Let’s face it, commuting in London can be a real drag. Long journeys, crowded trains, and expensive fares often leave us feeling drained before we even reach the office. So, when I discovered Hub by Premier Inn, a budget-friendly hotel chain, offering rooms in the capital for as little as £42 a night, I was intrigued. Could this be the solution to my daily commute blues?
Affordable Luxury: A Night at Hub by Premier Inn
I decided to try out the West Brompton branch, a mere 12-minute journey from my workplace. My usual commute from Buckinghamshire takes a whopping 1 hour and 35 minutes, costing a hefty £43 per day. The thought of a quick trip to the city, a cozy night’s sleep, and waking up a stone’s throw from my desk was too tempting to resist.
Walking into my room after a long day, I was pleasantly surprised. It was clean, inviting, and definitely not as basic as I’d expected. Clever design maximized space, with a hanging area tucked behind a full-length mirror, storage underneath the bed, and a hairdryer discreetly hidden behind the bathroom door. The lighting and heating were controlled by a sleek touchscreen panel on the headboard.
The bed itself was a comfortable double with a luxuriously soft duvet, crisp white linens, and fluffy towels. The bathroom was equipped with shower gel and shampoo, and there was plenty of hot water. I was beginning to wonder if I’d stumbled into a luxury hotel instead of the budget version!
Beyond Basic: A Comfortable, Convenient Stay
Although inspired by Japanese capsule hotels, the room was surprisingly spacious and not claustrophobic at all. It was about half the size of a standard Premier Inn room, which I always found unnecessarily large anyway. Who needs a desk, double bed, bedside cabinets, and a sofa when you’re just looking for a comfortable place to rest your head?
There were no tea and coffee making facilities in the room, but complimentary hot drinks were available in the reception-cum-bar area downstairs. Honestly, a fresh brew from a coffee machine is a welcome upgrade from the usual instant coffee sachets and long-life milk!
While I envisioned a glamorous night out in the city, my actual evening was more of a relaxed affair, thanks to my pregnancy and a need for some serious rest. A Deliveroo order from Wagamamas and a few episodes of Selling Sunset were the perfect end to a long day.
By 10 pm I was fast asleep, and the next morning I woke up feeling more human, if not totally refreshed. Knowing that my office was only two stops away on the District line definitely boosted my mood. I opted to skip the breakfast buffet and grab a croissant on the go instead, enjoying every minute of my lie-in.
Budget-Friendly, Convenient, and Comfortable: A Game-Changer
My colleagues were impressed by my staycation strategy, and I admit I might just repeat it. However, be warned: finding a room for under £100 is tough, especially during peak season. You’ll need to book well in advance, or search for midweek stays during off-peak periods to secure the best deals.
It’s truly mind-boggling that a night of luxury cost me less than my train fare. However, to make this a regular habit, I’ll need to cut back on those pricey takeaways.
Overall, these small but mighty budget rooms are a game-changer for hybrid workers who want the convenience of the city during the week but prefer the tranquility of the countryside on the weekends. I’m almost tempted to find a fault just to keep Premier Inn from raising their prices!
If you’re looking for an affordable and convenient way to experience London, Hub by Premier Inn is a definite winner. Just remember to book early and enjoy the savings!
