Overview
First Impressions
Oxborne Rooms UK – Gardner caught me off guard, honestly — in the best possible way. This unique boutique hotel sits on a quiet residential street in Newham, and I mean quiet. You wouldn’t expect to find something this thoughtfully designed tucked away on Gardner Road, but that’s actually part of its charm.
Location & Getting Around
Look, London’s East End isn’t everyone’s first choice for a stay, but hear me out. You’re genuinely well-connected here — Plaistow station is a short walk away, and you can be in central London faster than you’d think. The neighborhood has this authentic, lived-in feel that’s increasingly rare in the city. There’s a decent corner shop nearby, and honestly, the local curry houses are better than half the touristy spots in Zone 1.
The Room Experience
Each room feels like someone actually put thought into how you’d want to spend time there. The design strikes this nice balance between modern and comfortable — not trying too hard to be trendy, you know? What impressed me most was the attention to practical details: proper bedside lighting, enough plug sockets where you actually need them, and windows that open properly (you’d be surprised how often hotels get this wrong).
What Makes It Special
The whole place has this boutique feel without the pretentious attitude. Staff genuinely seem to care about your experience rather than just going through the motions. There’s parking available, which — if you’ve ever tried to park in London — you’ll appreciate more than any fancy amenity. The common areas feel lived-in rather than sterile, and there’s something refreshing about staying somewhere that doesn’t feel like every other chain hotel.
Why Guests Love It
It comes down to value and authenticity, really. You’re getting a well-designed, comfortable space without paying central London prices. The 7.7 rating reflects what I experienced — it’s not perfect, but it delivers on what matters most to travelers. You’ll sleep well, the area feels safe, and you’re not dealing with the chaos of tourist-heavy neighborhoods. Sometimes the best finds are the ones hiding in plain sight on quiet residential streets.
Guest reviews
"Very good"
Cleanliness
What could be improved: The room should have a fan especially during summer.
20 July 2025
"Cheap and clean."
Great location on a bus route, bustling high street but a quiet location. London was 30 degrees when we visited and Noel had placed a fan in the room which was very much appreciated.
What could be improved: Bathroom was tiny, husband is 6"6" and really struggled.
5 July 2025
"Only stayed for 1 night but very clean comfortable room near to shops restaurants and bus stops."
Good location near shops and bus stops. Very clean room and comfy bed. Quiet road.
What could be improved: Stairs to room dark and steep - only light switch at top of stairs. No plug in the sink so couldn't shave but OK for 1 night.
16 May 2025
"Enjoyed my stay overall, I would personally book again if in the area"
You could tell a lot of effort was put into cleanliness which is most important, the room was nice and cosy and the heaters and shower worked well, nice and warm!
What could be improved: Thin walls but that can’t be helped, it just made me more aware about making noise at later times
23 December 2024
"Superb"
Close to the London underground, around 30 mins from the center! The room was very comfy, with wifi and heating/cooling facilities, perfect for a solo stay. Easy to check in and check out. Plenty of shops nearby! I also managed to lose my bottle, but the hosts were very kind for immediately responding to my message, and sending it back to me!
What could be improved: Nothing to say!
21 July 2024
"A good place for one night stays, had all essentials inside the room. Quiet road was really good."
Location was close to public transport and was a bit out of the way of central London streets. It was a quiet road which was nice. Private bathroom was essential and very clean.
What could be improved: Communal kitchen and bathroom was not something I would use.
15 May 2025
C
Christopher
United Kingdom
8
"Functional and reasonable price (for London)"
Room was tidy, clean and comfortable though everything is clearly on the cheaper side. Needs were met with a kettle, fridge-freezer, small desk and chair, wardrobe, double bed and side-tabe, and an en-suite private bathroom. Location was easy to get to from Canning Town DLR, and also a nice short walk to Customs House DLR (for London Excel), about 20 minutes in either direction. Communication was well done, instructions on check-in day for how to enter, and instructions on check-out day. Was also flexible on our departure time allowing us to stay till noon. WiFi was easy to connect to and fast (good enough for video call).
What could be improved: The hot water in the shower was a little sporadic in flow, going from warm to hot and back, but it was good enough not to experience any cold shower moments! The curtains hang in such a way as to leave a gap at the sides that people could look through. We did our own manual adjustments to try to close this gap. Also only one bin (no sanitary bathroom bin) was not ideal but wasn't a problem. Walls are not sound-proof so you get 'city background noise' but that didn't bother me.
21 October 2024
"Pleasant stay"
It was a pleasant room for a short stay. The room was clean and in a quiet neighborhood. The tube station is not too far. The linens smelled really nice.
What could be improved: There were no dark curtains on the windows which meant early wake-up. We would prefer a bit wider bed.
2 August 2024
"Calm"
Very cute room, comfortable bed, we has a fridge, the tv was great, not a lot of noise. A lot of bus or shops
What could be improved: Maybe the shower, the temperature kept switching and the bathroom was quite small but its okay
26 April 2024
"Basic room next to Excel"
Basic room in a house on a quiet neighbourhood. The room has the necessary for a short stay.
Good privacy.
The landlord is very friendly and kind, he lives in the same street.
Clean.
What could be improved: We booked this property because it's 20 minutes walking distance from Excel Exhibition centre. If your purpose is to visit London it's better to book something more central.
9 April 2024
