DoubleTree by Hilton London Greenwich

A red carpet over white stone steps, and a brick façade topped with a grand white stone relief of two lions mark the entrance to this upscale business hotel. A doorman with a top hat greets guests by the huge iron doors that open onto a small but elegant lobby with classic decor, wall moldings, a stately staircase. The overall feel is luxurious and classic, but details such as several buddha statuettes and two backlit check-in desks give the lobby a modern, stylish twist. The rest of the hotel is contemporary, with a gray color scheme and a few touches of burgundy and rosewood in both common spaces and rooms. 

Guests here are mostly couples and business travelers drawn by the hotel’s easy access to O2 Arena, Canary Wharf, the Excel Exhibition Center, and the historic center of Greenwich. Features such as Family Rooms and an on-site restaurant also draw families.

The hotel is located on a small street off busy Blackheath Road, a major thoroughfare. The immediate neighborhood is quiet and mostly residential, but dozens of restaurants, bars, and shops can be found in central Greenwich, which is a 15-minute walk away. Major Greenwich attractions such as the Cutty Sark, the National Maritime Museum, the Old Royal Naval College (and its stunning Painted Hall), and the Royal Observatory are all a 20-minute walk away. This location is convenient for those who need to be close to Canary Wharf or the O2 Arena, but central London attractions -- such as the Big Ben, the British Museum, Covent Garden and Buckingham Palace -- are all about a 50-minute DLR and tube ride away. Deptford Bridge DLR top is a quick walk away, and Greenwich train and DLR station can be reached in about 15 minutes.

The hotel has 145 stylish rooms, all featuring plush carpet, large black-and-white photos or mirrors above the bed, and contemporary dark brown furniture. Rosewood accents add some color to the all-gray palette used in rooms, making spaces chic and modern. In-room amenities include free, fast Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, hairdryers, electric kettles, and safes large enough for a laptop. Privilege Rooms offer a couple of perks, such as Nespresso machines, minibars with sodas, and iPod docks. Bathrooms are clean and appealing, with light gray veined stone, walk-in showers with rain showerheads, and an array of toiletries. However, some guests may find the frosted glass doors lacking in privacy. Standard Rooms are smallish, but Family Rooms and suites are large enough to comfortably fit three guests. 

The DoubleTree by Hilton London Greenwich has a restaurant serving a decent seasonal menu made with locally sourced ingredients in a stylish dining room with checkered floors, delicate crystal chandeliers, leather and wood chairs, and dim lighting. The bar has a similar vibe and serves cocktails and drinks, as well as afternoon tea. The hotel also has two meeting rooms (the largest of which can seat up to 70 guests), and covered parking for a daily fee. The tiny, basic fitness center has four cardio machines and free weights. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.