Holiday Inn London - Brentford Lock An Ihg Hotel

Okay, friend. Let’s talk hotels. Specifically, the Holiday Inn London – Brentford Lock. It’s an IHG property, but don’t let the corporate name scare you off. This place is genuinely charming—like that one friend who’s always got a fresh pot of coffee and a good story.

Brentford Lock isn’t central London. And that’s exactly why you might love it. You’re still on the Tube (the Piccadilly line), but you’re paying half the price of a shoebox in Soho. Plus, you get to breathe actual air.

The hotel sits right on the Grand Union Canal. Yes, a canal. So your view might be a barge or a swan. It’s weirdly peaceful. Like being in the countryside, but with a Pret a Manger five minutes away.

First Impressions: “Wait, is this a Holiday Inn?”

Walk in, and you’ll do a double-take. The lobby is modern. Like, Scandinavian-design-modern, not “beige carpet from 1995” modern. There’s an open fireplace. A huge bookshelf. Honestly, it feels like a trendy coworking space that also sells cocktails. Why can’t all budget hotels look like this?

The staff are absurdly friendly. I’m talking “remember-your-name-on-day-three” friendly. They’ll point you to the best pub in the area (spoiler: there are several). Or they’ll just chat about the weather. British hospitality at its finest.

The Rooms: Small but Smart

Bedrooms are compact. I’m not going to lie—you won’t be doing cartwheels. But they’re squeaky clean and cleverly designed. There’s a desk that folds out. A kettle with actual decent tea bags (no cheap dust here). The bed is firm, which I personally love, but maybe you’re a marshmallow person. Either way, the blackout curtains are brutal. You’ll sleep like a log.

Bathroom situation: walk-in shower, good pressure, fluffy towels. No bathtub—sorry, bath lovers. But the water gets hot instantly. That’s a win in my book.

The Breakfast: Why You Shouldn’t Skip It

Breakfast is a full English buffet. I’m not usually a buffet person, but this one is dangerous. The sausages are proper British bangers—pork, not filler. The bacon is crispy on demand. And there’s a baked bean station, because of course. Who knew beans at 7am could feel so right?

If you’re feeling healthy (or guilty), they have fresh fruit, yogurt, and a smoothie machine. I looked at it. Then I took another sausage. No regrets.

Location: The Hidden Gem Factor

Brentford itself isn’t a tourist hotspot. That’s the point. You’re a 10-minute walk from Kew Gardens—you know, that massive botanical wonderland with the world’s largest glasshouse. Kew is one of London’s best actual gems. And it’s right there. You can stroll over after breakfast and feel like royalty.

The hotel is also near the London Museum of Water & Steam. Sounds boring, right? It’s not. Giant steam engines, hands-on exhibits, and a café that sells excellent cake. Great for a rainy afternoon.

Fancy a movie? The Watermans Arts Centre is 5 minutes away. Indie films, live theatre, and a bar right on the water. You can watch a play, then walk home along the canal. Romantic or practical? Both.

The Pub Crawl (Yes, It’s a Thing)

The area has a mini pub crawl waiting for you. Start at The Bell & Crown—a proper old boozer with real ale and a beer garden. Then hit The Weir, right on the river, with views of the lock. Finally, end at The Sailor’s Return, a gastropub that does a mean fish and chips. You’ll roll back to the hotel, happy and slightly drunk. That’s the dream, right?

Dining In: The Hotel’s Restaurant

The hotel’s restaurant, Lock Kitchen & Bar, is surprisingly good. It’s not just “hotel food.” I had a steak there that was genuinely medium-rare, not shoe leather. The burger is messy and glorious. And the cocktails? A bargain by London standards. You can get a gin and tonic for less than a tenner. In central London, that’d be a unicorn.

If you’re lazy (no judgment, I’m right there with you), you can order room service. The menu is small but covers all bases: pizza, salad, a curry. It arrives fast and hot. Perfect for a night in with Netflix.

The Verdict: Should You Book It?

Look, if you need to be in the dead center of London every day—Oxford Street, Big Ben, that chaos—this isn’t your spot. The Piccadilly line takes about 45 minutes to reach Leicester Square. But if you want value, peace, and a proper neighborhood vibe? Book it. You’ll save money that you can spend on actual fun stuff.

Business travelers: this is a solid choice. The free Wi-Fi is fast enough for video calls. The desk space is cozy. And the canal view during a Zoom meeting? Instant jealousy from your colleagues. “Wait, are you on a boat?” No, you’re just clever.

One last tip: bring a travel mug. The hotel has a coffee machine in the lobby, and you can grab a cup for the walk to the Tube. Makes you feel like a local, honestly. Or at least a very caffeinated tourist.

So there you go. The Holiday Inn London – Brentford Lock. It’s not fancy. It’s not flashy. But it’s surprisingly perfect for a London trip. A little bit canal, a little bit pub, and a whole lot of “why didn’t I discover this sooner?” Go on. Treat yourself. You deserve a hotel that gets you.