When looking for a low-budget hotel close to the city for a group of 5 family members, we chose to stay at the Royal Docklands HI Express. This hotel was much better than expected and represents excellent value for money, with rooms starting from just £50, including breakfast.
Rooms can accommodate up to 2 adults and 2 children so £50 B&B for a family of 4 is amazing value! For best rates, try to book online (www.holidayinn.co.uk) and at least 14 days in advance. During my stay, rack rates were being advertised at £160 so booking upfront is most definately essential. ba
The hotel is easy to get to, much easier than I first thought it would be. Canning Town Tube Station (Jubilee Line / DLR) is a short couple of minutes walk across the road - you can actually see the station from the hotel entrance. Services to central London take around 20 minutes and cost no more than £3 for adults, although anyone planning to travel around the city a lot should consider a travelcard which gives unlimted travel around the city for around £5/day.
Although the area surrounding the hotel is undergoing a lot of redevelopment and isn't particularly smart at the moment, the road that the hotel and station are situated on is a fairly "main" road and it felt perfectly safe, even late at night. Families travelling here by car will appreciate the free on-site parking in a secure car park.
The hotel is smart and clean but without unnecessary frills. Rooms were very clean and tidy and free from excessive noise, both internally and externally. Tea and Coffee making facilities are provided in-room and there is a TV / Radio system with the main terrestrial channels, a few satellite channels and some pay-per-view movies. A hairdryer is provided. The room was cleaned daily.
The bathroom was spotless and the shower is excellent with good temperature control and water pressure. Shower gel, disposable face cloths and tissues are supplied as standard and a range of essentials (e.g comb, toothpaste, razor, femine hygiene items) are available from reception if required. Towels are changed daily if you like.
The included breakfast was excellent with a good choice of cereals (Kellogg's / Weetabix / Alpen etc), croissants, toast, rolls, muffins, jams, spreads, cheese, yogurt, fruit, juices and tea / coffee. More than enough to fuel a morning of sight-seeing!
The reception staff were pleasantly helpful and provide transport maps etc., to help you get around. There is a bar in the hotel in the evening, and snacks are available. Dining in this area is limited though and we chose to eat in the city and travel back to the hotel later at night.
This is a lovely place to stay and very easy for exploring London without the expense of a central London hotel. It is amazing value for money - I've actually paid more for my partner and I to stay in a dorm room in a London Youth Hostel before! I will definately return.
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