Located in the East End of London, the Royal Docks area is a historic waterfront district that has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. Once a bustling hub of industrial activity and trade, the area is now 4 miles of a vibrant mix of residential developments, cultural attractions, and recreational spaces.

The Royal Docks are home to a number of iconic landmarks, including the ExCeL London exhibition centre and the IFS Cloud cable car, offering visitors stunning views of the city skyline (I was super excited to visit this attraction but it was closed for maintenance on the one day I could go!). London City Airport is a stones throw away and the arts, installations and spaces, is prevalent throughout the area.

With its rich heritage, diverse community, and stunning waterfront setting, the Royal Docks area is a must-visit destination which is made easier with comfortable and convenient hotels like the Holiday Inn Express Royal Docks.

REVIEW OF HOILDAY INN EXPRESS, ROYAL DOCKS, LONDON

As I stepped into the hotel, I was greeted by the sight of the large, open reception area, where natural light flooded in, creating an inviting and spacious atmosphere. The receptionist was warm and friendly, checking me in with ease and even offering me some tasty treats of cake and traybakes from the selection sitting atop the counter. A nice touch!

Within minutes I was on the 1st floor, stepping out into perfectly pleasing symmetrical hallway.

The bedroom layout will seem very familiar if you have stayed at other similar hotels. The layout is seamless and works so well providing enough space for that all important large and extremely comfortable bed, plenty of room close to the window with a desk and sufficient storage space.

There’s a flat screen TV, USB points and plugs on either side of the bed, high speed free Wi-Fi, in-room heating and cooling control and tea/coffee hospitality tray available in each room.

Here they prioritise guest comfort by supplying you with 2 options of pillows, one soft and one firm, making all the difference in ensuring a restful night's sleep. The sight of the large plush bed with its pristine white duvet invites you to sink into its cloud-like embrace, promising a night of unparalleled comfort and relaxation.

The hotel bathroom is well designed and spacious adorned with blue toned splash backs and modern fixtures. The spacious shower was most enjoyable with its large shower head, adjustable water temperature and pressure settings.

Soft, fluffy towels hang neatly on the rack, ready to wrap you in warmth after your shower. The mirror above the vanity area is well-lit, making it ideal for grooming and applying makeup.

The door on the bathroom is dual purpose meaning that you can use it to close the door on the toilet or as the door for the bathroom area as a whole. The bathroom/shower room was spotlessly clean.

The hotel has an extremely relaxed laid back vibe with an understanding and knowledge of modern day hotel guests requirements. Holiday Inn Express excels in understanding and anticipating guest needs and requirements by prioritizing exceptional customer service. From the moment you check in to the time you check out, the staff strive to create a seamless experience. The small touches really make a difference (like the sweet treats on offer at check-in) and a genuine smile from all staff you encounter - reception to housekeeping, to breakfast staff.

The hotel does not have a restaurant but you can dine next door at the local Italian where you will receive 10% off your meal. They have a small bar with ice cold beer on tap and a few snacks, but you are equally welcome to head across the road to Sainsburys Local to purchase treats and food which can be heated up in the microwave located near the breakfast buffet area and enjoyed in their lounge or taken up to your room. Equally you can order a take-away via the many food apps, walk 5 minutes to McDonalds or head out around Royal Docks to the many restaurants and bar in the area.

For breakfast, guests are greeted with a tempting array of options to start their day off right. From freshly baked pastries and bread to a selection of cereals, fruits, and yogurts, there is something to please everyone. For those looking for heartier fare, hot dishes such as crispy bacon, fluffy scrambled eggs, and savoury sausages are also available. There’s coffee and tea to be enjoyed alongside your breakfast.

Although the hotel has parking, it is located close to the tube and train stations too (Canning Town Tube 4 minutes walk away) or the bus stop is 2 minutes walk away. The Holiday Inn Express Royal Docks is a perfect hotel from which to explore London or if you are visiting London for business or pleasure.

Perhaps your attending a concert at The 02 Arena (1 tube stop away), a conference the ExCel Conference Centre (25 minute walk or 8 minute taxi) or taking in a London landmark, City Hall (10 minutes walk). Major London sights like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the London Eye are all a mere 30 minute tube ride away.

I highly recommend the Holiday Inn Express Royal Docks. It offers impeccable service, warm, welcoming, modern and well appointed rooms in a prime location. It really is the ideal choice for travellers seeking a comfortable and convenient stay in the heart of London but equally offers a retreat after a day out exploring!

THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT THE HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS ROYAL DOCKS

• Check in time is from 2pm and check out is 11am

• Parking is available for 47 cars and is charged at £15 per night

• They have 8 accessible rooms available

• Breakfast is included in the room rate

• There are lifts available to all 4 floors

• Rates at time of visit were £237 per night

Holiday Inn Express Royal Docks, 1 Silvertown Way, London, EH16 1EA www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/gb/en/london/royaldocks

TartanSpoon is an Award-winning blog that brings you reviews and recommendations on the very best places to eat, drink and stay in Edinburgh, Scotland and beyond.

Adele is a writer, reviewer, judge and panelist living in Edinburgh. She sits on the Committee for the Guild of Food Writers (Scottish Events),  is a Great Taste Judge for the Guild of Fine Food and a Judge for the Gin Co-operative awards.

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