Ibis London City – Shoreditch Hotel

The interior of the Ibis London City is a lot more fun than the exterior implies. While the two-tone gray, boxy facade easily blends in with other modern apartment and office buildings nearby, the lobby is much hipper. Inside, a retro mid-century design is at play in a stylish gray-and-black palette. Tub chairs and couches in gray quilted fabric sit under large spherical light fixtures. And a faux-brick wall with the street sign "Brick Lane" gives a nod to the neighborhood. The restaurants and lounge have a similar hodgepodge of modern styles. Guests are a mix of tourists and business travelers with tight expense budgets.

This Ibis is located in the city's East End. Popular East End attractions are within easy reach, including Spitalfields Market, a seven- minute walk away, and Brick Lane (known for its Indian restaurants), a 10-minute walk away. A station for the London Underground (aka the tube) is on the same block as the hotel, a minute's walk away. The Tower of London can be reached in a 17-minute walk or 10-minute tube ride. The City of London (the financial district) is about seven minutes on the tube or 14 minutes by car. Buckingham Palace is about 30 minutes away via the tube. Heathrow Airport takes just over an hour to reach by public transportation, while Gatwick Airport takes an hour to reach by tube and train.

The 348 rooms at Ibis London City are fairly generic but pleasantly designed with light-wood furniture and warm orange accents. They come in a variety of configurations, including Family Rooms, which have extra beds for kids. Rollaway beds and cribs are available on request. Furnishings common to all rooms include desks, benches, and cubby-style closets that are built into the walls to optimize the use of space. Amenities include flat-screen TVs and kettles with supplies for coffee/tea. Bathrooms are tiny and podlike, with walk-in showers and sinks with a tiny bit of counter space around them. Hairdryers are provided. 

Like many other properties in the Ibis chain, the London City amenities aren't much for anyone planning to spend a lot of time at the hotel, but they're suitable for business travelers and young tourists more interested in being out on the town. The restaurant serves bistro fare such as Thai green curry and mac and cheese, and breakfast is also available. There's also a lounge with drinks for sale. While there's no gym or business center, there is a fax machine and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. The hotel can also arrange dry cleaning and laundry services. Small pets are welcome for a nominal fee.