Ibis London Earls Court

From the outset, this property is sadly striking for all the wrong reasons. Tall and wide, it’s clad entirely in gray and looks a bit cold. Inside, there’s a distinct improvement via an airy lobby that benefits from the reflective white floor tiles which bounce light around the room. There isn’t much seating, but the rose velvet sofas and oatmeal stools are a surprisingly attractive addition, and leave things looking uncluttered and spacious. The design throughout is generally welcoming, with generic artwork and tried and tested tones. During the day, guests tend to hang out in the hotel’s pub or hop on trains into central London, as a result, there’s a laid-back vibe but with enough of a buzz to keep things feeling social. 

The Ibis London Earls Court sits on busy Lillie Road in Earl’s Court, though really, it’s closer to less affluent West Brompton. The immediate surroundings aren’t much to look at but with Fulham, West Kensington, and Earl’s Court as its neighbors, visitors don't have to travel too far to find restaurants, bars, and boutiques. Guests are just under a five-minute walk to West Brompton Station or a 10-minute walk to West Kensington Underground Station. It’s a longer 15-minute walk or 10-minute train journey to Fulham Broadway Underground Station, which is surrounded restaurants and bars. Most Central London landmarks will require at least a 20-minute ride on the train. Hyde Park and Big Ben take 20 minutes to reach by train while Buckingham Palace will take closer to 30 minutes. For theater lovers, Covent Garden is also a 30-minute train ride away. Business guests can reach the City in 35 minutes by train. Heathrow is the closest airport and is 30 minutes away by car, while Luton Airport is an hour-long drive. 

The 504-rooms at Ibis London Earls Court are predominantly warm and welcoming, though a few that have yet to be renovated look outdated and stark in comparison. By far the best thing about the rooms is their generous size, especially at these rates, and the comfortable beds, which guests seem to appreciate. Interiors consist of classy dark-wood furniture, simple red table lamps, and artsy shots of London landmarks in moody hues. The brown and red throw pillows and elegant runner really bring this look together. Rooms have either two upholstered brown chairs or hard wooden chairs in the older rooms. For business travelers, it’s worth noting that double rooms don’t have desks. All rooms have telephones, air-conditioning, and satellite TVs, though these aren’t the most modern, and in most cases are smaller than guests are used to. There’s no minibar or fridge, but there are coffee-and-tea-making facilities. There are no in-room safes, though the reception does have a safety deposit box for valuables. In the older rooms, the bathrooms are due for an upgrade. They’re clean and basic and have shower/tub combos and hairdryers, but lack quality toiletries and a modern design. Rooms on the higher floors have picturesque views over London. 

The hotel’s crowning glory is no doubt it’s two dining options, the somewhat aspiringly titled La Table restaurant and the George & Dragon Pub. Breakfast is served in the restaurant and consists of a good spread of pastries, fruit, cereal, as well as bacon, sausages, eggs, and beans. Guests tend to appreciate the extensive choices though the quality is sometimes called into question. The George & Dragon pub is located on the first floor and although it doesn’t have locals queuing up at the door, it’s a really great addition to this hotel. For international guests, it’s a taste of traditional British pubs, with rough around the edges decor, hearty meals, and reasonable prices. Guests tend to enjoy a quiet drink here and like having an alternative to staying in the room. There is a variety of meeting rooms available, which are surprisingly modern and can be configured in a variety of ways, from boardroom to banquet. The hotel also has underground parking and can accommodate pets, both at an extra cost. Wi-Fi is free and decently fast throughout.