This writer was pleasantly surprised by their stay at a budget hotel in London. Let’s find out what made it so special!
A Budget Hotel That Doesn’t Feel Budget
Sometimes, the best things in life are the unexpected ones. That’s exactly what happened when I discovered Hub by Premier Inn, a little-known gem that recently won the UK’s best hotel chain award. Intrigued by the rave reviews and the unbelievably low price tag starting at £42 per night, I decided to check out their West Brompton branch for a night.
My usual commute from Buckinghamshire takes a whopping 1 hour and 35 minutes, costing a hefty £43 per day. So, you can imagine my surprise when I realised that a night at Hub by Premier Inn was cheaper than my daily travel expenses! The hotel is conveniently located just 12 minutes from Metro’s High Street Kensington office, making it a perfect base for a working trip.
The moment I stepped into my room, I was pleasantly surprised. It was spotlessly clean and surprisingly spacious. I was relieved to find that the room was not as basic as I had initially anticipated.
The clever layout makes the most of every inch of space. Instead of a bulky wardrobe, there’s hanging space tucked away behind a full-length mirror. The bed features hidden storage for your luggage, and a hairdryer is discreetly placed behind the bathroom door. Even the lights and heating are controlled via a sleek touchscreen panel on the headboard.
The bed itself is a comfortable double, adorned with a luxuriously soft duvet, crisp white linens, and fluffy towels. The bathroom, despite its compact size, offers shower gel and shampoo, and thankfully, plenty of hot water. I was starting to wonder if I had accidentally booked into a higher-end hotel!
Cozy and Chic Despite Its Size
The minimalist interior, inspired by Japanese capsule hotels, might seem small at first glance. But it’s definitely not cramped! It’s about half the size of a standard Premier Inn room, which, let’s be honest, often feels unnecessarily large.
While there’s no tea or coffee making facilities in the room, complimentary hot drinks are available in the reception-cum-bar area downstairs. And honestly, I prefer a freshly brewed coffee from the machine over the usual instant coffee sachets.
The Perfect Staycation
The evening was exactly what I needed – a much-needed rest after a long day. I opted for a relaxing night in with Deliveroo and a few episodes of Selling Sunset. By 10 pm, I was fast asleep and woke up the next morning feeling refreshed.
The hotel’s proximity to my office was definitely a bonus, being only two stops away on the District line. I decided to skip the breakfast buffet and grab a croissant on the go, savoring every last moment of my lie-in.
A Game-Changer for Hybrid Workers
My colleagues were amazed by my little staycation and have been asking me if I’ll be doing it again. To be honest, I might just have to! But if you’re thinking of trying it out, be warned – you’ll need to be organized.
While Hub rooms start at £42 per night, finding one for less than £100 this side of Christmas will be a challenge. However, if you play around with the dates online, you might be able to snag a bargain for midweek stays in January and beyond.
It’s mind-boggling how a night of luxury can cost less than my usual train fare. But, I’ll have to rethink the takeaway expenses if I want to make this a regular habit. After all, I still had to buy two single train tickets, one for the day before and one for the day after, costing £19.10 each.
Despite the minor expense, I believe these budget-friendly rooms are a game-changer for hybrid workers who want the convenience of city life during the week and a peaceful escape to the countryside on weekends.
I almost wish there was something negative I could say about the hotel, just to make sure Premier Inn doesn’t jack up the prices!
All prices are accurate as of November 2023.
Do you have a story to share? Get in touch with us at [email protected].
MORE : I flew to Romania for a 24-hour spa break – it was £100 cheaper than the UK
MORE : The top wellness holiday destinations if relaxation is on your 2024 agenda
