HOTEL of the week

INDIGO HOTEL, PADDINGTON WEST LONDON

WHERE AND WHY Just a stone’s throw away from Paddington rail station, this 64-room boutique hotel in a row of converted Georgian townhouses is an ideal base for those looking to explore the capital over a long weekend. Inside, the hotel is incredibly modern, with bright white walls lit up with atmospheric blue LEDS. The reception area has a mathematical theme, with equations and even pictorials depicting some well-known mathsy phrases, think Fibonacci number sequences (also known as phi). In contrast, the rooms themselves are snuggly and cosy, while still fitted out with all the mod cons such as a power shower/wet room and large plasma screen TVS. Plush, red and purple soft furnishings and artwork on the walls make it feel as if you are staying in a friend’s home – albeit a particularly stylish friend.

ON THE MENU We headed down for dinner in the London Street Brasserie restaurant, which operates independently from the hotel as well as serving its guests. The menu had all the favourite British staples such as fish and chips, burgers, sausage and mash, as well as a rather scrumptious sticky toffee pudding. My main dish, a hearty burger, was a perfect meaty hit after a long day’s shopping and sightseeing. At breakfast the following morning I went for an equally meaty full English. But there are with vegetarian options too as well as a continental selection for

anyone fancying something lighter.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE From Paddington Station it’s just a short walk to Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. Or you can follow the Regent’s Canal round to ZSL London Zoo, the world’s oldest scientific zoo, for a fascinating day And if you’re in need of some retail therapy, it’s only a 20-minute walk to famous department store Selfridges along with Oxford Street’s other shopping options. WAKE-UP CALL

Double rooms including breakfast start at €114 per night, Details at