DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel London ExCel

This hotel is a popular choice for its convenient location near major event venues and its consistently praised friendly staff. Its signature feature is its direct access to the Excel Centre and easy transport links to the O2 Arena, making it an ideal base for event attendees and business travelers. Guests frequently highlight the hotel's cleanliness, comfortable accommodations, and the excellent breakfast offerings. For families, the hotel's welcoming atmosphere and spacious rooms are a good fit, while couples can enjoy a relaxing stay with river views. To enhance your experience, be aware of ongoing construction in the immediate vicinity, which might affect walking routes, and be sure to enjoy the complimentary warm cookies upon arrival.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities to enhance guest stays, including a well-equipped fitness center that some guests found suitable for their workout needs. While there is no swimming pool, the gym provides adequate equipment. Guests appreciate the convenience of an on-site bar for evening drinks, though some noted it can get very busy and closes relatively early. There is also a small shop available, but many guests found the prices for snacks and beverages to be quite high. Parking is available on-site and is generally considered secure, with some guests finding it reasonably priced, while others noted it could be expensive, especially with additional deposit requirements.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally commend the hotel's cleanliness, describing rooms as spotless and well-maintained. Many found the beds comfortable and spacious, ensuring a restful night's sleep. However, some guests reported noisy beds or found them to be too firm, and a recurring concern was the uncomfortable pillows, which some described as small or inadequate. Bathrooms are typically clean, though some reviews mentioned them appearing dated or experiencing issues such as low water pressure, shower overflow, or even signs of mold. Noise levels varied, with some rooms being quiet, while others experienced disturbances from AC noise, fan noise, or neighbor noise. A common point of feedback was the absence of a mini-fridge in the rooms, which many guests missed.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast at the hotel receives widespread praise, with many guests describing it as fantastic, offering a great variety of options, including both hot and cold selections. Guests particularly enjoyed the delicious food and the extensive choice available. However, a significant number of reviews highlighted issues with queues during busy periods and the hot food often being served lukewarm rather than hot. Some guests also felt the breakfast options were limited, especially for non-fried choices. The on-site restaurant received mixed feedback, with some finding the food good, while others felt it was overpriced or tasted microwaved. The bar food also garnered varied opinions, with some finding it acceptable and others deeming it poor quality.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is highly advantageous for guests attending events at the Excel Centre, being just a short walk away. It also offers excellent accessibility to the O2 Arena via convenient DLR and Jubilee line connections. Situated next to London City Airport, guests can enjoy unique river views and watch planes, though noise from aircraft is generally minimal due to effective soundproofing. While the hotel is well-connected by the DLR station for reaching central London, guests should be aware that it is a considerable distance from the city center, requiring a 45-60 minute journey. Ongoing construction work in the surrounding area has impacted direct walking routes to Excel, causing some inconvenience and noise.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Many guests highlighted the attentive service provided by the entire team, from reception to the bar and breakfast staff. The quick check-in process is frequently mentioned, contributing to a smooth arrival experience. Guests appreciated specific gestures such as room upgrades for special occasions, thoughtful anniversary decor, and efficient assistance with lost and found items. While the majority of feedback on service is overwhelmingly positive, a few isolated incidents mentioned unhelpful reception staff or issues with communication regarding deposits, but these appear to be exceptions to the generally excellent service standard.

Additional Information
Guests are consistently delighted by the complimentary cookies offered upon arrival, which have become a signature and much-loved feature of the hotel. It is important for guests to be aware of the incidentals deposit typically charged at check-in, which some found to be a point of confusion or concern regarding its refund timeline. The hotel has also been noted for its commitment to sustainability practices, which is appreciated by environmentally conscious guests. While the hotel provides a pleasant stay, some guests noted that the lack of certain in-room amenities, such as a mini-fridge, might be a consideration for longer stays.