DARE TO BE DIFFERENT

Pavilion Hotel, Paddington; £100
The themed rooms at this “fashion” hotel have names like “Honky Tonky Afro” and “Cosmic Girl”. Jarvis Cocker and Naomi Campbell are among the stars photographed here. Some rooms noisy. Continental breakfasts.

Pavilion Hotel (020-7262 0905, www.pavilionhoteluk.com), 34-36 Sussex Gardens, Hyde Park, W2 1UL

Hotel 55, Ealing; £85
This hotel raised eyebrows when it opened in a former DHSS hostel near the Hanger Lane gyratory system. But it has neat, stylish rooms and is close to the Piccadilly line. There is a laid-back bar and a conservatory where breakfasts are served.

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Hotel 55 (020-8991 4450, www.hotel55-london.com), 55 Hanger Lane, W5 3HL

Arosfa, Bloomsbury; £82
“Compact” rooms, but a lovely location in a Georgian townhouse, close to the British Museum. Arosfa means “a place to stay” in Welsh. There are 15 rooms, with the ones at the back quietest. Full English breakfast.

Arosfa (020-7636 2115, www.arosfalondon.com), 83 Gower Street, WC1E 6HJ

YHA London Central, West End; £69.99
The YHA opened this “funky new city look” hostel in February. There are 294 beds, with a bunk in a dorm starting at £17.95. Private en suite rooms with two bunks (sleeping four) cost from £69.99. Good family option.

YHA London Central (0870 7706144, www.yha.org.uk), 104-108 Bolsover Street, W1W 5LP

Caesar Hotel, Hyde Park; £99
A new 148-room property with minimalist, Japanese-style designs. Online discounts mean doubles are from £99. There is a restaurant and a buzzy bar called XO. Splashes of bright art break up the minimalist look.

Caesar Hotel (www.caesar-hotel.co.uk), 26-33 Queens Gardens, Hyde Park, W2 3BD

Southwark Rose Hotel, Southwark; £95
An 84-room hotel that describes itself as “boutique”, with a swish design, even though the public areas are airport lounge-ish. Reasonably priced restaurant. Close to Tate Modern.

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