Holiday Inn Express London - Stratford by IHG — Hotel in London

IF you get a good rate then this hotel is OK.

When booking don't get it confused with the Holiday Inn above the Westfield Stratford shopping centre, this is a good 10-15 minute walk from the Stratford Shopping centre and transport links!

Reception was pleasant and no dramas, the staff were friendly and helpful. The rooms are compact but not too small and for someone travelling alone like I was it was big enough.

The comfort isnt that great. The bed is hard and lumpy and the pillows, although identified as firm and soft options, all felt the same to me! The duvet is a joke really, not very thick and not that inviting either, I am sure this could be addressed.

There is comfort cooling in the room although it never felt as though it really cooled the room, VERY noisy when on highest fan setting. The small TV 'hangs' on the wall, you cant straighten it and you cant really turn it to view so the only real option is to sit on the bed and watch it!

The shower is large enough (1.5 size?) and powerful enough although I had an issue with drainage so the tray filled with water. I reported this to reception and the problem was fixed when I arrived back later that day, so no complaints there... other than surely this could be checked by the cleaning team? There was a lingering 'drain' smell after this issue that didnt go away whilst I stayed, surely again the cleaning team could address this?!

Breakfast is a very UNDERWHELMING affair! I know it is 'Free' but seriously, all aspects of it are poor and quality is economical in my view!

The scrambled egg was anaemic, the sausages poor quality, the beans were clearly cheap catering beans.. so I opted for toast... the bread was thin and poor quality. Even the orange juice was from concentrate and didnt taste nice at all. I chose bananas, they were fine!

Dont even bother with the wifi, its poor, slow and intermittent.

The best part about this hotel is the friendly and helpful staff. I got a very reasonable rate so on that basis I have marked it at average, if I had paid more I would not...

Needing accommodation near to our final destination in Stratford, and after comparing the numerous choices available, we decided that the Holiday Inn Express ticked all the boxes. Overall my wife and I found it to be a very good choice only three minutes walk from our intended destination The scene was set for us by the warm welcome we received on our arrival by a member of the hotels staff. We were quickly booked in and given room 401 as I had requested a high floor.

On arrival we found the room excellent, exceptionally clean and tidy with a bed that filled the room. Considering its location, facing the main road (A11?), the bedroom was very

quiet. The bathroom was spotless and the coffee/tea supplied was greatly appreciated. The only downside was that we could not find a happy heat setting on the room thermostat. Consequently the temperature in the bathroom was non conducive for taking a "comfortable" shower. In the morning we were again greeted by friendly staff on our way to breakfast. Under the restrictions being imposed, due to Covid, we found the breakfast adequate but missing spoons, knives and butter but we made do with what was there. We did mention the missing items to a member of staff on our way out from breakfast and they apologised and were going to supply the missing articles mentioned to them but for us it was too

late for us as we had eaten.

Checking out was as checking in, the staff member was of a friendly disposition.

Overall a pleasant experience so much so that we intend making use of the hotel later on this...

UPDATED REVIEW 2024: this hotel has gone downhill since I’ve been coming here. I use this place as a hub because they hold your luggage if you have to go somewhere. Now, my issue IS NOT WITH THE EMPLOYEES BUT RATHER WITH MANAGEMENT/OWNERS. I’ve been using this hotel since 2015 and every time I am there, it’s been crowded. They make money. Why in 2024 is there not a mini fridge in each rooms. Now my most recent issue is with HOUSEKEEPING. It seem they have one person cleaning each side of the floors and they’re exhausted. I came back one day after 4 pm and I left after 7Am and my room was still not done cleaning. The worker seem tired and had an attitude and the bed wasn’t even properly made. The spoons and cups we had used were not replaced. Cleaning is lacking. This is my last time at this place. Instead of getting better it’s getting worse. The front desk and kitchen staff are real nice and they do everything in their powers to uplift this place.

UPDATED REVIEW September 2018: this is my 3rd time staying at the hotel & it’s always a pleasure; no complaints. Staff is always attentive; housekeeping is trustworthy. What I love abt the staff is that anything at all that you need; they try to accommodate you. Breakfast is ok; if you like English breakfast. I’ve heard no complaints from the other guest or the ppl I was with. I always come here because of the location. One of the biggest malls in London is a 5 mins walk away; It’s in close proximity to all the sights and again, I have no complaints. ...