Crowne Plaza Hotel London Ealing

A typical highway chain hotel, the 1997-built Crowne Plaza sits just off the major Hanger Lane roundabout, less than a minute from the tube. While the location can seem off-putting, the interior is quiet and well-maintained. The lobby and some hallways feel a bit like a generic office building with limited seating, green-tinted glass, and white-and-gray-checkered tile floors. Faux-leather loveseats, patterned carpeting throughout, and wood paneling all date the hotel and could use a refresh. The bar's purple mosaic backsplash and metallic-purple stools aren't exactly contemporary, but they do provide character that's lacking from most spaces. Overall, it's an affordable option for travelers who don't mind being outside of the main London hub.

Just off a roundabout and main road outside the city center, the hotel's location isn't ideal for nearby excursions on foot. However, it is just one minute from Hanger Lane tube station, and on the Central Line, Oxford Circus can be reached in under half an hour. There are also multiple bus stops a few minutes' walk from the hotel. Wembley Stadium is a 30-minute bus ride (or 15-minute drive), while for some retail therapy, the Westfield Shopping Centre is 15 minutes by car. Hanger Hill Park is a five-minute drive. Heathrow Airport is a 30-minute drive or 40 minutes by public transport with multiple changes. London City Airport is a similar deal, while Gatwick Airport is a 55-minute drive and again a little longer by public transit. Parking is available for a fee.

Rooms are divided into Standard, Club, and Feature, though aside from an increase in size, the main bonus of upgraded rooms is the included 24-hour access to the Club Lounge. Standard Rooms are more dated than the other, outfitted in unattractive red-patterned carpeting, blonde-wood furniture, and linens in various shades of brown and beige. Club and Feature rooms have more appealing, though certainly generic, decor consisting of darker wood furnishings and plum-colored linens, accent walls, and carpeting. All rooms are air-conditioned and have flat-screen Freeview TVs (70+ channels), free Wi-Fi, tea- and coffee-making facilities with free cookies, and mini-fridges with free bottled water. Desks and chairs are provided alongside small seating areas, plus there are safes and ironing facilities. Bathrooms are simple affairs with either shower/tub combos or separate bathtubs and walk-in showers. All have toiletries, hairdryers, and bathrobes.

Open 24 hours to guests in Club and Feature rooms, the Club Lounge offers free tea and coffee, evening drinks and canapes (although guests aren't too impressed by their quality), and a continental breakfast. Though it has a bit of an office feel, its contemporary design makes it a decent spot for relaxing. The West 5 Bar serves Starbucks coffee, as well as traditional wines and spirits. The West 5 Brasserie serves a hot buffet breakfast for a fee, and it's open for lunch and dinner, serving modern European cuisine.The hotel offers five conference rooms with digital projectors, and Wi-Fi is free throughout. The 24-hour fitness center has a good range of cardio and strength-training equipment, and free weights. Though at a fee, the hotel's 81 on-site parking spaces are a definite plus.