The reception area was pleasant, despite the aroma of smoke that wafts over from the bar area. (the rooms did not smell of smoke) I noticed it appeared to be the only hotel on the street that offered automatic doors, which comes in quite handy when you arrive/depart w/ all of your luggage.
I had had some difficulties with my hotel reservation (Used a booking site to book all 8 days but when I called the hotel to confirm, they told me they only had me for my original request of 2 days. But the booking site told me they had straightened the problem out & my entire 8 day reservation was booked..) And checking in went off w/o a problem.
My room was nice enough, tastefully decorated (carpet had a few 'wrinkles' in it, but that is no biggie) large wood laminate vanity area & armoire, large 3 panel window, and a tub. I was surprised to see a tub as I thought teeny tiny showers are the norm. BUT there was a problem with the tub, for some odd reason it was elevated about 2-3 feet up. So not only was it dangerous trying to step down afterwards but its a good thing I wasn't tall as my head would've been near the ceiling. And there was absolutely no water pressure. Which made it difficult to get the shampoo/conditioner out of my very long hair. And the other negative was that the room was west facing (and top floor) so it was quite hot. I had to borrow a fan, which helped a bit. (Apparently they require a deposit but I was not asked to do so.) I did hear the Bayswater tube as mentioned by others (its not "underground" which is why you hear it). But it wasn't bothersome at all. Actually the west side was extremely quiet. Well, the outside of the hotel was quiet. As I discovered the next morning, my room (522-forgot to take pictures the room) was right next to the service elevator/lift. And the door to the lift would slam itself shut. (As do all the room doors unless the person is considerate enough to hold the knob & not allow it to slam behind them) So I was woken up by housekeeping in the morning at exactly 8am. If I was just there for a day or two, no problem.. but I was staying 8 days. So I decided to request a new room (before the crowds arrived for Live 8). So on the 3rd morning, I asked to be put in another room. Which they accomodated for me w/o any questioning (apparently they had one room available). They gave me the key to the other room (305) to see if it met my approval. It did. They even offered to move my belongings for me (which I declined). The room wasn't decorated quite as nice as the first -no wooden laminate large vanity area, actually the vanity was small, and I had a shower this time instead of a tub. But that was fine w/ me as I only take showers. Plus the shower was quite roomy. Plus it had wonderful water pressure. And most importantly, it was so quiet. I was no where near the service elevator. The room faced the street, so I did ocassionally hear some tourist buses outside in the morning, etc.. but it wasn't an issue. And since the room was east facing (and on the 3rd floor), it was much cooler. Very happy!! I did discover the toilet didn't flush. But they immediately sent someone up to fix it.
They do request that you drop your key off at reception before leaving. And there is 24 hour reception to retrieve your key upon your return. The hotel did have many amenities (bar, restaurant, laundry, etc) that I did not take advantage of. They even had organized tours (such as going to see plays) that I was not aware of until the day I checked out and saw it posted next to the concierge's station. But I guess thats my fault.
The neighborhood is quite nice and there are many hotels, all in similar buildings. Though some buildings appeared they needed renovated - I was glad I wasn't staying in those hotels. And many hotels that were on the street were in the middle of renovations (though I never heard construction work). The street leading up to the hotel (from Hyde Park, which was a block south) had many shops/restaurants/etc that would appeal to tourists & locals alike. There were 2 Greek restaurants, a pub at the bottom of another hotel, Leinster Arms, 2 or 3 "convienence" stores, internet shop, etc. And if that isn't enough, 2 or 3 blocks west is Queensway which has every kind of store you can ask for. Boots, Tesco, Post Office, multiple restaurants, tourists shops, even a mall (Whiteleys). And of course, the tube stops. Queensway (central line) is closed down right now unfortunately. But Bayswater (Circle/District) is also close by. Though Circle/District line isn't nearly as a desirable line, at least not for me. Central was the line I used to most. So I often walked a bit further in the other direction (east) towards Lancaster Gate. But even though it was a little bit farther of a walk then Bayswater stop, it was still very close. It was about a 7-10 minute walk. (where Bayswater was about a 5 minute walk) Paddington Station was also a short walk away. Which makes it very convienent to take the Heathrow Express.
I was very happy with my stay at The Blakemore. I would definitely stay there again.