Earlier this summer, room2 rebranded as Second Nature, unveiling a new identity that reflects how much the business has evolved since it first launched in 2016. While the name may be new, the ethos remains the same: bringing together the comfort, space and flexibility of apartment living with the thoughtful service and welcoming atmosphere of a hotel.
When room2 first introduced the concept of the Hometel, it offered something a little different from the traditional hotel experience. A place where guests could enjoy the independence of their own apartment without sacrificing the convenience of hotel amenities. Ten years on, that idea feels more relevant than ever. Whether staying for a single night, a week or an entire month, guests are looking for somewhere that feels comfortable, considered and easy to settle into.
Second Nature has spacious studios featuring fully equipped kitchenettes, inviting communal spaces, pet-friendly accommodation and thoughtful extras that make a stay feel more personal. It is a concept designed around the way we live and travel today, offering a little more freedom and flexibility than a conventional hotel room. I recently visited Second Nature in Chiswick to experience the hometel concept for myself, and it didn't take long to understand the appeal.
Getting There and First Impressions
Getting to Second Nature couldn't have been easier. I hopped on the tube to Turnham Green and, after a pleasant five-to-ten-minute walk, arrived at Second Nature. Situated in the heart of Chiswick, the location is part of the appeal. The surrounding high street is lined with independent shops, charming coffee shops and restaurants, giving the neighbourhood a distinctly local feel. It is the sort of area that invites you to slow down, wander without much of a plan and discover a few favourite spots along the way.
Stepping inside Second Nature, I was immediately struck by how cosy and welcoming it felt. Rather than the more formal, sometimes impersonal atmosphere you can find in traditional hotels, there was a relaxed, lived-in quality to the space. To the left of the reception desk, guests and locals were sitting in the café / restaurant, chatting over food and drinks. There was something wonderfully familiar about it all. Within moments, I felt less like I was checking into a hotel and more like I was arriving somewhere I already knew. It was a lovely first impression and one that set the tone for the rest of my stay. Check-in was swift and seamless, and before long I was making my way up to the third floor to explore my room.
My Room
My studio was spacious, light-filled and thoughtfully laid out, with gorgeous, oversized windows that allowed the sunlight to pour in. Natural light can make such a difference to a room, and it immediately made the space feel bright, airy and up-lifting. What I particularly appreciated was the sense of room to breathe. Rather than feeling as though everything had been squeezed into a conventional hotel room, the studio had distinct areas for relaxing, cooking and working. It felt much more like having a little London apartment of my own.
The living area was comfortable and inviting, with a sofa and television that made it easy to settle in for the evening, I also loved that I could sign into my own Netflix account, a small but welcome detail that makes an evening in feel that little bit more personal.
The kitchenette was another highlight, stocked with pots, utensils, plates and the essentials needed to prepare a meal. Whether you prefer to make a quick breakfast before heading out, prepare a simple lunch or enjoy a relaxed dinner in your own space, having a kitchenette gives you the freedom to do things at your own pace. It is also a lovely alternative to relying on restaurants for every meal, particularly if you are staying for several days.
The bathroom was equally lovely, with colourful patterned wallpaper that added character and personality to the space. It was a refreshing change from the neutral, often predictable bathrooms found in many hotels. The spacious shower, complete with a glass ceiling, was a particularly distinctive feature, giving the room an unexpected sense of openness and adding to the overall design-led feel.
For anyone who needs to fit a little work into their trip, there was also a desk in the studio, which I happily made use of the following morning. Having a dedicated place to sit and work is invaluable. One of the most thoughtful details was the pinboard displaying a list of items guests could borrow during their stay. Rather than packing every possible extra just in case, guests can make use of selected complimentary items when needed. It is a simple idea, but one that feels genuinely useful! On the list you can find: an air fryer, blender, steam iron, yoga mats (so useful if you fancy a morning yoga session), dog beds, baby essentials like baby baths and potties). I have never stayed anywhere, where I could get my hands on all these things or even a few by calling reception, I thought it was an incredible offering from Second Nature. The studio struck a lovely balance between comfort and functionality. It had the warmth of a home, the convenience of an apartment and the little luxuries that make a stay enjoyable.
Food and Drink
One of my favourite things about staying somewhere new is discovering its food and drink offering, and Second Nature had a particularly appealing approach to breakfast... At many hotels, breakfast finishes at around 10am, which can feel rather early, if like me, you're not someone who necessarily wants a big meal first thing in the morning, you are going to love this offereing! At Second Nature, breakfast is served until 2pm.
Which meant I was able to make porridge in the comfort of my own studio in the morning, enjoy a slower start with a small breakfast dish and then head downstairs as lunchtime approached for something a little more substantial. I opted for an English breakfast, which felt like the perfect brunch dish, leaving me nice and full until dinner. It's a small difference, but one that says a lot about the experience Second Nature is trying to create. Travel does not always follow a strict timetable, and being able to eat when it suits you makes a stay feel more relaxed. There is something refreshing about a place that accommodates different routines rather than expecting everyone to follow the same schedule.
The café and restaurant also contribute to the welcoming atmosphere downstairs. With locals and hotel guests sharing the space, it feels like a natural extension of the neighbourhood rather than somewhere reserved exclusively for visitors. It is an inviting place to begin the day, and for some to stay and work on their laptops.
Exploring Chiswick and Final Thoughts
For me, the appeal was in the details: the beautiful natural light in the studio, the stylish and design-led bathroom, the well-equipped kitchen, the dedicated workspace and the little extras that made the room feel genuinely considered. Add to that the relaxed atmosphere downstairs, the flexible breakfast hours and the charm of the surrounding neighbourhood, and you have a stay that feels refreshingly easy. And that, ultimately, is what makes the Hometel concept so appealing. It offers more than simply somewhere to sleep. It gives you the space and flexibility to live a little while you are away, whether you are visiting London for a weekend, staying for work or planning a longer trip.
Another reason I enjoyed my stay was the location itself. Chiswick has a lovely neighbourhood feel, with an appealing mix of independent shops, cafés and restaurants to explore. It is somewhere you can happily spend a few hours wandering, stopping for a coffee, browsing the shops and finding somewhere new to eat. The proximity to Turnham Green station makes getting around straightforward, while the surrounding high street means there is plenty to enjoy without needing to travel far. I loved being able to step outside and immediately feel connected to the local area, rather than simply using the hotel as somewhere to sleep between sightseeing trips.
To find out more, or to book, click here.
Words and photography by Nyla Sammons
