Havering Hotel

First Impressions

Walking up to the Havering Hotel on a quiet stretch of Havering Road, you get the sense this is one of those places that doesn’t need to shout about itself. It’s a solid three-star property that feels more genuine than flashy — honestly, that’s pretty refreshing in an area where so many hotels try too hard. The building has that classic British hotel charm without being stuffy about it, and there’s something reassuring about the straightforward approach they take here.

The Romford Reality

Here’s what I actually love about staying here — Romford gets overlooked by most tourists, but you’re getting authentic East London suburban life without the tourist markup. The Liberty Shopping Centre is literally a five-minute walk away, which means you’ve got everything from Marks & Spencer to a proper food court when you need it. Plus, Romford station is close enough that you can be in central London in about 30 minutes on the Elizabeth Line, but far enough out that you’re not paying Zone 1 prices for everything.

The Room Experience

The room I stayed in was, well, exactly what you’d expect from a well-run three-star place. Clean, functional, with a decent-sized bed and a bathroom that actually had proper water pressure — you know what, sometimes that’s all you need. The decor isn’t going to win any design awards, but it’s not trying to be something it isn’t. There’s free WiFi that actually works, tea and coffee facilities, and enough space to spread out your stuff without feeling cramped.

Practical Bits That Matter

The staff here seem to genuinely know the area, which is surprisingly rare. When I asked about getting to London City Airport (I had an early flight), the receptionist didn’t just hand me a generic transport leaflet — she actually explained the best route and timing. There’s parking available too, which is honestly a godsend if you’re driving in this part of London. The hotel also has a small restaurant that serves decent pub-style food, nothing fancy but properly done.

Why Guests Love It

Look, this isn’t the kind of place you’ll be posting Instagram shots from every corner, but it does something more valuable — it gets the basics right consistently. The 7.3 rating makes sense when you consider what you’re actually paying for versus what you get. You’re staying somewhere clean, safe, and well-located for exploring both suburban London and getting into the city center. For the price point, especially compared to anything closer to central London, the Havering Hotel delivers honest value without any pretense.