Last week I got the pleasure of visiting the world’s first net-zero hometel here in West London — room2 Chiswick! Here’s what I got up to.
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In 2022 words like “eco-friendly” and “sustainability” are thrown are left and right by businesses in London and beyond. But what does it really mean to be a sustainable business?
This week I had the lovely opportunity to stay at room2Chiswick, the world’s first net-zero hometel. Founded by ex-British Olympian Robert Godwin room2 was built with a mission to be a place “a place to live, not just to stay” taking over seven years to build.
They also don’t believe in throwing around buzzwords all whimsey-daisy, when they say they’re environmentally friendly, they practice what they preach.
Here’s my unfiltered review of my stay at room2Chiswick. Enjoy!
But first…
What does Net-Zero Mean?
To understand how impressive it is what room2 has done you’ve got to know what net-zero means. To be net-zero means all carbon emissions have been offset and reduced.
For room2 Chiswick this means from the moment of construction to operation and opening day, they’re the first hometel in the world to have zero carbon emissions from their buildings (pretty cool, huh?).
This also makes them 89% more efficient than your average hotel.
Read more on room2 Chiswick’s pledge to sustainability!
The Room
After talking to the insanely nice deputy manager about the area (and how he turned down a job offer at a VERY well-known hotel chain to work here because of their mission to the planet) it was time to meet our room.
The first thing I noticed was all the colours! I’m a sucker for a good pastel.
We were treated to a lovely note on arrival and 2 plant-based IPA’s to set the mood. Along with a lovely little courtyard to wake up to.
You’ll be pleased to know the craftsmanship of the room isn’t just aesthetically so. All pieces in the room are bespoke, sourced from local artists and designers.
P.S – The lights are occupancy enabled, so don’t worry about switching them off on your way out!
The Hometel
The Hometel spaces themselves were especially chic. And of course, insanely sustainable.
The whole building runs on electricity here (not fossil fuels) and renewable energy — a very cool thought to think about when you’re pumping out a gym session here.
From solar panel roofs to beehives, an herb garden, 3-in-1 recycling bins and a zero-waste policy, it was amazing knowing our stay wasn’t negatively impacting the planet.
The Breakfast
Part of the room2’s philosophy on being a hometel is, of course, making it feel like home. Insert tons of handmade treats to start your day — including warm & gooey apple muffins and a sinfully delicious ricotta berry pie.
Oh, and don’t forget to pair it with a flat white with oat milk.
Exploring Chiswick
The good news is there’s plenty to do in and outside of room2 Chiswick during your stay.
Snuggled in West London Chiswick is a leafy suburban gem, fit with charming high streets, bustling independents and picturesque 18th-century homes.
If you have the time I suggest visiting the Chiswick House and Gardens, strolling by the river at Strand on the Green, seeing a Jazz show at George IV or Headliners comedy club and grabbing a night-cap along the high street.
Final Thoughts on room2Chiswick
In my opinion, the best ways to be more sustainable are the most subtle. Whether it’s changing a product you use to switching a food on your plate, it really is the small changes that add up.
My stay here made me realise how even where I stay when I travel can make it impact.
With that said I’m still amazed at all the effort that went into every detail of building the room2 hometels and making sure they left no footprint along the way.
Between the friendly staff, yummy breakfast, West London location and truly being a hotel with a mission, I’m already buzzing for my second visit. But until then, you can check out my experience on Instagram!
Happy Londoning,
I was a guest of room2Chiswick but all opinions are my own.
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