After a few trips to London, one thing’s clear: where you stay really matters. Your accommodation shapes your trip, the vibe, the pace, and even your day-to-day mood. On this visit, I split my time between two very different parts of the city: right in the thick of it at Zedwell Hotel in Piccadilly Circus, and later in the picture-perfect charm of Notting Hill at a gorgeous Airbnb. Spoiler alert: one was chaotic, one was dreamy.
Let’s start with Zedwell. It’s kind of a budget-friendly option, but still modern and sleek in its branding. My mom and I were genuinely excited to stay there, I’d heard about it online and were curious to see if it lived up to the hype. The lobby had been nicely redone and felt very polished. We stayed in a Cocoon 2 room, which looked fine at first, minimalist and clean.
What we didn’t expect: no windows.
The first night I kept thinking it would be fine. We’d only be sleeping and getting ready there anyway. But by the second night, we started questioning the air quality, we were waking up with extremely dry noses and throats, and even had some minor nosebleeds. By the third morning, I had developed a cold, we were both feeling claustrophobic, and the lack of fresh air was becoming too much.
We decided to find a new place to stay for the rest of the trip, even knowing Zedwell doesn’t refund early checkouts. I had booked through Expedia, so I’m hoping to resolve something through them.
Before we left, we checked the room’s vents out of curiosity, and discovered mold in one of the main vents. This was extra alarming given that the hotel promotes high-quality filtered air as part of its wellness concept. We also noticed mold in the shower, which we documented with photos.
When we checked out, the front desk staff were kind and helpful. The woman working even offered to change our room. But considering the ventilation system is connected throughout the hotel, we didn’t feel confident that moving rooms would solve the problem.
In theory, Zedwell has potential. But in practice, it’s not somewhere I’d recommend for longer than a night or two, especially if you’re sensitive to air quality or prone to feeling claustrophobic.
And now for the complete opposite experience: staying in Notting Hill.
I honestly can’t say enough good things about this area, it’s easily one of my favourite spots in London. The streets are quiet, colourful, and full of character. There’s such a peaceful energy to Notting Hill that makes you feel like you’re in a little village within the city. Every time I go, I fall in love with it all over again.
This time, I stayed in this Airbnb, and it was perfect. A high-ceilinged studio with elegant design touches, a super comfy bed, and all the amenities you could need. It’s tucked away on a quiet street but still within walking distance of cafes, markets, shops, and the tube.
Check-in was smooth, and the host was helpful and friendly. It was ideal for two people, cozy but not cramped, beautifully clean, and filled with natural light. Communication was easy, and everything was exactly as described. 10/10 would recommend.
If you’re planning a trip to London and want something a little more relaxed while still being well-connected to the rest of the city, stay in Notting Hill. The atmosphere is unbeatable, stylish, friendly, and so full of charm. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to come back to again and again.
My final thoughts. London is a city of contrasts, and your accommodation can really set the tone. If you want fast-paced and central, Piccadilly offers that, but be cautious about where you stay. If you’re after something quieter, more atmospheric, and just nicer to come home to after a long day out, Notting Hill is the spot.
Lesson learned: book ahead, trust your gut, and don’t underestimate how much a good (or bad) hotel can shape your trip.
Halfway to Somewhere 