Umi is a new, fun, friendly hotel in the leafy Rococco streets of Bayswater. The six floor mansion townhouse has been converted to accommodate three function rooms, a coffee shop, small internet cafe and 117 comfortable rooms.
One of the best things about this hotel is the lively atmosphere. As soon as you walk in from the hush of the garden square outside, you notice the general hubbub around the coffeeshop-cum-breakfast room (with smooth, fresh coffee and homemade pancakes - yum). Then there's the well-manned reception and the concierge desk which will organise all the tours, tickets and taxis you need to make the most of a London stay and, downstairs, a fully stocked cocktail bar and evening dining area which is a great place to chill out and meet other guests in the evening. The director, Steve, has a great policy when it comes to his staff - only employing people who want a career in hospitality - which means that all of this hubbub is run smoothly by enthusiastic and communicative staff.
The hotel also acts as a showcase for the work of student artists meaning that instead of a tacky reproduction image (or, god forbid, one of those Ikea-style close-up of a dewy petal) you're likely to have an entirely original print or photograph in your room. It's not often you get this kind of creative flair in a three star hotel. But then, Umi is a special kind of a three-star. All of the rooms have en-suite bathrooms, plug-in or wireless internet access, plasma TVs with freeview and the option of a laptop-sized safe. This makes it perfect for business travel as well as tourists.
Of course, one of the best things about a Bayswater/Notting Hill address is how close it is to the centre of town. This neighbourhood has all the convenience of Kings Cross or Paddington, but buckets more class. The museums in West Kensington are just a short bus or tube journey away. The local pubs that dot the quiet, green streets around the hotel are perfect for Sunday afternoon pints and, of course, Portobello Road is famous for its shopping and has some of the coolest bars in London (just check out Trailer Happiness if you need proof). All just a stroll away.
If you think you'd like to spend the weekend at Umi Hotel, enter our competition.
Please note: this competition is now closed.
Or, if you'd rather not leave it to chance, find out more and check availability.
Heelo, my name is zahra. I would like to win this weekend break because i feel that ia such a giving person to the community, i spend most of my time too busy pleasing people nad going out of my way to do things for others. and it would be brilliant if someone did a good thing for mr too and am sure alot of people who kindly know me in their life would agree with me too. most importantly it would be a treat for my birthday as i have never had a good birthday ll my life.
Posted by: Zahra Noor | 25/09/2007 at 06:34 PM