The Stanley House’s white Victorian exterior is far lovelier than what guests will find inside. Its reception area is small, with a worn wooden front desk, while the lobby has dated blue carpeting, a vending machine that sells coffee, and a rack of brochures. Equally dated, the small TV lounge suffers from paisley patterned carpeting and worn black- and cream-colored leather couches, but it does offer a comfy spot to watch a flat-screen TV. The breakfast room has a homey vibe with parquet floors, wooden tables with lime-green tablecloths, and generic art along the walls. Note that there’s no elevator, and flights of narrow stairs lead to the rooms. The hotel attracts budget-savvy travelers from across the spectrum, from families to couples to solo voyagers. 

Stanley House is in a bustling area, a five-minute walk to Victoria tube and rail station. It's close to several major attractions, including Westminster Cathedral (a nine-minute walk), Buckingham Palace (an 18-minute walk), and Big Ben (a 22-minute walk), making it a helpful home base for budget sightseers. It’s a 22-minute walk to Hyde Park as well. There are restaurants and bars on surrounding streets. Heathrow Airport is a 45-minute drive away, and Gatwick Airport is about an hour's drive.

Stanley House has 44 spacious rooms, whose dated, down-at-the-heels decor includes thin bedspreads, a hodgepodge of furniture styles, worn, stained carpeting, and solid or rose-patterned wallpaper. In-room amenities include flat-screen TVs (sizes differ), telephones, wardrobes, and free Wi-Fi, although the signal can be shaky. Rooms are not air-conditioned, and lack kettles or coffeemakers. Showers are small, and during our visit displayed visible grime. Hairdryers and basic toiletries are provided. 

As a basic budget hotel, Stanley House doesn't overflow with features. A full English breakfast -- included in the room rates -- is the top offering. There's a TV lounge off the lobby, and a vending machine sells coffee. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, though the signal can be shaky. Parking is available nearby, but there's none on site.