LONDON has a new cheap hotel chain – and it’s already a huge success in Europe.
BOB W joined the scene back in 2019 , followed by its first hotel in the UK capital in 2024.
It’s a take on pared back hotels, close to an Airbnb but without the hidden fees, as well as much loved extras like gyms, luggage lockers and breakfast options.
I stayed at the newest hotel, Bob W Hyde Park, which only opened earlier this year, and paid £59 for a room for two people.
This was with the five per cent discount you can get when signing up to the free Inner Circle membership of the hotel.
It’s a short walk from Queensway tube station, as well as close to Paddington train station.
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Everything is done online, via the website or app, where you’re sent codes to get access to the building and room.
As it is a blend of Airbnb and B&B, but without all the much hated bits of each, this means you can forget the steep cleaning fees – you just pay the room cost.
Before I arrived, I received a phone call: “We’re so sorry but we’ve had to downgrade your room from a spacious to a compact. We will refund the difference but we’re really sorry.”
Slightly frustrating but, as a solo traveller, no biggie (apart from the fact they were the same price, so no refund for me).
However, everything else? Smooth as anything.
Arriving at 3:30pm, I easily entered the building – it is in the Henry Hotel but with Bob W posters to reassure you you’re in the right place.
There’s no lobby for guests, although there was a man behind the desk for the hotel guests themselves.
I personally love a lobby reception, as I’m often down there when my key doesn’t work, I have questions about the area or just need someone on hand.
But if you are someone who hates the awkward interactions then its the hotel for you.
Another nice touch within the lobby filled with sofas and chairs was a cupboard with free extras, such as toilet roll, ear plugs and spare tea and and coffee pods, as well as leaflets and London hotel guides.
The room was perfect too – clean, spacious, and modern.
A coffee pod machine and kettle were joined by complimentary towels, as well as a hairdryer, ironing board and safe, along with a huge TV.
Despite being the ‘compact’ room, it had a desk for working too.
The bathroom looked recently renovated with a big walk in shower and complimentary toiletries.
Some of the hotels have added extras too, like kitchenettes and washing areas, which make them ideal for longer stays.
One downside was that it comes with “complimentary gym access,” but this was just a pass to one that was 45 minutes away at another Bob W hotel, so I didn’t end up going.
Breakfast is extra – I paid £13 – and it includes food and drink at a choice of cafes as well, although only up to this price (any bill over £13, the difference needs to be covered).
If you are on a budget you can easily skip this and just buy some snacks at a nearby bakery or corner shop, but if you want a proper breakfast, it definitely wasn’t overpriced.
I also loved getting to know the cafe owner, as it was a proper local caf so ended up chatting for ages.
So what’s the verdict?
I was seriously impressed with the whole process. Emails were sent promptly, check in was easy, the rooms were clean and the location can’t be beaten.
One of the biggest problems with Airbnbs is the lack of luggage storage, especially if need somewhere to leave it before a flight or train, so I’m glad this wasn’t a problem here.
Even with the smaller niggles, a room for £30 each in central London? I’m not sure I’ve seen a price like that in years – at least for a place as chic as this.
Other cheap dates still available:
- March 3-4 at Bob W Earls Court – £61 a night (£30.50 each)
- March 16-17 at Bob W London Olympia – £79 a night (£39.50 each)
- March 25-26 at Bob W London Kensington – £77 a night (£38.50 each)
- April 12-13 at Bob W London Holland Park – £76 a night (£38 each)
We’ve found another cheap hotel in London where you sleep in a private pod.
And here are our top 100 cheap hotels in the UK.