Mercure & Ibis London Earls Court Hotel: A hybrid Hotel positioned for success

# tags: Hospitality , London , Hotels

The first impressions on walking towards the ‘Mercure and Ibis London Earls Court Hotel’, is an incredible hulk of a concrete building, with little curb-side appeal.

But don't let first impressions colour your view, as there is plenty within to satisfy leisure, business and MICE guests, after a fabulous recent renovation. After all, patrons will be looking from the inside out, at some grand views across the leafy boroughs of Fulham, Chelsea and beyond.

Arriving at the hotel’s revolving doors, one can revolve around a fluid circular lobby lounge, where there is no barrier like reception counter, just a 'table-laptop-staff' combo ready to assist, with a group check-in area nearby if things get busy. Other lobby amenities include a small cafe bistro open 24/7 and comfy seating areas, with a relaxing palette of colours and a regular footfall of guests coming to use the facilities, which adds life to the lobby.

Rooms to suit all

The 282 Mercure rooms sit above 226 Ibis rooms, which marry affordability with quality. Once again, do not be skewed by the word 'affordability', just think industrial chic in the 3* Ibis rooms without the embellishments of a more luxury setting. Conversely, the Mercure rooms are very well appointed, with 4* superior amenities from rain shower and robes to large flat-screen Chromecast TVs and Nespresso machines, and even a free mini-bar with select drinks on offer and a divinely comfortable bed. A Tom Dixon designed lamp, and 'Tardis' blue wardrobe give a nod towards the 'discover local' initiative, which Accor encourages in all of the 1000 global Mercure hotels open to date. Do not forget to scan the in-room QR Code to connect directly with reception via WhatsApp to save a walk back to reception. Floors 10, 11 and 12 command spectacular vistas of the capital's landmarks, whilst other floors enjoy lofty views of the locality.

MICE mentality

The MICE portfolio of this hotel will have event planners bristling with excitement, as the ‘size’ and ‘range’ of options, puts this among a select group of hotels in London. There is a completely separate entrance beside the main canopy of the hotel, but also access from the lobby for delegates staying in the hotel. The facilities will offer solutions to so many diverse event planner briefs, with a 'pick-and-mix' selection of spaces headlined by the ‘Grand Ballroom’ that can have 1,200 theatre-style, seat 800 for gala dinners or social events and 600 cabaret. A further five smaller rooms suitable for business meetings have a capacity for up to 50 guests each, all spaces benefit from state-of-the-art tech and natural daylight.

Additionally, the pillar-free Grand Ballroom has an entry-point, which can and has fitted a double-decker bus, meaning "Versatility" is the key word. An eclectic mix of events have already passed through this elegant space, including the creation of a casino and a boxing ring with arena, whilst the easy accessibility for larger products means the automotive industry can easily be presented here and has already curated product launches. This is a very unique proposition for a hotel just moments from West Brompton and Earls Court Stations, bringing airport arrivals from Heathrow and Gatwick airports to the hotel in just 30 and 45-minuntes respectively.

The new Earls Court development is well-underway and will write a new chapter in the area’s history since 1887, which has witnessed a 900-tonne Great Wheel to the first ever arena performance by the legendary David Bowie. On completion the 44-acre footprint will be home to music, arts, entertainment and young professionals. The hotel sits within the leafy districts of Fulham and Chelsea, offering guests the chance to enjoy nearby attractions such as Kew Gardens, events at Olympia, the Natural History Museum and Harrods. For sporting fans, the hotel is within a short distance of Wimbledon, Twickenham, Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge, and Fulham’s Craven Cottage.

Level 1 means being Social

Rising to Level 1, guests can enjoy Barneby's Kitchen on one side of the lift and a refined bar lounge on the other. Barnaby’s entrance hall showcases a cabinet of fine wines, before leading into a fresh eatery with chefs using seasonal produce, which is turned into British classics alongside dishes from further afield. Ercol-style dining chairs surround faux marble and wood tables, illuminated by an eclectic mix of amorphous lighting shades, all helping to zone the restaurant's seating areas. Individuals, couples and groups happily interact, with the décor helping to absorb audio-levels to a nice general hubbub.

The Amber coloured backdrop of the bar radiates a warm glow, with both liquor bottles and bar staff silhouetted against this glass backdrop, which oozes mellow tones. So much so, that it feels like the sun is setting on a busy day and time for an after-work wind-down with a classic cocktail. The bar menu represents a mixologists favourite tipples, but often with local twists.

Members of staff buzz around in a confident, polite and efficient manner. In fact all staff take time to ensure needs are being looked after. Across the public areas of the hotel, coffee table tomes related to London's culinary and design prowess, punctuate contemporary bookcases and tables, alongside some modernist art. Again, all in-keeping with Mercure's mantra of 'discovering local'.

The last word

There is much to commend this property. If one can look beyond the exterior, they will find a well-located hybrid hotel, with some of London's finest MICE facilities, providing enviable capacities for all manner of events, and a well curated flow in all areas of the hotel. 'Hybrid' & ‘Versatility’ are just two ways to describe Mercure’s flagship European property, which offers leisure, business and MICE delegates a first-class choice and experience on the edge of everything London has to offer.