I was nervous about staying at someone's house over the Christmas period as I visiting relatives in the area, but I had a fantastic time in Paddington! The room is gorgeous, and secluded enough that if you want to keep to yourself you can, but the hosts are very lovely and social. A couple of nights there I sat up chatting with Eloise or playing Gin Rummy with her daughter and daughter's boyfriend, but they were just as accommodating and understanding when I had to retreat to my room to finish an assignment.

The room is wonderful and on the first floor at the back of the house, so it feels like you're waking up in a treehouse in the morning. There are buses just a block away, and it's just a 5-10 minute walk to Oxford Street shops. There are lots of lovely gastro pubs nearby amongst the beautiful terrace houses too. I highly recommend this place.