Holiday Inn London – Stratford City

This hotel buzzes with activity thanks to its location within the massive Westfield shopping complex and near the Olympic Village’s sports facilities. Locals and tourists on shopping trips, groups attending and watching sporting events, and business travelers attending events at the hotel’s meeting facilities are commonly seen here. The hotel has a modern and bright ambiance throughout, with beige tile floors and white walls in the lobby, except one large wall made of natural stone behind the concierge desk. The glass doors and floor-to-ceiling windows at the entrance look out on all the activity at the mall. Photos of the nearby Olympic facilities and even signed jerseys from some of Britain’s successful Olympians decorate the walls. Comfortable armchairs and benches in sophisticated shades of beige and eggplant provide lounging spots with a view. In warm weather, the place for the best views is the large natural-wood deck outside the Stadium View Bar. 

This Holiday Inn is situated on London’s eastern edge within the massive Westfield Stratford City Shopping complex, with over 300 shops, a casino, and numerous restaurants. The hotel overlooks Olympic Park (a two-minute walk away) and is only a five-minute walk from the Stratford tube, railway, and DLR stations that provide easy access to central London. Via public transit, the O2 Arena is about 15 minutes away, while St. Paul’s Cathedral, Canary Wharf, London City Airport, and the Excel Exhibition and Conference Center are about 20 to 25 minutes' ride. Other top attractions that are 30 to 40 minutes away by public transit include Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, The British Museum, Kensington Palace, and Westminster Abbey. Both Gatwick and Heathrow Airports are 65 to 70 minutes away by public transit, or about the same by car, depending on traffic. 

Guest rooms are spacious, clean, and tastefully decorated but not necessarily upscale. The decor can vary a bit by room category, but emphasizes soft earth tones with mauve and lime-green accents. Walls are painted beige or white and decorated with graphic Olympic-inspired prints. Flora-patterned bed throws and striped drapes complete each room along with brown leather-padded headboards and matching armchairs. The wood furniture has a tiger-wood look and includes nightstands, tables, and curved desks (with green leather office chairs). Wall-mounted flat-screen TVs face beds, while coffee/tea facilities are stored atop built-in shelving units. Safes and ironing facilities are tucked away inside closets. Bathrooms are bright and modern, with accent walls painted lime-green or with beige mosaic tile. Each has a white ceramic basin and a shower/tub combo with a power showerhead and clear glass doors. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided. Rooms come in Standard Double, Twin (two singles), Queen, and Executive King with sleeper sofas. Rooms are generally quiet and have views of the shopping center, Olympic Village, or surrounding commercial buildings. Free Wi-Fi is available, but some guests report it to be slow. A faster Wi-Fi can be purchased for a daily fee. Executive rooms add mini-fridges (and the option of minibars), and free bottled water and chocolate.

Amenities at this upscale Holiday Inn appeal to both business and leisure travelers. The Twenty Twelve restaurant offers both English and continental breakfast buffets (not included in all room rates) as well as lunch and dinner, but it’s closed on Sundays. The Stadium View bar also has a food menu and an outdoor deck overlooking the Olympic Village. Room service is 24 hours. 

The full-service spa offers several massage options as well as facials and salon treatments. A 24-hour fitness center has cardio and weight-training equipment. Business travelers can make use of the seven meeting rooms with space for up to 80 guests, and the lobby's business center has two computer stations with Internet access and a printer. Free standard Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the hotel, and a premium-speed Wi-Fi can be accessed for a daily fee. Concierge and valet dry cleaning services are available. Guests with cars must park at the Westfield mall’s garage and walk a few minutes to the hotel, but rates are reasonable. No pets other than service animals are allowed in this completely nonsmoking hotel.