The Darlington Hyde Park

Just 20 minutes from Heathrow - and earning top marks for value

The fastest way to and from London Heathrow these days is the high-speed, high-tech, non-stop Heathrow Express, linking the airport with Paddington Station in 15 minutes, every 15 minutes. The distance from Paddington to The Darlington is so close, you'll earn a derisory quip from a cabbie if you stop him; it's not five minutes on foot.

The other notable feature about The Darlington is that it is one of a new breed of places to stay in London: clean and comfortable, simple without being stark, and provisioned with all the facilities you need as a business or leisure traveller. It is centrally located, but in a quieter part of town, living up to the highest standards of hotelkeeping but without the frills. Result: great value!

The Conservatory Restaurant serves a freshly cooked traditional breakfast, or you can help yourself to a continental buffet. For lunch and dinner, there are many excellent places on the doorstep with a cosmopolitan choice of cuisine. If you are more ambitious, the glitter of the West End and the world's highest concentration of theatres, concert halls and galleries is about 20 minutes away by cab. With all this in its favour, The Darlington may well appeal beyond the budget-conscious traveller - its convenience and comfort factors get top marks!