Ibis London Shepherds Bush – Hammersmith Hotel

Somewhat smaller than many of Ibis' London mid-range properties, the London Shepherds Bush outpost adds a touch of fun to its common spaces. The building's facade is a patchwork of gray and blue rectangles, distinguishing it from the nearby brick buildings. The lobby and reception areas are filled with bucket and high-back chairs in burgundy and gray, giving it a funky vibe. Book-motif wallpaper resembles library stacks, while slate-gray walls and floors give the casual, quirky decor a sophisticated flair. Fogg's Bar and Restaurant, with its Eames-style chairs, is chic and inviting. The hotel draws guests from across the spectrum, including couples, families, business travelers, groups of friends traveling together, and those traveling on their own.

Ibis London Shepherds Bush is on a busy street with shops, restaurants, and bars. Its suburban location in the western suburb of Shepherds Bush puts it 20 to 30 minutes away from London's main tourist attractions. The area is known for its shopping, and is home to a handful of corporations, such as the BBC Television Center. The West 12 Shopping Center is a two-minute walk or a four-minute drive from the hotel. Buckingham Palace is 25 minutes away by car and 35 minutes by metro. The Tower of London is a 50-minute drive or 40-minute ride on the Underground. Heathrow Airport is about a 25-minute drive from the hotel, or a little more than an hour away by public transportation, and Gatwick Airport is a 40-minute drive away, or an hour's trip by public transportation.

The Ibis London Shepherds Bush's 128 rooms have Scandinavian-style built-in desks, cubby-hole shelves, and wardrobes, and come with twin or double beds -- but some guests complain that the mattresses are too firm. Decor is minimal, with no artwork brightening the white walls. But the color palette of neutral textiles and warm wood furnishings gives a pleasant air. All rooms include flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are small, and only have shower stalls -- no bathtubs. Space-saving design choices have been made, such as placing the toilet paper holders under the sinks, which are wedged in diagonally. Soap and body wash are provided in wall-mounted dispensers.

Ibis London Shepherds Bush has paired-down amenities, but they cover the basics for a lower-middle-range hotel. Fogg's Bar and Restaurant serves cafe and bistro-style dishes, and a continental buffet breakfast is available for a fee -- guests give it rave reviews. Drinks are available in the lounge. A small business center has an Internet-connected computer and a printer. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, and pets are allowed for a fee.