You can do your own research and 'case the joint' online thoroughly before picking a hotel. Just look at the photos on the hotel website, Tripadvisor, Booking.com etc!
If you had done then you could have avoided picking a hotel where the reception is so close to the door. I have ruled out dozens of hotels on this basis, including the aforementioned Mercure Paddington, where it is extremely clear from the photos that is cramped.

Doesn’t necessarily help. What the photo declines to reveal are the “helpful” staff lingering around, catering to your every whim. It’s 100% fine when your staying legitimately BUT not fine when you have a 19/20 yo in a short skirt with you.
Scoping out the joint is surely part of the fun.

It took me awhile to find my favourite places.
W Hotel in Leicester Square is my favourite as it has, within the mini bar section, his and her toys and various sex aids.
On my first SA visit I was shown around the room by a male member of staff who pointed this out. Apparently it’s a popular hotel for a bit on the side.
Our room had a peekaboo shower.
My Korean SB loved it.