Custom House Hotel

My friend and I wanted a cheap weekend in London - I said I'd find us a cheap hotel, and (with some reservations, after reading the mixed reviews) I managed to get us a room at the Custom House at a very good price (the deal through Booking.com, at the time, was £49.95 per night for a "superior" double or twin room (room only), booking about 3 weeks ahead). I elected to drive, which added an extra £20 parking for the 2 days. It's not too hard to find with a map (as we did) and I'm sure it would be even easier if you have a decent sat-nav.

The "superior" room was absolutely fine (much better than I would have expected from the reviews on here); clean, not hugely spacious, but not tiny either, and excellent value for money, for London. I would not be so happy if I had paid the hotel's full price (of £145 per night, right now) but for just under £50 each, for the two nights, it was great. It's probably one step up from a travelodge (maybe not even that, but the bed's a lot comfier than the last travelodge I stayed in). Think of it as accommodation in the "no frills" bracket and you'll be pleased with it. If you want a luxury break DON'T book this.

The staff can best be described as efficient; if any of them ever crack a smile, their faces will probably split up the middle, but they got on with their jobs and were not actively unpleasant. Because we had had a long journey we ate at the hotel on Friday night and were very happy with the food in the Chinese restaurant there - I've had better Chinese food occasionally, but I've also had far far worse (like the hotel overall I would give it 4 out of 5). The bar is fine for a few drinks when you arrive/before/after a meal too (if it's not busy you can choose what you want on the TV, at least until X-Factor comes on then you have to suffer through that or leave!) It's nothing special though - distinctly average.

My one real complaint was the "Full English" on Saturday morning - bland and had been left under hot lamps to keep warm so the scrambled egg was rubberised, tea/coffee/hot chocolate out of machines - (one of which ruined tea by adding milk that tasted like it had a little hot chocolate mixed in) - we weren't prepared to pay £7.95 for that again on Sunday morning so we found a much better breakfast/brunch once we got into in the city (and at half the price).

It is directly opposite the EXCEL (only about 500-600 yards away) and directly accross the road from the DLR station - 20 minutes and you can be anywhere in central London, and the station could be closer without stepping straight out of your bed onto the platform! It's not in the most salubrious part of London, but again, bear in mind it's a budget option.

We were later than expected getting back to the hotel on Sunday (I had been told I had to get the car out of the car park by 4pm, and it was about 5.30pm) and was pleasantly surprised not to be charged an extra day's parking.

Best thing about it - value for money

Worst thing about it - the breakfast

Overall - a good experience, just don't have unrealistic expectations of something that is meant as a budget option.

We stayed here because we were going to see 'a-ha' at the O2. As other reviews have said, it's very close. About 15 minutes door-to-door with a combination of DLR and Tube (about £2.90 with an Oyster card). Just make sure you get the right DLR train (direction: Beckton), because the line splits towards the Custom House stop.

This is also a good choice if you want to see Central London or the West End. Certainly MUCH cheaper than staying in the centre of London. It takes about 30 minutes to Bond Street from here (£5.80 on Oyster). A taxi from the O2 to this hotel cost us £19, and took around 15 minutes.

The room is spacious, with a good shower & toiletries, a TV showing HD movies (not seen this in London before), Coffee & Tea (generous supply and a becoming less common in hotels these days) and a very comfortable bed - albeit a little short.

It's near London City Airport, so you will hear aircraft noise, but this didn't wake us up or keep us awake.

The area seemed pretty safe. We didn't pay extra for breakfast and the staff seemed friendly. Unusually, there is an on-site Chinese Restaurant, which we didn't use.

A good choice for London!

it was pretty good. the train stop is right across the street! just 2 stops from the O2 arena and like 20 mins to downtown. the breakfast was only ok.. you have to pay 4 GBP for the "hot" breakfast. rooms were clean and we got an excellent group rate for our stay