It’s safe to say we’re a little bit in love with Chiswick’s room2 Hometel. Nestled down the road from Turnham Green tube station in a beautifully leafy enclave of west London, the capital’s first hometel - a hotel designed to feel just that little bit more like being at home - is inspired by the arts and crafts movement, celebrating local artists and handicraft.
Each room comes with the flexibility and comfort of a kitchenette, with beautiful interiors and decor and helpful little additions really making it feel like a home from home. room2 is also the first hotel in the world with a ‘whole life net zero’ approach, whereby 100% of the emissions from conception through to end of like have been reduced and rebalanced to zero.
Rooms vary in size but every one is bedecked in handcrafted pieces championing the local industry, with a range of pieces from local artists, designers and skilled craftsmen. From the choice of paint colours to the lampshades, the bathroom tiles to the cushions, the cosy throws on the bed to the little box of dominoes and playing cards, we were blown away by the thoughtful details that went into every single corner of our beautifully cosy room. We were in a Lounge, 27m² of space with a sofa and table spacious enough to work.
The fully quipped kitchenette with microwave, kettle, crockery and cutlery was full of thoughtful extras ticking the sustainability boxes; a silicon dish brush, silicon top on the bottle (glass, of course) of fresh milk in the fridge, and instructions on the bin as to separating the rubbish. Book a suite and you’ll be gifted an oven and dishwasher, perfect for those looking for something a little longer term than just a night or two. Given my current difficulty in finding a new flat I’m half temped to just move in…
Downstairs guests will find a divinely welcoming lounge, with cosy corners to curl up with a book, communal tables to grab a drink and games to enjoy. A café serves up great coffee, cereal and pastries for breakfast, while the neighbouring bar will help later in the day. Guests can also make the most of the laundry room and fitness room, all included in the room price.
With two further properties in Hammersmith and Southampton, this is a brand that needs to keep growing. Sad as we were to only be staying one night, it was one we certainly won’t forget in a hurry. Superb value for the experience, we’ll definitely be back.
Rooms from £189 per night
www.room2.com
