Ibis London Greenwich

The Ibis London Greenwich is housed in an attractive modern brick building with a circular entrance of pillars and hanging flower baskets. Inside, the hotel's modern lobby features the chain's signature bold red-and-black color motif and has a young, funky vibe thanks to a mix of retro chairs, circular tables with board game etchings, and cozy red sofas. Statement matte-gray pillars, low-hanging industrial-style lamps, giant red-glossed plant pots, and quirky wall writings also combine to give the space a laid-back feel. The small bar here makes it a suitable spot to hang out, or there's the adjacent Cafe Rouge, which is decked out in French-inspired decor that includes Paris-themed posters, red-lamp wall sconces, and wicker chairs on an outdoor terrace. Guests are mostly tourists on a budget or corporate travelers taking advantage of the quick train journey to Canary Wharf's financial district just across the river.

In the middle of Greenwich's happening neighborhood but not in London's center, the Ibis still has plenty to offer just outside its doorstep. Plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes surround it and Greenwich Market is a three-minute walk from the hotel. Greenwich Park is also just a few minutes' walk away, and the Royal Observatory can be reached in 10 minutes. Cutty Sark and Maritime Museum are a five-minute walk, and travelers can reach the river-- where Greenwich Pier is located -- in around the same time.Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich is the closest station, a three-minute walk away;being on the Docklands Light Railway line, Canary Wharf can be reached in 15 minutes. Trains from here also run into Central London but require changes, and Oxford Street is about a half-hour train ride. Heathrow Airport is 90 minutes by taxi and around the same by public transport; Gatwick is an hour's taxi ride, while London's City Airport is just a 30-minute drive by car or public transit. Parking is available on-site for a fee.

Losing the contemporary flair of the quirky lobby, rooms take on a predictable chain feel with uninspired decor. Rooms are small and and have storage facilities built into the walls to maximize living space, plus the light-wood furniture and burnt-orange accents in the curtains and benches are lackluster. Walls are bare and aside from built-in reading lamps, a simple desk, and chair, there are few additions. There are, however, flat-screen TVs, tea- and coffee-making facilities, phones, and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms overlook the parking lot and have two twin beds pushed together to form a double, which aren't popular. The hotel has 10 Family Rooms with rollaway beds. Straightforward bathrooms have walk-in showers, basic toiletries, and towels replaced daily. 

The Ibis doesn't have much in the way of features, though that's not expected for the budget price. A small all-day bar with hanging lamps and patterned surfaces displays a limited but decent drink selection. The adjoining Cafe Rouge serves traditional French classics, as well as steaks and burgers. The brasserie setting is casual but attractive, and it also includes a bar area with stools. An outdoor terrace has wicker chairs and parasols that mimics traditional Parisian dining. Vouchers for the restaurant's cooked or continental breakfast can be purchased at the front desk. The lobby has two computers for guest use, but there's no gym here. Pets are allowed for a fee.