Premier Inn London Putney Bridge Hotel

This Premier Inn occupies a tall, grim-looking 1960s-era concrete building. From the outside, it resembles a hospital and, although the entrance is modern, the reception area is reminiscent of a clinic. There's little lounge space beyond a couple of small leather couches. Thyme Restaurant and Bar are modern and spacious, though, with lots of wooden tables and chairs, long upholstered booths, plenty of windows, and bright, colorful carpets and wall decor.

The hotel is located on a busy city street in the Putney Bridge district of southwest London. The location is convenient for people working in and around the Putney Bridge area, or for football fans visiting the Fulham stadium, which is less than a 15-minute walk away. The River Thames is right down the street, but there aren’t many restaurants, bars, or shops in the surrounding area. Bishop’s Park is across the street from the hotel and Fulham Palace is less than a 10-minute walk away. Wimbledon tennis center is less than 15 minutes away via tube, as is Earls Court. Piccadilly Circus, London Bridge, Westminster Abbey, and other attractions are about 30 minutes away via tube. Heathrow Airport is less than 50 minutes away by tube. The hotel has limited parking, available for a fee.

Those familiar with London hotels will be pleasantly surprised by how spacious the Premier Inn’s rooms are by comparison. They are, however, standard chain fare, and don’t have much in the way of character or decor. All rooms feature a soothing purple theme throughout the bed coverings, carpet, and curtains. Beds are notably comfortable, with a choice of firm or soft pillows, and the modern wooden headboard has lights attached to both sides of the bed. Each room has a wooden desk and lounge couch, as well as one or two floral paintings on the wall for minimal decoration. A wooden shelving unit serves as a wardrobe and entertainment center for the 40-inch flat-screen TV, and there's a kettle with tea and instant coffee. Bathrooms are sterile-looking with shower/tub combinations and soap dispensers, but are immaculately clean.

This Premier Inn offers free Wi-Fi and has a number of room packages that include breakfast and/or dinner deals. Thyme, the on-site restaurant and full bar, serves a breakfast buffet with hot food such as eggs and sausage (it even has a vegetarian variety), and sandwiches, burgers, soups, salads, and desserts for lunch and dinner. Note that breakfast is not included in all rates. The staff can help arrange airport transfers and other special requests. Limited parking is available for a nightly fee.