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Novotel London Excel
First Impressions
Walking into Novotel London Excel, you immediately sense this isn’t your typical London hotel experience. The lobby feels refreshingly modern and spacious — honestly, after navigating the crowded streets of central London, that breathing room hits differently. It’s got that polished four-star vibe without being stuffy, and the staff actually seem genuinely pleased to see you rather than just going through the motions.
Location & Getting Around
Here’s the thing about staying in Royal Victoria Dock — you’re trading the chaos of central London for something much more manageable. The ExCeL exhibition center is literally a five-minute walk away, which is brilliant if you’re here for an event. The DLR station connects you to Canary Wharf in about ten minutes, and you know what? That journey along the elevated tracks gives you some pretty spectacular views of the Thames and the city skyline that most tourists never see.
The Room Experience
The room I stayed in faced the dock, and I’ll be honest — waking up to water views instead of London’s usual brick walls was unexpectedly refreshing. Everything’s clean and functional in that reliable Novotel way, with decent blackout curtains (crucial if you’re dealing with jet lag) and a shower that actually has proper pressure. The Wi-Fi works without drama, and there’s enough desk space if you need to get some work done.
Dining & Amenities
The restaurant downstairs serves solid international fare — nothing groundbreaking, but the breakfast spread is comprehensive and the evening menu hits the spot after a long day. What I really appreciated was the 24-hour room service; when you’re staying near the airport and dealing with odd flight times, that flexibility matters. The fitness center is well-equipped too, and there’s secure parking if you’re driving, which isn’t always a given in London.
Why Guests Love It
This hotel works because it solves real problems without pretending to be something it’s not. You’re getting reliable comfort in a genuinely peaceful part of London, with excellent transport links when you want to dive into the city center. The staff know their stuff about getting around, and the whole area feels safe to walk around at any hour — which, let’s face it, isn’t something you can say about every London neighborhood. It’s particularly smart if you’re flying in or out of London City Airport, since you’re only about fifteen minutes away.
