Room2 A Home away from Home

Hotel life. Sometimes it's a bit rubbish isn't it? Hard beds, rubbish WiFi you have to pay for and terrible food that you can only eat in the restaurant because you have zero amenities in your room; But what if I told you that something new and exciting has arrived? Something that will change the way you spend time away from home which gives you the freedom of an Airbnb plus the security and service of a hotel?

Room2 is exactly that and so much more. The original concept was thought of in 2014 with Hammersmith Townhouse launching in late 2016, bringing the idea to life. Fast forward to 2018 and the 71 room Southampton hometel has just opened its doors and I spent a night there to see exactly what all the fuss was about. Guess what? I loved it and they're lucky I checked out.

I checked in on the day of their official launch and opening, the whole place was a buzz of excitement and I couldn't wait to experience it. I'd been watching the buildings transformation for weeks and to be able to finally see the end result was fab. Check in was a breeze, there are a few ways to check in at Room2 to suit you! You check in the old fashioned way, check in via the Flexipass app which will send your access code to your phone or just head up to the desk and do it yourself, it's so simple.

I stayed in one of the master loft spaces which is the perfect size for four people. Lucky ol' me had a whole lotta space to play with. Stepping in, the first thing I clapped my eyes on was the huge king bed with memory foam mattress and the softest bedding before I spun around to spy a second bed on an elevated level. The surprisingly comfy futon mattress is such a great use of space and it would make the perfect room for families or for a group of friends. Plus, if you're travelling with a baby, Room2 provided a cot for free.

After finally taking my eyes off the very inviting bed I was going to be spending the night in, it was time to discover more of the master loft. The room has a fully equipped kitchen, spacious bathroom, a large dining table and the most incredible teal blue, velvet couch stretching the length of the room. It was love at first sight and it was the first thing I went and sat on to look out at my spectacular view over Queen's Park. There is one made to measure to fit in every room in a variety of colours and lets just say, if it's not nailed down.... I joke.

(Please tell me someone got the Friends reference?!)

The kitchen features a stove, kettle, dishwasher, microwave and a recipe book so you can pretend you're Gordon Ramsey or if you're like me, order Deliveroo directly to your room. I found the ease of having the kitchen right there ideal because it meant I had the option of staying right in my room instead of feeling like I had to go down to the Living Room to eat. I took full advantage and cooked a Chicken Katsu before climbing in to bed to watch a film on the smart tv which can be found in every room. I felt right at home.

I had the best nights sleep I'd had in ages and not just because it was my first night baby free! The handy temperature control meant I could set the room to exactly how I wanted it and the black out curtains shut out the whole world, I didn't even know the sun had come up when I woke up. As I jumped up out of bed after my night of starfishing, I put the radio on and connected spotify via my phone so I could have an 8am boogie before jumping in the shower.

The bathrooms are fab, oh so gorgeous duck egg blue tiles, huge mirrors with funky quotes such as Hey good looking and Fix up, look sharp, toiletries from Malin + Goetz and a huge walk in shower with a choice of two heads. It was the perfect wake me up before I headed down for fresh coffee in the Living Room.

The Living Room is my kinda hometel eaterie. Breakfast is a buffet in the morning where you can choose from a range of warm pastries, toast, fruit and granola including gluten free options or you can grab your chefs hat and make your own waffles. The coffee is provided by Coffee Monger's who are based out in the new forest and it's pretty bloody tasty, I've been back in twice for coffee since. I think from this you can totally see why I didn't want to leave and why I've been looking at potential dates to check back in... Any excuse!

I grabbed a soya latte (yay for dairy free alternatives!), a pain au chocolate and some banana cake and disappeared back up to my room to eat my breakfast in bed. The Living Room has a range of tables, chairs and sofas which are incredibly comfy but nothing beats breakfast in bed, am I right?!

Check out was just as effortless and check in, I just left my card on the desk and off I went through the revolving doors. I had the best stay at Room2 and such a fun night at the launch event, maybe a bit too many Espresso Martinis but that Coffee Mongers coffee is just so good.

I can't wait to check in again, maybe a baby free night with Arran is on the horizon...