Background
The Hub by Premier Inn brand launched in 2013.
There are currently 10 in operation, the majority of those being in London, only a small number when set against the 785 Premier Inns across the UK and Europe.
Two new hub by Premier Inn hotels are scheduled to open in central London during the financial year 2018/19 at Berwick Street, Soho and at Bank in the City.
What’s it like?
Check-in is on the first floor accessed by a lift. You come out into a surprisingly spacious area which contains the hotel’s reception, café and lounge.
Reception has a traditional desk, but the receptionist showed me how to check-in using one of the self-service kiosks, which just needed my name to find the reservation. You then programme your own key card, which is needed to operate the lift to the floors, and then to access the room corridors, an impressive and reassuring amount of security. As the building is a conversion, the route to my third-floor room was a rabbit warren of twists, turns, and steps.
The building clearly is a conversion, and to reach our third floor room was a rabbit warren of twists, turns, and steps, but our eventual view was down to Tottenham Court Road, so no complaints there.
Where is it?
On Torrington Place, which runs east off Tottenham Court Road. It is close to Goodge St underground station (northern line).
Rooms
As the website puts it, what you can expect is “Compact rooms, designed around you. From the luxurious Hypnos bed to monsoon shower, 40″ Smart TV to pull out desk and under bed storage – everything is crafted for your comfort and entertainment.”
Our room was good size, with the ability to walk around both sides – this isn’t true of all the rooms, and it’s hard to specify your requirements from the website since there only seems to be the choice of one room type.
The room has lots of power points and USB charging. On arrival, the duvet was rolled up on the bed so at least we knew it was fresh.
The design of the room is clever, looking smart and clean, and yet clearly constructed out of tough materials to withstand the knocks it must get.
There are lots of clever ideas to maximise the space such as a cubby hole under the bed for suitcases, an open wardrobe, a full-length mirror and a compact shower room.
There is a small desk/console table, a green leather tub chair, and easy to operate touch panel by the bed for the light and air con system. Even the window blinds are automatic and operated by the touch of a button.
The pre-sets for the lighting include one button to turn on the bathroom light from the bed so you can find your way there without disturbing your partner, though strangely the panel light for this seemed to come on occasionally during the night.
Food and drink
On the first floor next to reception is the cafe (Lounge) where breakfast is served and also there is free coffee and tea available 24 hours a day and a range of drinks, both soft and alcoholic, to buy. My photos don’t really do this justice, but none are available, so they will have to do!
There’s also a limited range of food – hot and cold, though with Tottenham Court Road and then the whole of Soho and Covent Garden within a 10-minute walk, this was never busy.
The breakfast is available for £5 which though the choice is limited is pretty good value in London where a coffee and croissant can cost you as much.
Business facilities
None
Leisure facilities
None
Verdict
A very good hotel and the prices are hard to beat – as low as £52.50 for a restricted stay and £69 for a flexible one (capable of being cancelled or amended up to 1pm on the day). I’d recommend this to anyone who wants to save money but stay in a pleasant hotel in the centre of town. I was very impressed.
Fact box
Brook House, Torrington Place, London
