Holiday Inn Express London - ExCel by IHG

London 51.50823200, 0.04375800 , 1018 Dockside Road (Show on Map)
8.1
Very Good


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Summary of reviewsHoliday Inn Express London - ExCel by IHG, stands out for its prime location and overall positive experience, particularly in terms of convenience and service quality. Situated near London City Airport and the Royal Albert DLR station, the hotel provides easy access to major attractions such as the ExCel London, O2 Arena and central London, making it an ideal choice for business and leisure travelers. The serene, quiet neighborhood also offers guests a peaceful retreat with the riverside adding to the appeal.

Guests frequently commend the breakfast, praising the variety and quality of offerings, including options for various dietary needs. The breakfast staff are noted for their friendliness, enhancing the dining experience. However, some guests have expressed a desire for more variety and noted occasional issues with food running out and crowded dining areas during peak times.

The dining experience is mixed with some guests appreciating the 24-hour food and bar service, alongside praise for dishes like pizza. However, there are complaints about the limited menu variety, overpriced items and occasional issues with meal quality and slow service.

Rooms at the hotel receive generally positive feedback for being clean, modern and comfortable with spacious bathrooms and well-decorated interiors. Nonetheless, some guests find the rooms small and occasionally report issues with air conditioning, room temperature and noise. Minor maintenance concerns, such as unreliable key cards and malfunctioning appliances, are also noted.

Cleanliness is a strong point for the hotel with many guests highlighting the well-maintained, spotless rooms and common areas. Despite a few minor issues such as occasional dust and stained carpets, the overall sentiment remains positive.

The staff at Holiday Inn Express London - ExCel receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism, significantly contributing to the positive guest experiences. Particular individuals are often mentioned for their exceptional service, enhancing the overall stay.

The WiFi service receives mixed reviews with some guests finding it reliable and fast, while others encountered issues with connectivity. Parking at the hotel is convenient and secure, though the cost and availability during peak times are points of contention.

For families, the hotel offers clean, nicely decorated rooms and good value for money. However, some find the family rooms cramped and the sofa beds uncomfortable. The hotel staff are praised for their friendly gestures towards children, although there is some criticism regarding the control in common areas.

In summary, Holiday Inn Express London - ExCel by IHG, provides a well-rounded experience with its strategic location, strong commitment to cleanliness, exceptional staff service and good breakfast offerings, despite areas needing improvement in room size, dining variety and WiFi connectivity.
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Categories
Family Friendly Hotel
What percentage of your guests are families? Between 50% and 90%
Family-Friendly room types:
Family rooms
Connecting rooms (with intermediate door)
Please suggest which room type a family with one child should choose and where the child will sleep:
Family room with Sofa bed
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Hotel with Free Wi-Fi

Business Hotel

Hotel with Parking

Accessible Hotel

3-Star Hotel

Room Types
Standard Double Room with Free Hot Breakfast This double room has air conditioning, a Hypnos bed with satin-striped bed linen, a coffee/tea maker, hair dryer, an ironing board and towels.

Standard Twin Room with Free Hot Breakfast This twin room with two single beds has air conditioning, a Hypnos bed with satin striped bed linen, a coffee/tea maker, hair dryer, an ironing board and towels.

Standard Double Room with Sofa Bed and Free Hot Breakfast This family room contains one queen and one sofa bed. It has air conditioning, a Hypnos bed with satin-striped bed linen, a coffee/tea maker, hair dryer, an ironing board and towels. This room contains one double bed and one sofa bed. Please note only occupancy allowed is a maximum of 3 Adults or 2 Adults + 2 Children (under 12 yrs) .

Double Room with Free Hot Breakfast - Accessible This double accessible room has air conditioning, a Hypnos bed with satin striped bed linen, a coffee/tea maker, hair dryer, an ironing board and towels. This room is suitable for guests requiring wheelchair access.

Standard Room with Free Hot Breakfast This double or twin room has air conditioning, a Hypnos bed with satin-striped bed linen, a coffee/tea maker, hairdryer, an ironing board and towels.

Guest Reviews
8.1
Very Good
Location
Holiday Inn Express London - ExCel is a popular choice for travelers due to its strategic location in the city. Situated near London City Airport and the DLR station, the hotel offers convenient access to Excel London, O2 Arena and central London via multiple public transportation options including the Elizabeth Line. Guests frequently highlight the hotel's proximity to Royal Albert DLR station, making it a mere two-minute walk for easy access to various city attractions.

The serene and quiet neighborhood provides a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of central London, which remains easily reachable within 30 minutes. Business travelers find the location especially ideal for trade fairs and conferences at Excel, while leisure travelers appreciate the seamless connection to major landmarks and events in the city. Additionally, the hotel's closeness to the riverside adds to its appeal, offering scenic walks and views of Canary Wharf.

Overall, the hotel's location is praised for its accessibility, convenience and tranquility, making it a well-rounded accommodation choice for visitors with varied itineraries in London.

Breakfast
The breakfast experience at Holiday Inn Express London - ExCel by IHG, generally receives positive feedback from guests with praise often directed towards the variety and quality of options available. Many guests find the breakfast very good with an ample selection including English and continental items. Moreover, options catering to dietary needs such as gluten-free and dairy-free are appreciated.

The hotel staff, particularly those serving breakfast, are frequently noted for their friendliness and helpful nature, enhancing the overall breakfast experience. The breakfast is often highlighted as great value for money, adding to the hotel's appeal.

However, there are some critiques. More variety is desired by some guests, pointing out that the breakfast offerings can become monotonous. Issues like food being cold or running out and the breakfast area becoming chaotic and crowded at peak times, are occasional sources of frustration. The need for more vegetarian options and fresh vegetables is also mentioned.

Despite minor drawbacks, the breakfast at Holiday Inn Express London - ExCel remains a strong point for many, often described as delicious, plentiful and a fantastic start to the day. Guests especially note the excellent selection of food and courteous service, making it a commendable part of their stay.

Dinner
The dining experience at Holiday Inn Express London - ExCel features a mix of praise and criticism. On the positive side, the hotel offers a 24-hour bar and food service with some guests highlighting the delightful, tasty and fresh meals. Several reviews commend the good quality of breakfast and dinner, noting the varied menu that changes daily. The pizza, in particular, garnered positive feedback for its taste. The dining staff, such as Jayprakash and Emma, are recognized for their excellent service and friendliness, ensuring guests feel well taken care of. The availability of food and bar services throughout the day is highly appreciated.

However, there are notable issues that guests outline. Some found the restaurant menu uninspiring and limited with specific complaints about the lack of variety and poor quality of certain items like ribs and pizzas. The food is occasionally described as overpriced and mediocre with some guests encountering slow service and incorrect or burnt meals. A few reviews mention the restrictive meal policy and limited choices for teenagers. Additionally, there are grievances regarding the high prices at the bar and the overall lack of nearby dining options, compelling guests to rely on the hotel's offerings.

In sum, while the convenience and some aspects of the dining experience at the Holiday Inn Express London - ExCel are well-regarded, there are significant areas for improvement in terms of menu diversity, meal quality and pricing.

Rooms
The guest reviews for Holiday Inn Express London - ExCel by IHG, present a mixed but generally positive picture of the hotel rooms. The prevailing sentiment is that the rooms are clean with frequent comments highlighting them as clean, fresh, well-decorated, modern and comfy. Guests often describe the rooms as spacious and comfortable, sometimes noting them as being a good size by European standards, particularly for London. Bathrooms are generally praised for being spacious and well-equipped.

However, the reviews also highlight some recurring issues. Notably, many guests found the rooms to be small or compact, especially for families with children. Issues with air conditioning, room temperature control and noise levels from adjacent rooms or external sources like planes were mentioned. Some guests experienced problems with the cleanliness of their rooms upon arrival, including dust, stains and left behind rubbish.

Additionally, several reviews mention minor maintenance issues such as unreliable key cards, malfunctioning TV and air conditioning units and insufficient or stained sofa beds. Despite these concerns, the hotel is appreciated for its modern, comfortable feel and convenient location close to public transport and amenities.

Overall, the hotel offers a solid stay with clean, comfortable rooms, especially suitable for short stays, though it may require some improvements in room size for families and minor maintenance and cleanliness enhancements.

Beds
At the Holiday Inn Express London - ExCel by IHG, the general consensus about the beds is quite mixed. Many guests praised the beds for being comfortable with some noting that they provided a good night's sleep and were accompanied by clean and fresh bedding. A notable number of rooms featured sizeable and comfortable beds with several reviews appreciating both the comfort and the cleanliness of the mattresses and pillows.

However, not all feedback was positive. A segment of reviewers found some beds to be too small or narrow for their liking, particularly when accommodating two people. A few guests also described the beds as overly firm or, conversely, too soft. Sofa beds, in particular, received widespread criticism for being uncomfortable, poorly made or even stained and dusty. This often affected the overall comfort of family rooms or rooms booked for multiple guests, leading to complaints about back pain and poor sleep quality.

While the in-room setup offered conveniences like extra pillows and both soft and firm pillow options, some guests still requested additional pillows to meet their comfort needs. Additionally, the firmness of mattresses left a strong impression with some guests appreciating it while others found it unflatteringly firm.

In summary, while many travelers enjoyed a comfortable sleep at this hotel, the variability in bed comfort and issues with sofa beds suggest that prospective guests might experience mixed results depending on their specific room assignment.

Cleanliness
Holiday Inn Express London - ExCel by IHG, stands out primarily for its strong commitment to cleanliness. Guests frequently highlighted the hotel as clean, modern and well-maintained. The rooms and common areas were kept spotless with regular daily cleaning and the fresh, tidy environment left a lasting impression. Many reviews praised the cozy and comfortable accommodations, noting clean towels and bedding, which added to the overall pleasant stay.

Nevertheless, a few comments pointed out minor issues such as occasional dust in corners, stained carpets and hallways with odors. Some guests also indicated that the bathroom cleanliness could have been slightly better on occasion and mentioned leftover rubbish or uncleaned spots. Despite these isolated comments, the general consensus remained positive regarding the cleanliness of the hotel.

Moreover, the hotel's functionality and modern facilities contributed to a satisfying experience with clean and spacious rooms that were well-suited for both short and extended stays. The supportive and friendly staff further enhanced the welcoming atmosphere. Overall, Holiday Inn Express London - ExCel receives high marks for its cleanliness and comfort, making it a dependable choice for travelers seeking a well-kept and inviting accommodation option.

Staff
Nestled conveniently in London’s vibrant Docklands area, the Holiday Inn Express London - ExCel is a beacon of hospitality, consistently praised for its exceptional staff. Travelers rave about the friendly and knowledgeable team who are always on hand to assist, whether it be the front desk, dining area or housekeeping.

Many guests highlight the superb customer service, describing staff as genuinely friendly, welcoming and ready to go above and beyond. Particular mentions often go to individuals like Susan and Mohammed, who leave lasting impressions with their efficient and personable approach. The staff's dedication to making guests feel special on occasions such as birthdays, coupled with their prompt problem-solving skills, enhances the overall stay experience.

Dining experiences are bolstered by the attentive restaurant team with breakfast service members often receiving specific praise for their helpfulness and kindness. The hotel's commitment to cleanliness and well-maintained facilities further complements the consistently positive feedback about the staff.

While there are occasional reports of dismissive or unhelpful attitudes, the overwhelming sentiment remains positive, underpinning the hotel's reputation for a welcoming and supportive environment. The presence of friendly and accommodating personnel at every turn—from late-night bar servers to morning receptionists—underlines the hotel’s dedication to creating a pleasant stay for all its guests.

In summary, the Holiday Inn Express London - ExCel stands out for its exceptional staff, whose friendliness and professionalism contribute significantly to the positive experiences of travelers. For those seeking a welcoming atmosphere and attentive service in London, this hotel consistently delivers.

Wi-Fi
The Holiday Inn Express London - ExCel by IHG, receives mixed reviews concerning its WiFi service. While many guests appreciated the good, reliable and fast WiFi, others encountered issues with slow speeds and weak connections. Some noted that the WiFi worked perfectly, while others struggled with unreliable access, especially in certain areas like the lobby. Despite some negative feedback, a significant number of guests found the WiFi adequate and had no major issues during their stay. Overall, it seems the WiFi performance varies with many finding it satisfactory and useful, while a few experienced disruptions.

Parking
Parking at the Holiday Inn Express London - ExCel by IHG, tends to vary in guest experiences with a notable mix of positive and negative feedback. Many guests found the on-site parking facilities convenient and appreciated the ease of access, often remarking on the ample parking spaces and the peace of mind that the secure parking provided. The hotel also accommodates electric cars with charging stations, which adds to the overall convenience.

However, a recurrent theme in the reviews is the cost associated with parking. Many guests felt that the parking fees were quite steep with some describing the charges as exorbitant or expensive. The daily rate of £16 for 24 hours was frequently mentioned and there were occasional reports of overcharging.

Availability was another concern highlighted by guests. Although some praised the plentiful parking spaces, others faced challenges, especially during peak times when spaces were limited. A few guests mentioned having to find alternative parking solutions in nearby car parks or return at different times due to full occupancy.

Despite these issues, the parking system was generally described as accessible and well-laid-out, making it easy for guests to manage, particularly those traveling with elderly family members.

Overall, while the on-site parking at the hotel is largely beneficial and convenient, prospective guests should be prepared for the additional costs and the possibility of limited availability during busy periods.

Family
Holiday Inn Express London - ExCel offers a mix of experiences for families traveling with children. From the numerous mentions of family-friendly amenities and services, it's clear that the hotel aims to accommodate families well. Guests often highlight the clean and nicely decorated family rooms with some noting the comfort and spaciousness of rooms that can fit up to four people. The value for money also stands out, especially for larger families. The convenient location, particularly for visiting ExCel or taking leisurely walks, adds to the appeal for family trips.

However, there are some critiques regarding the size of the family rooms with several reviews mentioning that the rooms can feel cramped and the sofa beds uncomfortable. There were also instances of inadequate heating and long waits for room preparation.

The hotel staff generally receive praise for their friendliness and helpfulness with specific mentions of kind gestures towards children. Yet, there have been complaints about the level of control in common areas, particularly during breakfast, where some guests found the presence of unruly children and lack of staff attention problematic.

Overall, Holiday Inn Express London - ExCel appears to be a solid choice for families, offering a family-friendly atmosphere and good value, despite some room for improvement in managing communal spaces and room size.

3 Star
Holiday Inn Express London - ExCel by IHG offers everything expected from a reliable budget hotel, providing decent value for money. Guests found the selection of food items for breakfast, lunch and dinner commendable and appreciated the perfect price for the value presented.

In terms of cleanliness, the hotel is adequately maintained, aligning with what one would expect from a standard three-star establishment. Guests felt that the service and facilities met typical three-star expectations, providing good value for the price paid. Although characterized as a basic hotel, it adequately accommodates City Airport travelers and conference guests. It is a fine choice for a short stay, though there are no standout features.

While generally satisfactory, some minor touches could elevate the experience closer to a four-star level. The hotel is seen as ideal for those looking for an affordable three-star option with services provided matching the cost and category. However, amenities are basic and, for some, not significantly cheaper than more upscale alternatives.

Despite the basic amenities, the hotel's strategic location near the Emirate cable cars and a bonus pool adds to its appeal. While not much is within walking distance, most attractions are just a DLR ride away, adding convenience for guests.

In summary, Holiday Inn Express London - ExCel provides good value for money with standard three-star services and facilities, making it a competent choice for budget-conscious travelers or those in need of a brief stay.

Business
Holiday Inn Express London - ExCel offers a solid choice for business travelers visiting London. Many reviews highlight its excellent and convenient location, particularly for those attending events at the nearby ExCel Convention Center or needing easy access to the airport and main city-center stations. The proximity to the DLR train station and the business district further adds to its appeal.

Guests appreciate the good business facilities provided, including comfortable and clean business rooms, making it suitable for business stays and meetings. The hotel also features good internet connections, ensuring smooth business operations.

However, there are a few areas noted for improvement, such as the cleanliness of common areas and the responsiveness of some staff members. Parking charges without prior notice or invoices also received negative feedback.

Despite these minor drawbacks, Holiday Inn Express London - ExCel remains a reasonable and practical choice for business travelers seeking a convenient and efficient stay in London.

Accessible
Holiday Inn Express London - ExCel, an IHG Hotel, receives high marks for accessibility from guests with disabilities. The hotel features rooms specifically designed for mobility-impaired guests, complete with essential accessibility features. Many reviewers highlight the hotel's excellent accessibility by public transport with a DLR station just a short walk away, providing seamless connections to central London and the Excel Center. The hotel's proximity to public transportation hubs, including trains and the London Underground, ensures it is easily accessible to all.

Guests noted that the hotel's location is convenient for business travelers attending events at the Excel Center, easily reachable via a walkway. Additional amenities such as ramps, handicap accessible balconies and staff assistance contribute to the hotel's favorable ratings in terms of accessibility.

There are minor drawbacks mentioned, including challenges with elevator operation and doors that were difficult to manage. A specific note was made about the distance of handicap parking spots and issues with the bells on doors not functioning properly.

Overall, the hotel is praised for its accessible facilities and location, offering a comfortable and convenient stay for guests with disabilities or those accompanying elderly family members.


No, Holiday Inn Express London - ExCel by IHG doesn't have any pool.

No, a spa isn't available at Holiday Inn Express London - ExCel by IHG.

No, Holiday Inn Express London - ExCel by IHG doesn't allow dogs.

Yes, parking facilities are available at Holiday Inn Express London - ExCel by IHG.

No, Holiday Inn Express London - ExCel by IHG doesn't have a gym.

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