Holiday Inn Express London Stratford by IHG

First Impressions

Walking up to the Holiday Inn Express London Stratford by IHG on High Street, you’ll notice it has that clean, modern look that screams “no surprises here” — which is honestly exactly what you want after a long day of travel. The lobby feels bright and efficient, with staff who actually seem to know what they’re doing. It’s a three-star hotel that doesn’t try to be fancy, but it nails the basics.

Location & Getting Around

Here’s the thing about Stratford — it’s become this weird hub that’s both touristy and properly local at the same time. You’re literally a few minutes’ walk from Westfield Stratford City (one of Europe’s largest shopping centers, if that’s your thing) and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The Tube connections are brilliant — Stratford station is right there with the Central line, Jubilee line, and even the DLR, so getting into central London takes maybe 20 minutes.

The Room Experience

The room I stayed in was exactly what you’d expect from Holiday Inn Express — compact but thoughtfully designed, with that trademark purple accent wall. The bed was properly comfortable, and I mean that — sometimes these chain hotels skimp on mattresses, but this one actually let me sleep well. The shower had decent pressure, and there’s air conditioning that you can actually control yourself, which is rarer than it should be in London hotels.

Breakfast & Dining

The complimentary breakfast is where this place really wins you over. It’s not just continental — they do a proper hot buffet with scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages, and even some healthier options like yogurt and fresh fruit. The coffee is surprisingly decent too, though there’s also a restaurant on-site if you need dinner (though honestly, with Westfield so close, you’ve got endless dining options). The breakfast area gets busy around 8 AM, so either go early or expect to wait a bit for a table.

Why Guests Love It

Look, this isn’t the kind of place you’ll Instagram obsessively, but it’s the hotel you’ll actually recommend to friends visiting London. The parking is available on-site (for a fee, because it’s London), which is genuinely helpful if you’re driving. What really sets it apart is how it balances being in a lively area — you can walk to the Olympic Stadium or catch events at the London Stadium — without the chaos and prices of staying in Zone 1. It’s that sweet spot where you feel connected to London without paying central London rates or dealing with the madness.

To book hotel in London for fashion week buzz, travelers reserve early to pair Westminster sunrise walks with evening pub rituals.