London is a city with endless possibilities for discovery and entertainment, as well as art and history. With tourism continuing to rise significantly over recent years you’ll also have endless choices for hotels!
On our most recent trip across the pond we stayed at the Ibis London City hotel, a funky and accommodating place near the Whitechapel area of the city. A few steps away from the Aldgate East tube stop, we found everything we needed within walking distance, as well as by short underground trips around London. Just fifteen minutes on foot to the Tower Bridge and the famous River Thames, you’ll find its location convenient no matter what your plans for the city.
Convenient lobby bar with great, full service.
Upon entering the lobby, the décor is strikingly modern and colorful, rife with reds, blues, artistic geometric dividers and warm brick walls. Combined with comfortable chairs and beautifully lit sitting areas, we utilized this space quite a bit in the mornings before we headed out to our destinations, as well as in the evenings to relax and have a drink before retiring. In addition to the casual and inviting conversation areas, the Ibis is home to Fogg’s, a full service bar right in the lobby with friendly and attentive service. After a long ride from Heathrow into the heart of the city, that was our first stop, even before checking in!
We arrived earlier than the typical check-in time, as many travelers do, but the staff at the front desk was accommodating and helpful, finding the first available room for us to check into after such a long day. Available 24-hours a day, you’ll never find yourself without assistance if need be! One early morning I found myself needing a pair of scissors, of all things, and they gladly lent me a pair. Next to the concierge desk they also have free Wi-Fi stations where you can search for things to do around London, send an email, or just check Facebook.
The rooms at Ibis are clean, comfortable and conveniently located in Whitechapel.
The room itself was quite modern, clean, and cozy. As with many of our hotel experiences in Europe, the room’s design and efficiency were outstanding, with enough space to comfortably unpack, relax, take a shower and watch TV after a long day. Electrical outlets are conveniently placed next to the nightstands so you’re able to charge your phones and browse your computers while reclining. The bed was comfortable and we slept quite well after each day of city-wide excursions. We rarely spend more time in the room than while we’re asleep when traveling, and the Ibis’ welcoming décor and warmth definitely exceeded our expectations.
The hotel offers a generous spread for breakfast for a nominal fee (I believe we paid around ten Pounds), where you can find everything from eggs, bacon and sausage, to yogurt, cereal and fruit (in addition to many other options!). To find a quick bite when the Ibis’ restaurant isn’t available, simply walk next door to the conveniently located Tesco Express where we visited quite often whenever we needed snacks, toiletries, water (and, of course, beer!) or a quick sandwich to tide us over on a tube ride.
The fun and festive Spitalfields Market, walking distance of the Ibis London City.
The Ibis is located an easy walk away from the lively Whitechapel area, home of the expansive and bustling Old Spitalfields Market (one of our favorite places to visit in the area) as well as the infamous and legendary scenes of Jack the Ripper’s mysterious reign of terror in London. While in the area, make sure to check out the historical Ten Bells pub, directly across the street from the Spitalfields Market, our staple watering hole when in this area of London – and also one of the places where Jack the Ripper is rumored to have found some of his victims! For a quick drink – and an additional Ripper experience – check out the White Hart Pub, where we started a few of our daily journeys with a pints and delicious potato soup!
Our experience at the Ibis London City was welcoming, convenient and comfortable. With around the clock concierge we found it easy to come and go as we pleased, and with an on-site bar we found it easy to imbibe as we pleased as well! The location is excellent, the rooms inviting, and the staff accommodating.
Our verdict: Highly recommended
Contact
Address: 5 Commercial Street E1 6BF – London, UK
Phone : (+44) 207/4228400
Britanica
March 24, 2017 at 8:13 pmI have been to the UK 7 times and the first time I went to London I absolutely hated it! I think this was because I went with a few friends and we had no idea what to expect. We must have only encountered the rude people because that is all we noticed. The second time I went to London was back in 2008 and I really enjoyed it. I went with my husband and he had spent many months living there for business so he knew all the best places to go. I guess it makes a difference when you know where to stay, eat, and see!
Justin & Tracy
March 24, 2017 at 9:37 pmI can see how some would dislike London, but it just fits us perfectly. Glad it grew on you!