Guesthouse West

On arrival
Guesthouse West is set slightly back from Westbourne Grove but you can’t miss it with its large front terrace, parasols and huge metal containers of bamboos and other shrubs. The side entrance leads to a small wooden reception desk set against a travertine wall.

As soon as you are handed the key to your room  - in the shape of a plastic yellow duck - you will know there is no danger of you leaving with it in your pocket. Each room has its own lovely little duck in its own unique get-up.

To the left of the desk is the hub of the establishment, a big lounge bar/restaurant. Large leather sofas and armchairs, wooden tables, space, large windows, film posters, an arty arrangement of orchids and, above all, the heavy bass music, make for a warm, relaxed atmosphere. The lighting and colours are warm and the leather of the sofas carefully aged.

The services are provided by outside contractors and are very much in keeping with the local area. They are shopping and relaxation focussed, extending from a hairdresser or personal shopper to access to the nearby gym and spa.

The rooms
The rooms are accessed from a corridor running along the rear of the lounge which, with its lighting and doors with buttoned facings, reminds you of an American motel corridor in the 1970s.

The rooms are all fairly similar, spacious and rather minimalist. With their three-tone colour schemes – grey carpet, white painted walls and a few brown cushions - they have a fairly restrained feel. The furniture, from the desk to the large bedside tables and the wardrobe, is dark wood with geometrical lines.

The duvets are white with a brown knitted throw folded at the foot of the bed. Although the no-fuss style creates a perfect neutral backdrop, the rooms are all well-equipped with flat screen TV, numerous television channels, audio system, DVD player and free WIFI connection.

The mosaic tiles in the bathrooms give a slight swimming pool feel which some may find a little cold.  A good number of them are equipped with shower.

The rooms overlook the street or a pleasant rear courtyard. Those at the back of the building are quiet with the ground floor ones having the added advantage of a small terrace with garden furniture.

Adding a touch of originality is room 2, a significant part of which has been built under a veranda with the glass walls overlooking the courtyard protected by blinds.

Breakfast
A buffet breakfast is served in the restaurant offering a selection of pastries, cereals, fruit and dairy products. Other dishes are available to order except on Mondays when the kitchens are closed.