Budget hotels are often associated with plain, functional interiors, but the recently renovated Superior Double Rooms at the ibis Greenwich Hotel in southeast London show that practical design doesn't have to be completely devoid of character.
Following a full refurbishment in 2025, the hotel combines durable materials, space-saving furniture and modern conveniences to create a room that is designed to withstand years of heavy use while still feeling fresh and contemporary.
At first glance, the room looks exactly what you would expect from an international budget hotel chain: clean, simple and uncluttered.
Look a little closer, however, and a clear design philosophy begins to emerge.
Almost every furnishing has been selected with maintenance, longevity and ease of cleaning in mind. Rather than relying on traditional wooden furniture throughout, ibis has incorporated metal into much of the room's design. Bedside tables, shelving, clothes storage, towel rails and even decorative features all use metal construction, creating a consistent industrial-inspired appearance while reducing wear over time.
The room demonstrates how hotels can lower long-term maintenance costs without making the space feel overly utilitarian.
The Superior Double Room features a standard double bed with an additional thick foam mattress protector placed on top.
While guests may simply appreciate the extra comfort, the protector also serves an important practical purpose by extending the life of the mattress underneath. For hotels with hundreds of guests each month, this small detail helps reduce replacement costs while maintaining consistent comfort.
Behind the bed sits a polymer headboard finished with a painted decorative design. Unlike upholstered headboards found in more expensive hotels, the hard surface is resistant to stains, scratches and everyday damage, making it easy for housekeeping to clean between guests.
The bed frame itself combines wood with a sturdy metal structure, continuing the room's emphasis on resilience.
One of the most welcome additions following the refurbishment is the inclusion of both USB-A and USB-C charging ports beside the bed.
For international travellers carrying multiple devices, being able to charge phones, tablets and cameras without searching for a travel adapter is becoming an essential feature rather than a luxury.
Individual reading lights are positioned on each side of the bed, accompanied by additional ambient lighting throughout the room.
A small desk provides enough space for checking emails, planning the day's itinerary or working on a laptop for a short period.
However, those planning to spend an entire day working remotely may find it restrictive compared with larger business-oriented hotels.
Like much of the room, the desk combines a wooden work surface with a metal frame, reinforcing the consistent material palette used throughout the design.
One of the room's more interesting features is its approach to storage.
Instead of installing a traditional wardrobe, ibis has opted for a freestanding open metal clothes rack with integrated shelving. The design immediately makes the room feel larger while reducing both furniture costs and maintenance.
Additional wall-mounted triangular metal shelves replace the bulky cabinets normally used to house kettles, cups and refreshments.
Even the hairdryer is mounted on a simple metal rack rather than hidden inside a cupboard.
The approach reflects a growing trend in budget hotel design: removing unnecessary furniture while keeping everything guests need within easy reach.
Throughout both the bedroom and bathroom, ibis has avoided timber flooring or ceramic tiles.
Instead, the hotel uses heavy-duty non-slip vinyl flooring in neutral grey tones.
Grey has become one of the hospitality industry's favourite colours because it hides everyday wear, complements almost any décor and provides a modern appearance without dating quickly.
The continuous flooring also makes cleaning faster while improving safety in wet areas.
The bathroom clearly demonstrates where ibis prioritises practicality over luxury.
Fixtures are simple and functional, with a wall-mounted toilet helping create a greater sense of floor space while making cleaning easier.
A large backlit mirror adds a contemporary touch above the basin, while all toiletries are permanently fixed to the wall in refillable dispensers.
Decorative adhesive panels inside the shower provide a little visual interest without the expense or maintenance associated with ceramic tiling.
Perhaps the most telling detail is the threshold into the shower, where metal replaces wood to prevent water damage and reduce long-term maintenance.
Compared with higher-end brands such as Novotel, whose bathrooms often resemble those found in modern apartments or condominiums, the ibis bathroom feels deliberately simple. It prioritises durability and efficiency over creating a luxurious spa-like experience.
Although this particular room overlooks the hotel car park, one of Greenwich's most famous landmarks is only a short walk away.
The historic Cutty Sark is approximately five minutes from the hotel, placing guests within easy walking distance of many of southeast London's major attractions.
This stay cost £125 for one night, including breakfast, booked through the Accor app.
An additional £30 secured early check-in from 9:00 am, allowing time to freshen up rather than spending several hours waiting for the standard 3:00 pm check-in.
While the staff initially appeared slightly uncertain about the early check-in arrangement, they ensured a room was ready on arrival.
The ibis Greenwich Superior Double Room isn't trying to compete with luxury hotels, boutique properties or apartment-style accommodation.
Instead, it succeeds by embracing what budget hotels should do well: providing clean, modern accommodation using durable materials, practical layouts and thoughtful functionality.
The consistent use of metal furnishings, resilient surfaces and compact storage solutions creates a room that should age well despite heavy daily use. Combined with modern USB charging, contemporary lighting and an efficient layout, the refurbishment strikes a sensible balance between style and practicality.
For travellers looking for a reliable base in London rather than an indulgent hotel experience, the renovated ibis Greenwich demonstrates that good design isn't always about expensive materials—it can also be about making smart, long-lasting choices.
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