Recent acquisition of this hotel by a Malaysian government organization has breathed new life to it. A pleasant lobby area with neutral floors, wood paneling and black leather sofas is simultaneously casual and smart if generic. But convenient features like the on-site restaurant, ATM, and in-room kitchenettes make the property popular with business travelers.

Grand Plaza Serviced Apartments is located in a quiet, residential street in the neighborhood of Bayswater. While most of London's popular sights aren't within walking distance, the surrounding area has plenty of convenient points of interest including the Whiteleys shopping center and a couple of tube stations. (Bayswater and Queensway stations are both nearby.) Kensington Gardens is a 15-minute walk from the hotel, which leads to Hyde Park. It's also a 15-minute walk to the charming neighborhood of Notting Hill.

Decorated primarily in tones of coffee and mocha, rooms, which range from one-bedroom apartments to family units large enough to sleep six, are comfortable and spacious if unremarkably designed. All rooms are meant to accommodate apartment-style living and come complete with kitchenettes, living areas, working desks and high speed Wi-Fi. Rooms are also equipped with built-in safes, portable air coolers and TVs. The bathrooms, which are done up in the same brown palette, are simple and vary in size; some come with shower/bathtub combinations, others with just shower stalls. If you’re traveling with family or friends, check out the rooms with a pull-out sofa bed -- popular for travelers with a budget in mind.

The Selesa Restaurant is a converted conservatory (re-painted and with new furniture since our visit) with high ceilings and a glass rooftop, lending the space plenty of light. It serves Malaysian dishes for lunch and dinner, as well as a continental breakfast with traditional Malaysian items like Nasi Lemak and Roti Canai. On-site facilities may be a little lacking, as they're limited to laundry and maid service plus vending machines. Room service is also available from 5 p.m. to late.