Is a staycation in a 100% net zero hometel, in your home town, the ultimate solution to reducing your carbon footprint when wanting a break away?
For my staycation in West London I travelled via public transport, stayed in the most sustainable hotel possible, Room2 Chiswick, where I could make my own food from locally sourced produce bought on the high street, and sit and eat it on furniture that was made from reclaimed materials found no further than 10km from the hotel.
It’s not a bad start is it? Room2 Hometels are leading the charge when it comes to sustainable accommodation. Their ingenious, environmentally friendly initiatives have earned them the Gold Award for Green Tourism, as well as winning Trip Advisor’s Traveller’s Choice Award 2024, which means that they aren’t cutting any corners when it comes to customer experience either.
Room2 use 100% green energy throughout all their hometels and even generate some of their own thanks to the solar panels on the roof. A roof that is also home to 75,000 bees, a bug hotel and a water capture system to prevent local flooding. It was an education learning about all of the work they do with an offsetting partner in Nicaragua, planting bamboo to achieve their zero net status.
From the moment I entered their plant filled lobby I felt a sense of calm. On reflection I think that all the good energy they create through their sustainability agenda, filters down into the staff, patrons and pets, who were all so relaxed and approachable. It really did make for a home from home atmosphere.
Home from home
Room2 hotels are based in Southampton, Belfast and Chiswick with plans to open in York. So, if you are based in the north, you can also try out the minimal carbon footprint staycation approach.
Their refreshing approach to accommodation is based on the hometel ethos which offers the facilities and security of a hotel (such as a 24 hour gym and reception staff) with the home comforts of a serviced apartment like the fully equipped kitchen in every room, no matter the size.
The fully functional kitchen equipped with an oven, fridge, microwave and all the essentials you need to settle in is a real gamechanger. The full-sized fridge enables you to chill your Champagne, store your food shopping and keep any leftovers fresh, meaning that you can enjoy a snack, without the cost or faff of calling room service. You soon being to wonder why more don’t do this.
My room also benefitted from a generous window seat area providing extra comfort and space for reading, relaxing or playing dominos. The eclectic interiors offer quirky, aesthetically pleasing extras like a little box of bits and bobs which contained playing cards and dominos. Combined with the on-trend additions of vibrant wallpaper, splashes of colour, mismatched textures, the overall affect is playful, cosy and dare I say it, homely.
West London
Chiswick High Road is the epitome of West London chic, lined with fashion boutiques, independent artisan retailers and aesthetically pleasing coffee shops. This tree lined enclave of West London feels like a holiday from the grind of central London.
Room2 Hometel is a two minute walk from Turnham Green Station on the District Line. This location is ideal or exploring the refined neighbourhoods of Richmond and Kew Gardens yet convenient enough to be in Central London within 20 minutes.
Is any trip to West London complete without taking in Richmond’s iconic riverside views and Georgian architecture. It is simply stunning and there you will also find new Italian eatery Noci, serving new and classic takes on pasta dishes. Perfect for a light lunch after a spot of shopping in the many boutiques and then you can hop back on the District Line to cosy up in your hometel with a carbon clean conscience.
West London has so much to offer and Room2 Chiswick is the perfect base from which to explore.
Review and Images by Emmie Blower @emmiebhungry
