Imagine this: you’re tired of the daily grind of your commute, and you crave a comfortable and affordable escape. What if I told you there’s a place in London where you can enjoy a luxurious stay for less than your usual train fare? Sounds too good to be true, right?
This is the story of my recent stay at Hub by Premier Inn, a lesser-known gem that recently won the title of UK’s best hotel chain. Intrigued by the rave reviews, the short commute, and the unbelievable prices starting at just £42 per night, I decided to give it a try.
A Budget-Friendly Oasis in the City
My journey from Buckinghamshire usually takes a grueling 1 hour and 35 minutes, costing me a hefty £43 per day. But with Hub by Premier Inn, I was just 12 minutes away from my office in High Street Kensington. The sheer convenience and cost savings alone made this a tempting option.
As I stepped into my room after a long day, I was pleasantly surprised. It was spotlessly clean and inviting, far from the basic accommodations I expected. Clever design maximized the space, offering all the essentials without feeling cramped. There was a hidden wardrobe behind a full-length mirror, storage for your luggage underneath the bed, and a sleek touchscreen panel that controlled the lights and heating.
The double bed was surprisingly comfortable, adorned with a luxurious warm duvet, crisp white linens, and fluffy white towels. It felt more like a boutique hotel than a budget option. The bathroom, equipped with shower gel, shampoo, and plenty of hot water, further solidified my initial impressions.
A Room with a View (of the City Lights)
Though inspired by Japanese capsule hotels, my “hub” for the evening was a spacious, non-claustrophobic room, not a tiny pod. It was about half the size of a standard Premier Inn room, which I always found unnecessarily large anyway.
There were no tea and coffee facilities in the room, but complimentary hot drinks were available in the reception-cum-bar area downstairs. A hot beverage from the coffee machine was a welcome upgrade from the usual Nescafe sachets and long-life milk offered in budget hotels.
A Night of Rest and Relaxation
It’s safe to say I was tired after a long day, and I didn’t indulge in any extravagant activities. Instead, I opted for a night of pure relaxation, enjoying a Deliveroo meal from Wagamamas and catching up on episodes of Selling Sunset.
By 10 pm, I was fast asleep and woke up the next day feeling refreshed and ready to face the day. Knowing that my office was just two stops away on the District line definitely helped. I decided to skip the breakfast buffet and grab a croissant on the go, making the most of my lie-in.
A Game-Changer for Hybrid Workers
My colleagues were impressed with my cost-saving staycation and asked if I’d be doing it again. Honestly, I’m tempted! But be warned: booking a room at Hub by Premier Inn for less than £100 is a challenge, especially during peak season. You’ll need to be flexible with your dates and book in advance for midweek stays in January and beyond.
Despite the occasional price fluctuations, Hub by Premier Inn is a game-changer for hybrid workers who want the convenience of city living during the week but prefer a countryside escape on weekends. It’s truly a luxurious haven for a fraction of the price, and it certainly beats my usual grueling commute.
I’m almost tempted to find a fault with the hotel, just so Premier Inn doesn’t increase their prices! This little-known gem is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered.
All prices are correct as of November 2023.
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