Clayton Hotel Chiswick

The Clayton Hotel Chiswick is housed in a seven-floor glass building designed in the International Style. The interiors have a mix of mid-century modern and 1960s California decor. Public areas have vinyl furniture, ebony veneers, low-slung sofas, desert plants, wood paneling, and polished glass. The modern California-British restaurant has seasonal alfresco dining, and the chic bar has a retro feel. Because of its location well away from central London, the hotel tends to draw more business travelers than tourists

Clayton Hotel Chiswick is located on tree-lined Chiswick High Road, in a peaceful, suburban area of London near shops and restaurants. The area is just off the M4 freeway, but its lack of parking facilities means that guests might be better off using the tube. The Gunnersbury tube station is a two-minute walk away, and getting into the West End takes about half an hour on the District Line. The Kew Gardens are a five-minute drive or bus ride (No. 391) from the hotel and both Twickenham Stadium and Wembley Stadium take about 15 minutes to reach by car. Heathrow Airport is a 20-minute drive away or about 40 minutes on public transportation.

The seven-floor Clayton Hotel Chiswick has 123 boutique rooms and suites that feature a decorative mix of mid-century modern decor. The color palette is largely white, beige, and gray, with injections of bright and vivid yellows and lime greens. Paisley-patterned armchairs or chaise lounges add a comfortable spot to sit. Black-and-white photos line the wall. Plush beds are decorated with colorful bed throws. Bathrooms consist of shower/tub combos, colorfully tiled walls, and single sinks -- the King Suite has double sinks. Technology includes laptop-compatible safes, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels -- though there's an extra charge for Wi-Fi. Most rooms also have electric kettles and a selection of current fashion and lifestyle magazines.

The facilities at Clayton Hotel Chiswick are above average for a smaller boutique property. The hotel does have a small fitness room and those who want a more vigorous and scenic cardio workout can take a 10-minute stroll to a nearby jogging path that runs along the River Thames. A retro-style restaurant serves traditional English or Californian cuisine made from seasonal and local produce at breakfast and dinner. Outside, there's a wooden terrace for alfresco dining on warmer days. The retro bar serves Mediterranean fare and a wide range of beer, wine, and cocktails. The hotel has meeting rooms, a business center, and 24-hour room service. There's no parking on-site, but nearby Lionel Road has a free parking-lot and there is some street parking in the area.