Sophisticated from the outset, The Cleveland is a boutique hotel situated in a majestic 19th century white Georgian townhouse with symmetrical stonework, detailed molding, and wrought-iron and balustrade balconies. Inside, the building has retained many of its period features, including elegant molded cornice ceilings and carved period woodwork. The lobby decor pairs refined, classic elements with fresh updates. White walls and ceilings show off moulded details, while an original dark wood fireplace offers balance for modern Sputnik-style chandeliers, a parquet floor, and rectangular leather sofas. The clientele are mainly vacationers looking for quiet accommodations with access to London sights. 

Located on a tranquil, tree-lined residential square in central London’s hotel-heavy Bayswater and Paddington area, The Cleveland is set away from the hustle and bustle of London, though it’s still in easy walking distance to a plethora of public transportation, including bus stops and tube stops, which comprise five total lines of the city’s metro system. While there are few tourist attractions in walking distance from the hotel other than Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, the nearby public transportation can take guests to London hotspots in 20-50 minutes. Guests can also walk to a variety of restaurants and grocery stores in the surrounding streets.

• Seven-minute walk to Lancaster Gate Station (Central Line)
• Eight-minute walk to Paddington Station (Bakerloo, Circle, District, and Hammersmith & City lines)
• Ten-minute walk to Kensington Gardens
• Fifteen-minute walk to Kensington Palace
• 22 minutes to Palace of Westminster via public transport
• 23 minutes to National Gallery via public transport
• 27 minutes to The Victoria and Albert Museum via public transport
• 30 minutes to Buckingham Palace via public transport
• 32 minutes to Covenant Garden via public transport
• 45 minutes to Tate Modern via public transport
• 50 minutes to Tower of London via public transport
• 50 minutes to Heathrow Airport via public transport 
• One hour and fifteen minutes to Gatwick Airport via public transport

For a central London hotel, rooms at The Cleveland are fairly spacious with a light and airy feel due to tall windows, high ceilings, and fresh white paint. Overall the decor is basic but tasteful, with beige carpeting, a neutral striped canvas, and light hardwood furniture and accents -- including a wooden room partition that separates off the bathroom and holds a built-in kitchenette. The most elegant aspect of the rooms are original architectural elements, such as molded cornice ceilings, molded fireplaces, stained-glass window details, or large balconies in some units. Each room has its own kitchenette, which gives the space an apartment-like feel. It includes a microwave, electric tea kettle (with coffee and tea), toaster, sink, two burners, and a mini-fridge. Essentials like dishes, knives, towels, cleaning supplies, and salt and pepper are also on hand. Even The Cleveland’s smallest room (the Standard Studio Suite) includes a queen bed, kitchenette, compact desk, flat-screen TV, a safe, and a hairdryer. All rooms also have air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi (though some guests say it's slow). And all new mattresses were installed in 2015. Bathrooms are simple and modern, with white walls, black tile accents, a shower stall, and free individual toiletries from Spa Therapy. Past guests suggest avoiding basement rooms, as they can get street noise from people gathering near the entrance of the hotel -- though, on the whole, the area is quiet. Guests with mobility issues should also note that the elevator does not go beyond the third floor.

While full of architectural and decorative frills, The Cleveland has little extra in the way of property features -- other than the lobby, there is no real shared common area. A continental breakfast is available, but it doesn’t come standard with the room rate. Guests say that it's simple but satisfying, and it's brought directly to the room. The hotel also has a 24-hour front desk. Laundry and dry cleaning services are available, and pickup at the airport can also be arranged.