Ibis London Wembley

The Ibis London Wembley's many stories provide great views of the area. Though the large gray building itself is uninspiring, things improve once inside. The communal areas seem to have been inspired by the vibrant and colorful surroundings, with a design that’s both striking and cool. Graffiti-style prints wrap around the bar and cover the bottom of sofas, giving Fogg's restaurant and bar a playful look. Meanwhile punchy red stool and an origami-like light fitting round of the zany and good-humored look. The lobby itself is more sedate, with neutral tones and splashes of green. It all makes for a clean and calm look, perfectly appropriate for a sleek and modern reception area. Guests and locals tend to pile into the communal areas, especially on event days, so the vibe is social and convivial. 

The Ibis London Wembley sits in what’s considered a revived part of London. The changing face of Wembley has seen this neighborhood become a vibrant hub and increasingly cool hangout spot. Just a five-minute walk from the hotel is the London Designer Outlet. Filled with chain restaurants, stores, and street-food vendors, it’s a nice addition to the area and well worth visiting. Wembley Arena is a six-minute walk from the hotel and it takes seven minutes to walk to Wembley Stadium, though the arches are visible from the hotel. 

Unfortunately, guests planning on sightseeing can expect a train journey of 30 minutes or more to London's top tourist attractions. The nearest train station is Wembley Central, a 12-minute walk away. Wembley Park takes 14 minutes to walk to, and can connect guests via the Jubilee and Metropolitan lines to Central London. There is a bus from nearby the hotel to the station. The likes of Big Ben and Buckingham Palace will take about 40 minutes to reach, while the London Eye takes 45 minutes to reach. Heathrow is the closest airport and takes 35 minutes to drive to. Alternatively, Gatwick Airport takes an hour and 10 minutes to reach. 

The 210 rooms have a simple style that feels typical of a budget hotel, though some rooms do have great views of Wembley Stadium’s arches. Interiors consist of beige colored walls, beds with crisp white sheets, dark carpets, and pinewood headboards. Curtains are a faded red, which doesn’t help to inject any energy into the spaces. The mostly neutral palette could use a dose of color and some contrasting fabrics, to bring some warmth and life to guest rooms. Beds are Ibis’s signature Sweet Beds, though some guests complain these are a little firm. All rooms have at least one metal chair. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, tea-and-coffee-making facilities, and wardrobes. There's a data port in the room and web TV. There’s also a phone, though this is an older model. Bathrooms are compact and could use updating, especially the green sink areas. Wood-effect floors are surprisingly modern and look sleek, lifting the look somewhat. Bathrooms come with showers, toiletries, and hairdryers. 

The hotel’s crowning glory, at least stylistically, is Fogg’s restaurant and the adjoining bar. It's here that guests and locals congregate on the weekends and pre and post events at the nearby stadium and arena. The bar opens early and closes late, taking guests all the way through from morning coffees to evening cocktails. The restaurant is inspired by the spirit of global adventure, though, in reality, it serves family favorites like pizza, salads, and soups. The vibe is fun and lively but for a proper meal guests head out for the London Design Outlet. Breakfast is a continental spread which is a good value, but could do with more variety. There is parking available, though it's limited and costs extra.