You guys know I’m normally a hostel kinda gal. But I also make it a habit to check prices online before I book anywhere as a lot of the time I can get a budget hotel room a lot cheaper than a private room in a hostel. Go figure. And although I love hostel vibes, sometimes you don’t want to make friends and just want to get a good night’s sleep, you know?
So on a recent visit down to the big smoke (London FYI), I decided to forgo the hostels and booked a night at Hub by Premier Inn in Westminster. It’s in a great location, a stone’s throw from Big Ben and the river Thames and a 10-15 minute walk into Soho where we were spending the evening (more on that later).
But what I was most intrigued about is the fact that Hub hotel rooms can be controlled with an app on your phone! I mean, I wanted to try that bad boy out. Here’s how it went…
Hub by Premier Inn, Westminster
So the hi-tech fabulousness begins the minute you arrive at Hub, where you can even check-in using the app! Alternatively there are fancy ipads to retrieve your booking and check in from, but any issues and there’s a manned desk nearby just in case. Good to know.
But anyways, as soon as I went up to the room my app connected and I was able to start controlling the room from my phone right away – the lighting, including individual reading lights, the temperature and aircon in the room, as well as the TV channels!
I mean, it’s worth noting that you can also do these things with the control panels at each end of the bed, but I loved the novelty of being able to do everything from my phone.
One thing I really liked as well was that the app allowed you to order breakfast as well as see what was in the local area to explore. This part also let you hold the phone over the map of London behind the bed and it would pinpoint attractions in little green dots!
Modern technology, ay?
So wait up a sec, what about the actual room?
Well I stayed in one of Hub’s ‘Bigger Rooms’ which has a bit more space. But it had the usual suspects for a budget hotel – a big bed, a flat screen, an ensuite with power shower. I mean there’s nothing particularly fancy about it but it had some nice touches. Like the cheeky slogans, modern decor and even a bottle opener on the wall. Genius.
Also, as Hub are run by Premier Inn they had those amazingly comfy beds. They’re so good, my friend was actually going to buy one for her house. Best night’s sleep you guys.
I think that’s the main draw of opting for a budget hotel over a hostel every now and then. Although you don’t get the sociable atmosphere, you have an insanely good rest without waking up to a party going on downstairs.
Wait, am I old now?
Downstairs there’s a ‘lounge’ area behind Reception for general lounging around. I really liked it down here. There’s comfy sofas, cool cushions and lights, iPads you can use and wait for it… UNLIMITED COSTA COFFEE. Hot damn did I drink a lot of coffee whilst I was there. You can also take it up to your room which is nice.
Oh and there’s also free nibbles put out at 5pm and a fridge full of beers you can purchase. Relaxation nation, folks.
I mentioned you can order a breakfast box from the app earlier, but there’s also a brekkie buffet down here til 11am. We turned up at 10.55am (it was a really good night’s sleep) so there wasn’t much left but how could I not be happy with a lemon poppy seed muffin, pain au chocolat and sourdough toast with Nutella? Score.
Overall I really liked staying at Hub by Premier Inn and thought the app-control was a nice touch! Don’t worry I’m not abandoning hostels altogether, but with rooms starting from £69, it ain’t too shabby for a nice room in a central location, right? Yep I’m definitely old. (More info over here if you fancy it)
What do you think of an app-controlled hotel? Would you stay there?
Let me know in the comments below or tweet me @HeelsInBackpack!
Total Blogger Transparency: I accepted a complimentary stay at Hub by Premier Inn but all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I wouldn’t play you like that, shorty.