryer, a bathrobe and slippers.
Bathrooms have walk-in showers and toiletries by Irish firm The Handmade Soap Company.
For stays of seven nights or more, a full cleaning service is included on the fourth day and then every seven days after that. My onebedroom superior apartment was on the 14th floor, and I could just about make out Battersea Power Station from my bedroom.
The open plan lounge/kitchen area had a dining table and four chairs, and a sofa that could convert into a double bed.
Wifi is free and there were TVs in both the lounge area and bedroom. Pretty much everything in the apartment, from the window blinds to air con, lighting and do not disturb signs is controlled by touch points on the walls. I got confused at times as to which lights I was attempting to turn on or off.
FOOD AND DRINK
Breakfast is served on the ground floor from 7-11am and costs £15 for adults or £6 for kids. This includes a buffet spread and an à la carte item. There’s also a 24-hour self-service pantry and a pizza and frozen meals menu – guests order online and are contacted when the order is ready to collect from reception.
MEETINGS
None.
LEISURE
There is a 24-hour fitness centre in the basement of the property.
VERDICT
Wilde Paddington is well equipped, stylish and comfortable. I would have been happy to spend an extended period there, although I was in one of the property’s larger apartments.
BESTFOR
Those looking for stylish long-stay accommodation, with easy access to the Heathrow Express
DON’TMISS
The delicious smoothies on tap at breakfast
PRICE
Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in June start from £440 for a one bedroom superior apartment (£300 for an entry-level studio)
CONTACT
4 North Wharf Road, London, W2 1NW; +44 (0)20 374 475 25; staycity.com