Travelodge London Aldgate East

Just spent four nights here at a total cost of £127 for 2 people including a cooked all you can eat breakfast.

It is a little off the beaten track and is best used as a base rather than a holiday destination in itself. It is in Zone One of the Underground system and served by a tube station 5 to 8 mins walk away at Aldgate East.

Our room (room 108) on the first floor, whilst basic, was bright,modern and warm. However, the shower had a tendency to occasionally runs out of hot water and one of the reading lamps was broken - reported on day 1 but not fixed. The windows face the street below and open about six inches (for security). The twin beds are large and comfortable. Best choice of rooms are sited at the front of the hotel away from the noise of Fenchurch Street rail station at the rear. The bar area doubles as the breakfast room and is not that comfortable; however prices, by London standards are reasonable.

There is a Wetherspoon's chain pub - The Goodmans Field - about a 8 minute walk away on Mansell Street which we used twice and found the food satisfactory.

All in all a sound base for a business user or, like us, for a few days to take in a couple of shows.

And finally, taxi fare from King's Cross - about £12. Don't use anything other than Black London Taxis (except the Tube) or believe me, you are likely to be asked for considerably more. We asked the Reception to get us a taxi. An unmarked vehicle arrived, took us on a mystery tour to King's Cross and asked for £22 !!! I gave him £10 and threatened to report him. He soon cleared off. That aside our London break was thoroughly enjoyable.

The room was very clean, but it didn't make up for all the problems.

In the room:

No Phone

No Clock

No hair dryer

No washcloth! Only 1 hand towel and 1 bath towel. 1 small bar of soap.

No free internet. There was an option, 5 GBP per hour, 10 /day or 20 /week. Not cheap!

Poor sound insulation. I was on the ground floor and could hear every toilet flush from all the rooms around mine. I had to sleep with the Bathroom door closed. People in the hall.. I could hardly tell if a knock at the door was my room or another.

Main entrance is on an alley, in not very nice neighborhood. It's a bit disconcerning to head out or return in the evening on foot.

stayed 2 night at 26pounds sterling per night, booked on line 2 months ahead; at that price the best motel in London! had room 4 on ground floor - restricted view but quiet. this is a MOTEL [but no parking] and I've reviewed it as such. not much contact with staff but what I had was speedy and friendly.