Holiday Inn Express London – ExCel by IHG

First Impressions

The Holiday Inn Express London – ExCel by IHG sits right in the heart of the Docklands, and honestly, it’s one of those places that grows on you. From the outside, it looks pretty standard for a three-star hotel, but step inside and you’ll notice they’ve actually put some thought into the lobby space. The staff at check-in were genuinely friendly — not just going through the motions, which you appreciate after a long day of travel.

The Docklands Experience

Here’s what most people don’t realize about staying in London’s Docklands area — it’s surprisingly peaceful compared to central London, yet you’re still well-connected. The ExCeL exhibition centre is literally a few minutes’ walk away, which explains why half the guests seem to be here for conferences or events. What I really liked was being able to walk along the Thames Path in the evening; it’s this lovely waterside route that feels worlds away from the usual London hustle.

The Room

My room was on the fifth floor with a partial water view, and while it’s not huge, everything feels well-designed. The bed was properly comfortable — you know how some budget-friendly places skimp on mattresses, but not here. There’s a decent-sized desk if you need to get work done, and the bathroom, while compact, had good water pressure. The air conditioning actually worked too, which sounds basic but trust me, it matters during those surprisingly warm London summers.

Practical Details

The complimentary breakfast is served until 10am, and it’s honestly better than expected for this category of hotel. They’ve got the usual continental spread, but also some hot options that actually taste fresh. Parking is available on-site, though you’ll pay extra for it — but in this part of London, having a guaranteed spot is worth something. The Custom House DLR station is about a 10-minute walk, which puts you in Bank in about 15 minutes.

Why Guests Love It

What really sets this place apart is the combination of value and location without feeling like you’re roughing it. The Docklands might not have the charm of Covent Garden, but you’re getting a proper night’s sleep, reliable WiFi, and easy access to both the business district and central London attractions. I mean, when you can get to Canary Wharf in minutes and still pay reasonable rates, that’s actually a pretty smart choice for both business travelers and tourists who don’t mind being slightly off the beaten path.