Novotel London Greenwich

I stayed here 2 nights Wednesday 14th and Saturday 17th October 2009.

Firstly I arrived from London City Airport at 8:30 am. I got a taxi from the airport and we hit rush hour. My advice is either get public transport or just wait until after 9.30 - 10.00.

It cost over 25.00 pounds but I had too much luggage to carry on the DLR.

When I arrived it was quite early in the morning 9:15 am and I was told the hotel had full occupancy and I would have to wait until a room became available. I had been travelling all night, not the hotel's problem, but I couldn't face waiting several hours until check-out at 12. They found me a room after half an hour and it was on the second floor at the back of the hotel right over the train station. The noise was dreadful and I couldn't sleep so I went back down and asked for another room. It took over 2 hours before one became available and I was exhausted waiting.

The staff on that morning were very rude in particular one older/middle-aged man who seemed to think it was hilarious and just wouldn't stop laughing. I have complained to the hotel but have heard nothing back.

One good thing is they have a ticket system for leaving your luggage in a storage room and do seem to check if you are collecting your luggage and not someone elses.

I was given a room on the 4th floor at the front which was fine. It was above the road but high up so I didn't hear the traffic. The same for Saturday night but I had to insist on it this time.

If you must stay there and I don't recommend it at least insist on a room at 4th floor or higher.

Disadvantages:

There were holes in the plastic curtains (in 2 rooms) which was irritating if you are trying to sleep in daylight.

The smoke alarm is right above the bed and constantly flashes a red light all the time which is very annoying day or night.

Very dear hotel I paid 125 GBP for the first night.

If on lower floors (1/2/3) rail and road traffic is too loud.

No view but in fairness it is in a built up suburb.

Breakfast is very dear at 15 GBP. Go to Baba's accross the road it's such good value and the staff are lovely. They gave me free tea with my breakfast at 2.50!

There is no sheet on the bed only a duvet and it's cover was quite rough.

The minibar is very dear don't use it at all. Buy in the local super market down the road and if you want to keep stuff cool then just empty out the fridge and put in your own stuff.

The internet is only available in the lobby by the main entrance door and there is usually a queue.

There is an extra charge for room service of 3 pounds so if you must eat there eat in the restaurant.

While the bus stop is outside there is only 1 bus that services that road. On Sunday I was waiting nearly half an hour for the no. 177.

Quite stingy with milk and tea bags so bring a few of your own!

I found a hair in the bath when I arrived on Saturday night. Bath had not been cleaned.

Advantages:

Bus stop and rail station right outside the door.

New hotel, quite clean.

Safe.

Fridge.

Good-sized ensuite.

The layout of the room is a little strange. The wardrobe is very small and was ok for me as I was travelling on my own but would be very small for 2. The toilet is in a separate room to the main ensuite bathroom but no sink in the toilet room. The main ensuite is a good size however and the bath is separate to the shower.

If you get a good discount for this hotel may as well give it a shot but NOT AT THE PRICE I PAID.

For the O2 Arena:

There is no direct bus or rail from this hotel. If getting public transport get the bus no. 177 to Greenwich Romney Road (outside the college and opposite Devonport House hotel and transfer to bus no. 129 or 188. It's a very short distance to walk but I don't recommend it late at night. The traffic was quite bad so leave in plenty of time.

One Word Of Warning:

Train Station closes before the trains stop running and it was a little confusing coming out of Greenwich DLR station late at night. You exit a different way than when you enter when the main station is open. Took me a while to find my bearings and get back to the hotel little scary at night.

Lovely hotel,really helpful and very pleasant staff.Wonderfully comfortable bed spotlessly clean room,great bar snacks and truly the best breakfast we've ever had in an hotel. only in london for a concert at the O2. hotel arranged minicab but you could use trains, station is next to hotel.

car parking spaces are limited, quite small underground car park(£12 per night) not too bad for london