Novotel London Wembley

Sitting pretty on Olympic Way, Novotel London Wembley epitomizes the changing face of the area. Cherry wood cladding and protruding windows, as well as the low-level glass frontage, makes for a great and modern first impression. With Wembley’s impressive arches framing the end of the street, this hotel’s design is suitably attractive and elevates the area. Embracing its status as the hub of sporting and musical events -- the design throughout is reassuringly calm and relaxed with an air of sophistication. There are no references to the various concerts and football games which have taken place minutes away, instead, the walls are largely bare. The front desk is nothing more than a few unobtrusive pinewood pods, which makes check-in speedy and keeps things looking relaxed. Light wood and gray characterizes the lobby area, which isn’t trying too hard yet still manages to feel clean, fresh, and luxurious. An interesting light fitting with dangling lightbulbs is about as wild as the decor gets in here, and things feel laid-back and chic as a result. The lobby runs into the similarly furnished restaurant and bar, which can get busy. The restaurant had a great range of seating, like the comfortable blue-green tub style chairs that surround circular tables and the high white stools lining either side of benches. There’s also some leather banquettes too which all feels airy and versatile. This hotel offers competitive rates and great access to London’s landmarks, music, and sporting venues, all with a really welcoming and practical approach while retaining an air of prettiness. 

Novotel London Wembley is one of the many hotels, shops, and restaurants brought to the area in recent years to encourage regeneration, and it appears to have worked. The area is thriving and the hotel itself is sandwiched between Wembley Park and Wembley Central, with two major event areas on its doorstep and shopping opportunities galore. Wembley Park underground station is a three-minute walk from the property, and it’s here that guests can pick up the Metropolitan and Jubilee lines to venture into Central London. Wembley Arena is a seven-minute stroll from the hotel, while Wembley Stadium takes 10 minutes to get to on foot. It also takes 10 minutes to walk to the London Designer Outlet in Wembley Park. This is a vast fashion and lifestyle outlet with restaurants, shops, and bars. It will take about half an hour to reach Central London’s best-loved spots, like Oxford Street, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and London Zoo, via the Jubilee line from Wembley Park Station. Heathrow Airport is a 35-minute drive, depending on the traffic, Luton Airport takes 40 minutes to reach by car. For guests traveling by car, the hotel does have private indoor parking for an added cost, check ahead to ensure a space. 

The 235 rooms are attractively furnished with a pleasing color palette of soft grays and blues, finished with some light-wood panels. There isn’t much in the way of furnishings, which keeps rooms feeling spacious, but there are some comfortable armchairs and practical work desks. There are several small lamps positioned by the bedsides and desks as well as a larger stand-alone lamp, which is a much-appreciated practical touch. Carpets feel plush and have a strip of blue running through them, tying the whole look together nicely. It's an inoffensive and much tried and tested design, which feel appropriate for this hotel. High-end amenities include 39-inch TVs, free Wi-Fi (or upgrades for premium Wi-Fi), minibars, coffee-and-tea-making facilities, plus wardrobes with laptop-size safe. For business guests, the ergonomic work desks and European plug sockets are worth noting. Modern, streamlines bathrooms have ensuite showers or tub/shower combos in addition to Fairtrade toiletries. Upgrading to an Executive Room will get you two TVs, and iPod dock, Nespresso machine, bottled water, and a bathrobe and slippers. The best option, however, is the Suite with its king-size bed, kitchenette, double sofa bed in the separate lounge, and BOSE radio. 

The restaurant at Novotel London Wembley is a nice addition which guests seem to appreciate as a space to hang out between sightseeing or shows. It serves a fairly average selection of crowd-pleasing favorites, but most guests prefer to dine at the nearby Designer Outlet, staying here only to get a drink or for the breakfast spread in the morning. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Elsewhere in the hotel, there are three meeting rooms with a banquet capacity for 90 guests and a maximum capacity for 120. Meeting rooms, like the rest of the hotel, are simple but practical. Expect natural daylight and large windows, Wi-Fi access, video equipment, overhead projector, and air-conditioning. Finally, the hotel has a small fitness center outfitted with cardio equipment and a free-weights section.