The Paddington Connection
Native Hyde Park sits right on the edge of the Paddington neighbourhood — how central is that location to your identity as a property?
It’s fundamental. Native Hyde Park sits at a point where London shifts pace. From the openness of Hyde Park to the energy and connectivity of Paddington. That balance really defines the experience of staying with us. Guests have the calm of a residential neighbourhood, but with the city right on their doorstep. That sense of living in London, rather than just visiting it, is central to how we think about the property.
Paddington has changed enormously over the past decade. How have you seen that evolution reflected in the guests and businesses coming through your doors?
There’s been a noticeable shift. Paddington has become much more of a destination in its own right, not just a transport hub. With developments like Paddington Central and the growth around the canal, we’re seeing more creative businesses, longer-stay guests, and people choosing to spend time locally rather than just passing through. The mix of guests feels more diverse now. From international travellers to London-based professionals seeking a flexible base.
With Paddington station just a five-minute walk away, do you find you’re attracting a different kind of traveller compared to other parts of London?
Absolutely. Being so close to Paddington Station, and the Elizabeth Line in particular, means we attract a highly connected traveller. That includes international guests arriving via Heathrow, as well as UK-based visitors looking for convenience. There’s also a growing number of guests who value efficiency but don’t want to compromise on space or experience, which is exactly where our apartments come in.
Supporting the Local Economy
How do you actively direct guests into the local area — shops, restaurants, independent businesses?
We see ourselves as a gateway to the neighbourhood. From the moment guests arrive, we share curated local recommendations (our Neighbourhood Heroes) places we genuinely know and trust. It’s less about volume and more about relevance: where to get a great coffee, where to walk, where to spend an afternoon. Our aim is to help guests experience Paddington in a way that feels natural and unforced.
Your “Neighbourhood Heroes” programme champions local spots. Are any of those in the Paddington area, and how do those partnerships work in practice?
Yes, the programme is all about celebrating independent businesses that give each neighbourhood its character, and Paddington is no exception. Partnerships tend to be collaborative and low-key. Whether that’s featuring a local café in our guest communications, offering exclusive perks, or simply creating visibility. It’s about mutual support and helping guests live like a local.
What role do you think hotels and aparthotels play in driving footfall for the wider BID area?
They play a significant role. Guests are actively looking for recommendations and tend to explore nearby, so where we guide them matters. Aparthotels in particular encourage a more local way of staying; guests shop locally, dine locally, and spend more time in the area. That creates a more sustained kind of footfall, which benefits the wider neighbourhood.
Business & Corporate Visitors
A lot of businesses are based in and around Paddington — do corporate travellers make up a significant part of your guests, and what do they need from a stay?
They’re an important part of our guest mix. Corporate travellers increasingly want more than a standard hotel room. They’re looking for space, flexibility, and somewhere they can properly switch between work and downtime. Our apartments offer that balance, whether it’s a separate living area, a kitchen, or simply the feeling of being at home during a busy schedule.
How are you engaging with the local business community, and is there more you’d like to do?
We maintain close relationships with local businesses, particularly those based around Paddington Central and the wider area. There’s always more opportunity to collaborate, whether that’s through corporate partnerships, local events, or shared initiatives that bring people into the neighbourhood. It’s something we’re keen to keep building on.
Looking Ahead
What’s next for Native Hyde Park, and how does the future of the property tie into the future of Paddington as a destination?
Paddington continues to evolve, and we see Native Hyde Park growing alongside it. As the area becomes more established as a destination, there’s an opportunity to further position the property as a place to stay longer, live more locally, and experience a different side of London. The focus will always be on maintaining that sense of space, flexibility, and connection to the neighbourhood.
If you could change one thing about the Paddington neighbourhood to make it work better for your guests and your business, what would it be?
It would be about continuing to strengthen the sense of neighbourhood. More independent retail, more reasons to linger, especially in the evenings. Paddington has made huge strides, but there’s still an opportunity to build on its identity as a place people choose to spend time, not just pass through.
The Personal Take
For someone visiting Paddington for the first time, what’s your one must-do recommendation in the neighbourhood?
A walk along the canal is hard to beat. Starting around Little Venice and heading towards Paddington Basin. It’s a quieter side of London, with a completely different pace, and gives you a real sense of the area.
What makes Paddington a place worth investing in — as a business and as a destination?
It’s the combination of connectivity, green space, and ongoing development. Few areas in London offer such immediate access to transport, while still being moments from places like Hyde Park. That balance makes it attractive not just for visitors, but for businesses and long-term growth as well.
For more information, visit: https://nativeplaces.com/property/native-hyde-park/
