South Way, Wembley, United Kingdom | (618) 248-8274
Budget-friendly property with views of Wembley Stadium
Set in up-and-coming Wembley, near bars and restaurants
Seven-minute walk to Wembley Stadium
All rooms have flat-screen TVs, coffee-and-tea-making facilities, and free Wi-Fi
Attractive and popular Fogg'’s restaurant and bar open all day
Free Wi-Fi throughout
On-site parking (for an added cost)
Bold and colorful public areas
At least a 30-minute journey to iconic London landmarks
Rooms don’t have safes
Small bathrooms could use updating
The Ibis London Wembley is a budget property in London’s thriving Wembley Park neighborhood. It has some impressive views of the busy streets below and Wembley Stadium’s iconic arches from the towering floors. The hotel seems to embrace its setting with a characterful restaurant and bar with some edgy design, which may appeal to the music and sports fans who stay here. Sadly, the 210 rooms are less attractive with simple decor that’s notably dated in some places and small bathrooms. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and hairdryers, but no safes. Rates are extremely reasonable, though the 30-minute train journey to London’s top landmarks may deter some sightseers. For a similar location but more features like a spa, British bar, and 24-hour gym, consider Hilton London Wembley.
Scene
Budget hotel showcasing a cool and characterful style in the communal areas, with views of Wembley Stadium
The Ibis London Wembley's many stories provide great views of the area. Though the large gray building itself is uninspiring, things improve once inside. The communal areas seem to have been inspired by the vibrant and colorful surroundings, with a design that’s both striking and cool. Graffiti-style prints wrap around the bar and cover the bottom of sofas, giving Fogg's restaurant and bar a playful look. Meanwhile punchy red stool and an origami-like light fitting round of the zany and good-humored look. The lobby itself is more sedate, with neutral tones and splashes of green. It all makes for a clean and calm look, perfectly appropriate for a sleek and modern reception area. Guests and locals tend to pile into the communal areas, especially on event days, so the vibe is social and convivial.
Location
Close to the bars and restaurants of the London Designer Outlet, and seven minutes from Wembley Stadium
The Ibis London Wembley sits in what’s considered a revived part of London. The changing face of Wembley has seen this neighborhood become a vibrant hub and increasingly cool hangout spot. Just a five-minute walk from the hotel is the London Designer Outlet. Filled with chain restaurants, stores, and street-food vendors, it’s a nice addition to the area and well worth visiting. Wembley Arena is a six-minute walk from the hotel and it takes seven minutes to walk to Wembley Stadium, though the arches are visible from the hotel. Unfortunately, guests planning on sightseeing can expect a train journey of 30 minutes or more to London's top tourist attractions. The nearest train station is Wembley Central, a 12-minute walk away. Wembley Park takes 14 minutes to walk to, and can connect guests via the Jubilee and Metropolitan lines to Central London. There is a bus from nearby the hotel to the station. The likes of Big Ben and Buckingham Palace will take about 40 minutes to reach, while the London Eye takes 45 minutes to reach. Heathrow is the closest airport and takes 35 minutes to drive to. Alternatively, Gatwick Airport takes an hour and 10 minutes to reach.
Rooms
Plain and uninspired bedrooms, with some amenities and good views
The 210 rooms have a simple style that feels typical of a budget hotel, though some rooms do have great views of Wembley Stadium’s arches. Interiors consist of beige colored walls, beds with crisp white sheets, dark carpets, and pinewood headboards. Curtains are a faded red, which doesn’t help to inject any energy into the spaces. The mostly neutral palette could use a dose of color and some contrasting fabrics, to bring some warmth and life to guest rooms. Beds are Ibis’s signature Sweet Beds, though some guests complain these are a little firm. All rooms have at least one metal chair. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, tea-and-coffee-making facilities, and wardrobes. There's a data port in the room and web TV. There’s also a phone, though this is an older model. Bathrooms are compact and could use updating, especially the green sink areas. Wood-effect floors are surprisingly modern and look sleek, lifting the look somewhat. Bathrooms come with showers, toiletries, and hairdryers.
Features
Good dining options and stylish communal areas, plus parking for an added cost
The hotel’s crowning glory, at least stylistically, is Fogg’s restaurant and the adjoining bar. It's here that guests and locals congregate on the weekends and pre and post events at the nearby stadium and arena. The bar opens early and closes late, taking guests all the way through from morning coffees to evening cocktails. The restaurant is inspired by the spirit of global adventure, though, in reality, it serves family favorites like pizza, salads, and soups. The vibe is fun and lively but for a proper meal guests head out for the London Design Outlet. Breakfast is a continental spread which is a good value, but could do with more variety. There is parking available, though it's limited and costs extra.