1 Bed Flat Excel, IFS clouds, 02 arena, city Airport, Custom House

First Impressions

Look, I’ll be honest — 1 Bed Flat Excel, IFS clouds, 02 arena, city Airport, Custom House has probably the longest name I’ve ever encountered for a place to stay. But you know what? That unwieldy title actually tells you everything you need to know about what you’re getting. This boutique property in London doesn’t fit into neat hotel categories, and that’s exactly what makes it work.

Location Magic

The location is genuinely brilliant if you’re doing anything at ExCeL or catching a show at the O2. I mean, you’re literally walking distance from both, which saved me a fortune in transport costs during my last trade show visit. Custom House DLR station is right there too — honestly, getting to central London takes maybe 20 minutes, and you’ll actually get a seat on the train since you’re starting from this end of the line.

The Space Itself

The apartment setup surprised me in the best way possible. You get a proper one-bedroom flat with a full kitchen — not some sad hotel kitchenette with a broken microwave, but actual cooking facilities. The room feels more like staying at a friend’s place than a hotel, which some people love and others might find too casual. The views toward Canary Wharf are actually pretty spectacular, especially at night when all the office towers light up.

Practical Comforts

What I really appreciated was having space to spread out after long days at conferences. There’s a decent-sized living area where you can actually relax, and the Wi-Fi is solid — important when you’re trying to catch up on work. The building feels secure and well-maintained, though don’t expect concierge service or daily housekeeping. You’re basically renting a flat, not staying at a traditional hotel, and the price reflects that refreshingly.

Why It Works

This place fills a specific gap that London’s hotel scene desperately needs. If you’re visiting ExCeL for business, seeing events at the O2, or just want somewhere affordable with good transport links that doesn’t feel cramped, it’s actually perfect. The 8.9 rating makes sense — guests seem to get exactly what they’re expecting, which is a clean, comfortable base in East London without the premium pricing of central areas. Just don’t come here expecting room service or a fancy lobby.

Hotels near me in London deliver easy walks to Trafalgar Square, the British Museum, and charming riverside paths.