London Excel's BEST Hotel? DoubleTree by Hilton Review!
Alright, Buckle Up, Buttercups! My Honest (& Messy!) Review of the DoubleTree by Hilton, London Excel! (aka, Is This Actually the BEST?)
Okay, so you're off to the Excel Centre, huh? Maybe for a conference, a massive exhibition, or, let's be honest, a good ol' fashioned splurge-fest on all things… whatever is being showcased. And you’re looking for a hotel. The big question, the ultimate search term: London Excel BEST Hotel? Well, friend, let's dive headfirst into the DoubleTree by Hilton and see if it lives up to the hype. Consider this your highly imperfect, brutally honest, and occasionally rambling review. SEO’d to the max, baby! (Don't tell anyone I actually know what that means.)
THE ARRIVAL & FIRST IMPRESSIONS – Hold on to Your Hats! (Accessibility, Check-in, & Oh, That Cookie!)
First things first, getting there. The accessibility is… decent. It’s directly connected to the Excel Centre, which is a HUGE win. No battling London traffic (assuming you're not already in London traffic), and the DLR station is practically on the doorstep. Getting around inside is generally smooth, with elevators aplenty. I mean, it is a modern hotel, not a crumbling castle. Car parking options, including a car park [on-site] that (thankfully) offers a car power charging station (yay electric cars!). The airport transfer service? I didn't use it, but it's there, so tick that box.
My train was delayed – classic London, right? – and I was exhausted when I finally arrived. The check-in/out [express] option nearly saved the day. Almost. The lines at the front desk were a bit of a snarl initially, which is always a bummer after a long journey. However, the staff were genuinely friendly and, dare I say it, even helpful. And, yes, the famous DoubleTree cookie. That warm, gooey, glorious cookie. My inner child did happy dance. It’s a small thing, but it makes a difference. I’m a sucker for a good welcome (and sugar, let's be real). It was a nice room sanitization opt-out available (we'll get to that later)
Rooms, Glorious (and Sometimes Slightly Flawed) Rooms!
Right, the rooms. I had a non-smoking room (obviously, I'm not a monster), and it was…fine. Let's be clear, it wasn't the Ritz, but it was clean, and that's what matters, right? The air conditioning blasted a bit loud initially. Blackout curtains were a blessing against the London morning glow. The bed? Comfy enough, though my back did slightly grumble a little. Internet access – wireless (Wi-Fi [free]) worked well, which is crucial. Having a decent laptop workspace is a must for me, and this one ticked the box nicely.
Available in all rooms: We are talking Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Window that opens. PHEW, that's a lot, right? Things that bugged me - the view wasn’t the greatest (face the walls of the Excel center). My toiletries were ok, but nothing special, I’m a sucker for really nice soap, you know? And although they offered complimentary tea, it was just okay tea. I’m a tea snob. Interconnecting rooms available, which is great for families. The soundproofing was decent. The whole vibe was clean and professional, but not exactly luxurious. So let's call it a solid B+.
Food, Glorious (and Occasionally Questionable) Food!
This is where things get interesting. Dining, drinking, and snacking are important, and the DoubleTree has options. The restaurants offer a breakfast service . The breakfast [buffet] was… plentiful. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast… you name it, they have it. The coffee/tea in restaurant was pretty weak, though. I would have liked better Coffee – but that's just me. I found myself wishing for a strong cup and a decent pastry. For dinner, I tried the a la carte in restaurant. It was a mixed bag. Some dishes were great, others… well, let's just say they were slightly disappointing. The salads seemed a little sad, but the soup in restaurant was actually quite good. They also boast a bar and a poolside bar. I didn't spend much time at either, maybe because I was exhausted from that whole train delayed thing. The room service [24-hour] is a lifesaver. Especially for those late-night snack attacks! The bottle of water provided in the room was a nice touch, though. Sanitation? They seemed to be on top of it. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, individually-wrapped food options, and a generally clean and orderly environment. Safe dining setup felt pretty secure. This is definitely a good thing given the current climate. I'll give them a solid “A” here. They do have a vegetarian restaurant, which is super important to be accessible, and an alternative meal arrangement if you make a request.
Relaxation & Keeping Your Sanity (or Trying To!) – Gyms, Pools, and…Body Scrubs?!
Okay, so here’s the deal. My aim was to mostly work. The Fitness center, gym/fitness, sauna, steamroom, swimming pool, swimming pool [outdoor] are all there, and I’m sure they’re lovely. However, with a job to do, I didn’t find the time. Let me know if you actually use these things! Are the views from the Pool with view really as good as they seem? I’m curious. The spa, spa/sauna sound incredible. Body scrub, Body wrap, and massage are also offered, and I am here for it. Maybe next time. I really wish I had tried the full spa. I definitely needed it after my day. This is where the DoubleTree could definitely have up-leveled for me!
Cleanliness & Safety – Because We're All a Bit Anxious Now, Right?
Absolutely. This is a major factor in my modern hotel review. I was relieved to see the Anti-viral cleaning products in use! Daily disinfection in common areas also was a bonus, a hand sanitizer dispenser right there. Staff trained in safety protocol, check. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter was attempted, if not perfectly achieved. Rooms sanitized between stays, yes! First aid kit, very reassuring. Smoke alarms were evident, and the whole place felt safe. Fire extinguisher - yes!!! They are taking things seriously, which is good.
Services & Conveniences – The Perks of a Modern Hotel
The concierge was helpful, directing me towards some of the nearby attractions. Daily housekeeping was efficient. The laundry service – thank heavens for that! The facilities for disabled guests are present, which is fantastic. There's a convenience store, which is absolutely vital when you need a late-night snack or a bottle of water. They offer currency exchange and a cash withdrawal too. Contactless check-in/out as well which is great.
For the Kids (or the Inner Child) – Family-Friendly Fun
So, I did not test this, but the family/child friendly rating seems accurate. They offer babysitting service and kids meal.
Internet & Tech – Because We Live in the Future
Internet access was a must have for me. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is a godsend. Internet [LAN] is also there too. The audio-visual equipment for special events is available, as are meeting/banquet facilities and meetings.
My Verdict – The Big Question: Is it the BEST?!?
So, is the DoubleTree by Hilton, London Excel the BEST hotel for when you visit the Excel Centre? Honestly? That depends.
- For Accessibility: Absolutely! A major win.
- For Convenience: Definitely! Location, location, location.
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause this ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're talking DoubleTree ExCel London, baby, and we're gonna wrestle this hotel into submission. This is a survival guide, a diary, a therapy session, and a slightly embarrassing confession, all rolled into one.
Day 1: Arrival, Hysteria, and Questionable Decisions
14:00 - Arrival & Check-in Chaos: Okay, so I thought I was organized. I had the flight, the train, the…Wait, where's my charger?! Already flailing. Finding the DoubleTree ExCel felt like navigating a labyrinth designed by a particularly vindictive architect. The ExCel itself is…impressive. Gigantic. Slightly intimidating. The walk from the DLR station felt like miles - I'm pretty sure I saw a tumbleweed roll by.
- The Check-in Zone: "Right, I'm…uh…[fumbling with my phone]…booking under…the name of…well, you know…" [Me, sweating, realizing I should have printed the confirmation. Note to self: Print everything in the future.] The staff were lovely, bless their souls, probably used to dealing with frazzled wrecks like me. Got my cookie, which, honestly, is the only reason I kept it together.
15:00 - Room Reconnaissance & The View That Got Me: Finally! Room 927. I'm expecting a prison cell after that trek. But the door opens, and…WOW. Big window. Clean lines. Comfy bed. And that view! My brain short-circuited. The City of London skyline stretched out before me, sparkling in the sunlight. For a solid five minutes, I just stood there, mouth agape, forgetting all my travel-related anxieties. It was truly breathtaking. Then the stomach grumbled.
16:00 - Cookie Consumption and The Gym Gamble: So, about that cookie… devoured it. All traces gone. Pure sugar rush, I swear. Now, let's be honest, the gym. I intended to go. I packed workout gear, for crying out loud. But the thought of actually exercising after the travel marathon? Nope. Absolutely not. Maybe tomorrow. (Spoiler alert: Tomorrow didn't happen either).
18:00 - Dinner Disaster (and Delight): The hotel restaurant. I'm starved. Ordered the fish and chips. It arrived…massive. Like, "This could feed a small family" massive. The fish was crispy, the chips, golden. The only problem? I’m rubbish. I managed a respectable effort, but lost the battle. Still, the food was delicious. Felt the first flush of holiday joy coursing through my veins.
20:00 - Early Night (or So I Thought): Back in the room. Plan: early night. Reality: Watching the lights of the city, fueled by caffeine and the sugar rush, and scrolling aimlessly on my phone. Damn you, social media!
Day 2: Docklands Delights and the Great (and Slightly Sad) Pudding Debacle.
09:00 - Breakfast Bliss (and the Coffee Crisis): The breakfast buffet! A marvel of bacon, pastries, and possibilities. Actually, the bacon was amazing. But the coffee… not so much. Weak. Watery. A crime against caffeine. Ended up raiding the room's instant stash, which was a definite downgrade. Note to self: Investigate nearby coffee options.
10:00 - Exploring the Docklands & The Unexpected Charm: Okay, ditching the hotel, it’s time to walk round the Docklands. I find that the Docklands is filled with modern architecture. It’s all glass and steel. I have to point out some of the best architecture.
12:00 - Lunch & The Sad Pudding: Lunch. Found a nice pub. Ordered the sticky toffee pudding. Sounds excellent, right? It looked amazing. Steaming. Gooey. But… it was just…meh. A crushing disappointment. I ate it anyway. Because, you know, pudding commitment.
14:00 - Royal Docks Rambles & The "I Could Live Here" Moment: The Royal Docks area. I went for a meander. The history is amazing. Saw the Emirates Air Line cable car. The contrast between the modern and the historic is quite stunning. I had a proper "I could totally live here" moment. Followed by a swift reminder of my own rent prices.
16:00 - Coffee Quest & Accidental Adventure: Okay, coffee imperative: Went on a mission, and I ended up getting a taxi to another cafe. Coffee was lovely, and I got chatting with an elderly lady. The whole conversation makes me think I am a citizen of this country. Got me thinking about life, the universe, and why I can’t resist a good sale.
19:00 - Dinner Debate & the Solo Struggle: Back at the hotel. Dinner. Okay, the internal debate: Room service? Or face the restaurant again? (After the fish and chips fiasco, I have commitment issues, haha). Room service won. Ordered a burger. It was… fine. Eating alone in a hotel room is a surprisingly reflective experience, and I spent the next hour thinking about life.
21:00 - Staring at the Ceiling & Existential Dread: The day is winding down again. This time, the sugar rush isn't working, and I'm left with a vague sense of existential unease. I stare at the ceiling, questioning my life choices, my travel choices and wondering if I packed enough socks. Sleep finally comes, eventually.
Day 3: Farewell, London! (and a Plea for More Coffee)
08:00 - Breakfast Barrage (and Coffee Re-Thinking): Okay, same routine. More bacon. Contemplating a black market coffee run. Managed to locate a slightly less watery coffee in the hotel. Progress!
09:00 - Final View & The Emotional Farewell: That view. One last look. One last moment to appreciate the city. It tugged at my heartstrings, like a proper soppy idiot. I actually got a little misty-eyed.
10:00 - Check-Out: And The One Last Cookie: Smooth! Handed in the key, all smiles. And… another cookie! Okay, so I left happier than I arrived. Mission accomplished.
11:00 - Train to the Airport & The "I'll Be Back" Promise: The train journey went smoothly. And as the city skyline faded into the distance, I made a vow: London, you haven’t seen the last of me. And next time, I’m bringing emergency coffee. And maybe a friend to help me conquer those fish and chips.
So, there you have it. My DoubleTree London ExCel experience. Not perfect, not glamorous, but human. Messy. Full of minor victories and pudding disappointments. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. Now, where's my next adventure?
Indonesian Paradise Found: Thongs Inn Hotel Kualanamu Awaits!
So, is this the BEST hotel near ExCeL? Seriously?
Okay, okay, hold your horses. "BEST" is a BIG word loaded with expectation. Look, it's undeniably CONVENIENT. Like, roll-out-of-bed-and-stumble-into-the-conference-hall convenient. That's a HUGE win if you're there for a show. But BEST? Nah. It's more like... the *most practical* if you're going to the ExCeL. Think of it as a reliable, slightly flawed friend. The one who always bails you out but sometimes forgets your birthday.
What's the deal with the infamous DoubleTree cookies? Are they REALLY as amazing as everyone says? My life depends on it. (Okay, maybe not.)
Alright, deep breaths. The cookies. The mythical, warm, gooey DoubleTree cookies. Here's the thing... they *are* good. Really good. That first bite after a long, exhausting flight? Pure bliss. It's like a warm hug in cookie form. But… and there's always a but, isn't there? ...sometimes the hug is a little *too* enthusiastic. I swear, on one visit, they were practically still molten! Almost burnt the roof of my mouth. Then you're stuck trying to desperately find a water fountain. A perfectly good cookie experience, ruined by the heat! Still, they're a mood lifter. Definitely a highlight… until you realize you've eaten three. Then you just feel guilty. So yeah, good. Not life-altering. (Unless you're me, clearly.)
Let's talk rooms. Are they… you know… decent?
Look, the rooms are functional. Think "business-y but not overly luxurious." Clean, mostly. The beds are comfortable enough. The bathrooms… well, they're bathrooms. Nothing to write home about, really. I once had a room where the air conditioning sounded like a rusty engine. I spent half the night trying to figure out how to switch it off, eventually just giving up and embracing the arctic blast. But the view? Oh, the view can be spectacular if you get facing the Royal Victoria Dock. Which, of course, I didn't. I generally get the view of a brick wall. Such is my luck. So yeah, functional. Don't expect a five-star experience, but you won't be miserable either. (Unless you're me, and your air con is trying to escape.)
How's the breakfast situation? Because, let's be honest, that can make or break a hotel experience.
Alright, breakfast. Okay, get ready for a mixed bag. The buffet itself is… decent. Lots of choice! Full English? Check. Continental? Check. Fruit? Cereal? All there. The quality… varies. Sometimes the bacon’s crispy and perfect. Other times… well, let's just say it requires a bit of chewing. The coffee? It's coffee. You'll need it after a night of air con drama.
The real problem? THE CROWDS. Oh my god, the crowds. Especially during peak conference times. Prepare for a scrum. A battle. A breakfast buffet warzone. I’ve seen people practically *fighting* over the last croissant. Be prepared to queue. Bring a book, or maybe just your survival instincts. And seriously, just grab a coffee to go. You'll thank me later. The breakfast… not *bad*, but the experience can be harrowing!
What about the staff? Are they helpful? Friendly? Do they judge my questionable fashion choices?
The staff are generally lovely! Polite, helpful, and they deal with a lot of stressed-out attendees. I've always found them to be accommodating. Did they judge my floral-printed jumpsuit for the business conference? Maybe a little. Did they *say* anything? Nope. They're professionals! However… there was one incident. One time. I accidentally locked myself out of my room (again). And the poor receptionist, bless her heart, *knew* it was me before I even uttered a word. The second I walked up to the desk, she just sighed and handed over the key. (She managed a very pointed, "Again, sir?"). So, helpful? Yes. Tolerant? Definitely. Judgmental? Maybe just a *little*. But seriously, they're good. Just try not to lock yourself out of your room every other day, okay? For your own sake.
Are there any hidden costs or "gotchas" I should be aware of?
Ah, the dreaded hidden costs! Well, parking. If you're driving, expect to pay a hefty fee. Wi-Fi used to be a bit of a rip-off, but it's usually free now. Keep an eye on those mini-bar prices – they're always a killer. Now, the BIGGEST "gotcha"? The location. While convenient for ExCeL, it's a bit of a trek to Central London. Tube or Uber will take you a good 30-40 minutes, maybe longer in rush hour. So don't expect to pop to the West End for a quick show.
Okay, final verdict. Would you stay again? Be brutally honest!
Ugh. Honestly? Yes. Because. Look, I'd *prefer* a boutique hotel bursting with character, with perfect breakfasts and staff who are delighted to see me. But let's be realistic – when I'm at a conference, I need CONVENIENCE. The DoubleTree delivers that. I'd stay again. I'd complain about the air con again. I'd eat too many cookies again. And I'd probably lock myself out of my room again. But despite the flaws and the minor frustrations, it's reliable. And sometimes, that's all you need when you're facing a long day of networking and awkward small talk. So, yeah. I'll probably be back. Sigh. *Cue the cookie craving.*
