Novotel London ExCel

After staying in London numerous times before, the Novotel London Excel has been one of the better experiences I have had (and also one of the cheapest - buy one night get one free on a B&B basis was excellent).

The hotel is centrally located, directly opposite the Excel Centre on the riverside. As the immediately surrounding area is predominantly for pedestrian use only the rooms are quieter than many in London.

The room was large, clean and comfortable. Although the beds have been criticized on one of the lower reviews, these actually appeared to be of quite high quality (as many foam mattresses are now...). However, the bathroom arrangements at this hotel are slightly strange, although clean and offering separate bath and shower facilities. The main bathroom is separated from the bedroom by a split door mirrored on one side, with a large gap between the two sections which may present a privacy issue for some visitors (although I wasn't personally too concerned). The toilet is located in a small separate room from the main bathroom. This may have proven a useful facility however, as the small toilet room lacks a sink this feature is pointless for anyone with a basic level of personal hygiene.

Very expensive internet connection for a hotel otherwise well suited to business travellers.

Breakfast is buffet style, with continental options of a high standard. Hot options are of mixed quality, eggs microwaved etc. but not bad generally. Evening food services mediocre. The hotel has some food safety issue with serving rare meats...I don't really see the point in asking how you would like food cooked if everything ends up medium anyway. Desert of very poor quality, completely inedible.

Overall a good London hotel for a B&B stay, just look elsewhere for an evening meal wherever possible.

This is the only Novotel I could get for whitsun weekend that would accept Tesco clubcard vouchers in full payment for 2 nights. We had Chessington Adventure tickets also though tesco clubcard vouchers so although a bit of a drive 45 mins, was still a cheap break. The car park is underneath hotel and is guarded by cage doors, I stood there ages trying to work out how to open the cage, in the end it was just a button to press. The reception is 2 flights of stairs up, lift available. The reception staff are polite but not friendly , all foreign and left check in very in personal. The room was 1 double bed and a pull out sofa bed for 2 kids which made the small room even smaller. I dont know if a larger family room is available but it was not offered to us. Consequently used just as a place to sleep. A dockland location on the doorstep of excel building with all manner or takeaway outlets, noodle bars etc. Lots of strangely dressed teenagers in extremely high spirits made our stay 'interesting' including a fire alarm for smoking in bedroom which evacuated the hotel for 1 hour. Had a drink on the bar outside terrace overlooking the dockland which was very pleasant. A little shop over the road sells choc, crisps, pop, sandwiches and alchohol which was great for an impromtu picnic. Close enough to walk to nearest tube 10 mins, and 1 tube stop away from 02. Went to 02 cinema at aprpox 2pm and only 1 other family in there, a very strange experience, like we'd hired it for ourselves !!

Warm greetings from the Novotel London ExCeL

Thank you for taking the time to visit tripadvisor.com and share your views with us.

We were delighted to receive five stars for cleanliness and service.

All mattress’s at the Novotel are the Dunlopillo mattress which is designed to mould to the shape of the body and relieve the body's pressure points, resulting in a more relaxing and satisfying night's sleep. Every Dunlopillo mattress benefits from being resilient with long lasting support and conforms to your body's contours for comfort and back support.

We never use a solid plywood or hardwood base, as condensation will build up on the underside of the mattress due to lack of ventilation.

Thank you once again for your feedback. Should you wish to discuss the issues raised in further detail, please contact me.

Yours sincerely

Mark Hardy

Operations Manager

email: h3656@accor.com