The Nadler Victoria is leading the way for budget hotels

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The Nadler Victoria is brand new. It opened on January 1 and is the latest edition from a group that aspires to turn budget accommodation on its head. 

Robert Nadler’s first offering was Base2Stay in Earls Court, now under the Nadler name.

There’s a concept: no restaurant, no bar, no gym or spa. Just a comfortable design-led room with its own mini-kitchen featuring a microwave, Nespresso machine, Brita water filter and fridge. Lead-in price is £120.

Impressive: Rooms feature taupe walls, slinky lighting, a proper desk and a large walk-in shower

This one is round the corner from Buckingham Palace in the old Girl Guides building (Nadler says ‘Victoria is the new Knightsbridge’, obviously). There are 73 rooms.

It’s like arriving at a smart office building, albeit one where the two members of staff on reception are boundlessly warm and friendly. I’m even shown to my room — and have been upgraded two categories because so few people have checked in.

Taupe walls, slinky lighting, proper desk, large walk-in shower, pocket-sprung bed. Everything pristine. All information is on the TV, which is annoying — such as that the ironing board is stored under the bed.

‘Five-star service at four-star prices’ is another of Nadler’s mantras. I wouldn’t argue with that. 

Prime location: The Nadler Victoria is located near Buckingham Palace, in an former Girl Guides building

What I do wonder is whether visitors to London actually fancy the idea of using a microwave. Wouldn’t they prefer some human contact at breakfast?

‘There’s a great Italian coffee shop round the corner,’ says the receptionist. And he’s right.

One feature that certainly works is the rolling Pathe News screen in the lobby, showing royal events going back decades. And the hotel is opposite the new St James Theatre. So you’re hardly going to feel isolated.

There’s stiff competition in the budget market in London but the Nadlers are right up there in the lead pack.