Imagine this: You’re tired of your long, expensive commute. You dream of a cozy, convenient escape that won’t break the bank. Well, I’ve found just the thing!
Hub by Premier Inn, a lesser-known offshoot of the popular hotel chain, was recently awarded the title of UK’s best hotel chain. And the best part? Rooms in London start at a mind-blowing £42 per night.
Intrigued, I decided to try it out. I checked into the West Brompton branch, just a short 12-minute journey from Metro’s High Street Kensington office. This was a far cry from my usual 1 hour 35-minute commute from Buckinghamshire, which costs a hefty £43 per day!
A Surprisingly Cozy Room
Stepping into my room after a long day, I was pleasantly surprised. It was spotlessly clean and surprisingly spacious. The layout was clever, with essentials cleverly concealed behind a full-length mirror and under the bed. Even the hairdryer was tucked away neatly, making the space feel surprisingly roomy.
The bed was a comfortable double with a luxurious duvet and crisp white bedding. Fluffy towels were provided, and the bathroom boasted ample hot water and shower gel/shampoo. I couldn’t believe this was the budget version!
A Room, Not a Pod
While the minimalist interior took cues from Japanese capsule hotels, my “hub” for the night was definitely a room, not a pod. It was about half the size of a standard Premier Inn room, which I always found unnecessarily large.
There were no tea and coffee making facilities, but complimentary hot drinks were available downstairs in the reception-cum-bar area. Honestly, the coffee machine was a welcome upgrade from the usual Nescafe sachets!
A Relaxing Night In
Although I had grand visions of a glamorous night out in the capital, I found myself in a more relaxed mood. Being pregnant, tired, and in need of rest, I decided on a night in with Deliveroo and some light TV.
By 10 pm I was fast asleep, and I woke up feeling a little more human the next morning. Knowing my desk was just two stops away on the District line was definitely a plus. I opted to skip the breakfast buffet, opting for a croissant on the go instead.
A Game-Changer for Hybrid Workers
My colleagues were curious about my “hotel commute”. And, honestly, I think I might make it a regular thing! However, you need to be a bit of a planner.
While rooms start at £42, you’ll likely find yourself paying closer to £100, especially around Christmas. But, if you’re flexible with your dates, you can find the bargain rate for midweek stays.
It’s almost unbelievable that a night of luxury cost less than my train fare! Although I did still have to buy two singles for the days before and after my stay, at a cost of £19.10 each.
These budget-friendly rooms are a game-changer for hybrid workers who want the convenience of city life during the week and the peace of the countryside on the weekends.
I almost wish there were a fault I could point out just to keep Premier Inn from raising their prices!
All prices are correct as of November 2023.
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