Holiday Inn Express Royal Docks by IHG

First Impressions

Stepping into the Holiday Inn Express Royal Docks by IHG, you immediately sense this isn’t your typical chain hotel. The lobby feels surprisingly fresh and modern — I mean, they’ve clearly put some thought into the design here. What strikes you first is how the staff actually seem to know what they’re doing, which honestly isn’t always a given with three-star properties in London.

Location & Getting Around

Here’s the thing about Canning Town — it’s one of those areas that’s completely transformed in recent years, and this hotel sits right in the heart of it all. You’re literally a few minutes’ walk from Canning Town station, which connects you to the Jubilee line and DLR. The Royal Docks area has this interesting mix of new developments and remnants of London’s industrial past, and you can actually see the Thames from some of the upper floors.

What I love is that you can walk to the ExCeL exhibition center in about ten minutes, but you’re also well-connected to central London — you’ll be at London Bridge in roughly 20 minutes on the Jubilee line. The surrounding area has decent options for grabbing coffee or a quick bite, though it’s not exactly Covent Garden in terms of dining variety.

The Room Experience

The room I stayed in was exactly what you’d expect from a well-run Holiday Inn Express — clean, functional, and surprisingly quiet given the urban location. The beds are actually quite comfortable (they use those signature Holiday Inn pillows that somehow hit the right balance), and there’s decent storage space. You know what impressed me? The shower pressure was spot-on, and the Wi-Fi worked flawlessly throughout my stay.

Breakfast & Amenities

The complimentary breakfast is where this place really delivers value. It’s not just continental — they’ve got hot options, decent coffee, and fresh fruit that doesn’t look like it’s been sitting there since yesterday. The breakfast area gets busy around 8 AM (especially when there’s something happening at ExCeL), but the staff keep things moving smoothly. There’s also a small fitness center that’s perfectly adequate if you need to squeeze in a workout, and parking is available though you’ll want to book it in advance.

Why Guests Love It

Look, this isn’t going to be the most glamorous hotel you’ll ever stay in, but it absolutely nails the fundamentals. The value proposition is solid — you’re getting reliable accommodation in an up-and-coming part of London without paying West End prices. Business travelers appreciate the proximity to ExCeL and City Airport (about 15 minutes by DLR), while leisure visitors find it’s actually a smart base for exploring both central London and the emerging Docklands area. The staff genuinely seem to care about your experience, which makes all the difference when you’re dealing with the inevitable travel hiccups.