It seems that, almost without our noticing it, hotel rooms in the UK’s capital have been shrinking in size in recent years. Indeed, typical hotel accommodation in the city comprises up to 280 square feet or between 16 and 26 square metres, making these spaces among the smallest of all key tourist destinations.
Of course, there is some variation, with budget or compact brands averaging between 100 and 150 square feet or nine to 14 square metres, for example with small single rooms or pod-style accommodation such as Hub by Premier Inn. Mid-range and standard boutique bedrooms might measure up to 250 square feet or between 16 and 23 square metres for a centrally located standard double or twin.
At the luxury end of the market, with a bigger deluxe space in a high-end hotel, you might get between 350 and 450 square feet or up to 42 square metres.
Why is this happening?
Over the last 10 years or so, hotel rooms have been getting smaller, and there are a number of factors behind this:
- The rise of ultra-compact, pod-style hotels, including brands such as citizenM, Yotel and Z Hotels, as well as Hub by Premier Inn mentioned above, has led to a rise in ultra-efficient, micro-rooms. Yet do these amenities necessarily offer best value? One Which? report from recent years described some micro-hotel rooms as ‘smaller than a jail cell’, with prices rarely offering great value.
- Property and land are, clearly, hugely and increasingly expensive in the middle of London, and so developers want to optimise the number of rooms a building has. Especially for budget and mid-market operators, larger room sizes have become increasingly financially unviable. This is perhaps why, in February last year, it was reported that hotel rooms being built in the city had dropped to their lowest level in five years.
- Changing demands: Today, some travellers treat their hotel room as just somewhere to sleep, and so prioritise location over square feet. Equally, some, particularly younger guests, are happy to use communal areas such as the lobby, co-working space or bar. Increasingly, hotels are expanding these spaces and making them more vibrant. With more of us taking shorter trips, travelling alone and doing so with less luggage than previously, there’s less need for the bigger furniture items such as desks and wardrobes. These amenities, historically, were required under the old hotel star-based rating system. With more bookings now inspired by Google reviews and the like, hotels are more able to ditch these space-guzzling furnishings.
- Smart design: Bottom of FormWith clever engineering and features such as wall-mounted storage and streamlined layouts, developers are creating functional spaces with much less in the way of square footage.
How can I enjoy more space when staying in London?
There are a number of things you can do to combat shrinking hotel rooms. If you target older, independent places for example, including period properties such as Georgian or Victorian conversions, they typically offer greater square footage.
It’s also always worth checking how much space you get before you commit to a booking. Anything under 12 square metres (130 square feet) is essentially going to be a micro-pod. Equally, if you’re happier staying away from the centre of town, try Zone 2 or 3; you should find cheaper, bigger rooms here.
But probably the best option is to consider a serviced apartment. This will give you and anyone you’re travelling with much more space and privacy for your money. Plus you’ll have the freedom to come and go as you please, not to mention the liberty to eat out, order in, grab a takeaway or prepare your own meals in a fully equipped kitchen.
You’ll be able to spread yourselves out, with plenty of room for everyone as you enjoy your very own home from home.
More than a hotel room – central London serviced accommodation with 37GS Residences
37GS Residences’ serviced apartments in London’s Golden Square are enviably located within striking distance of the bright lights of Mayfair, Soho and Piccadilly Circus, right in the heart of town. And each of the gorgeously curated 22 apartments is the work of interior designers March & White, complete with dependable Wi-Fi, regular housekeeping and maid service plus 24/7 Reception, along with robes and slippers. Book now and solve the issue of ever-decreasing London hotel rooms.
Book now and solve the issue of ever-decreasing London hotel rooms.
