In London for a convention at the Excel, it made sense to stay close to the action. The Aloft London Excel is connected to the convention centre, and it is a minute’s walk between the two at most.
Arriving at London City Airport, we took the DLR to Prince Regent, which is also a one minute or so walk to the hotel. It is possible to walk from LCY in about 10-15 minutes, but we had bags so took the longer route.
Check-In
Check-in was a breeze, with friendly desk attendants cheerily informing us that we didn’t need to wear masks in the hotel. In the lobby there is a long bar area as well as a small shop, where you can make purchases of various snacks and drinks. Things like water, cans of beer, coca-cola, crisps and even things like cereal were available for sale.
Aloft London Excel Room
As fate would have it, the air conditioning was broken in our room. During the first night we moved to another room on the same floor, which was thankfully far cooler, which made sleep possible. The hotel were apologetic and moved us without any histrionics.
Breakfast and the Pool
Daily breakfast is served in the hotel restaurant on the second floor. It comprised of everything you would expect – tea, coffee, two kinds of juice, scrambled eggs, sausages, tomatoes, baked beans, mushrooms, bacon, a selection of danish and continental items. Nobody would go hungry here.
Overall Thoughts
Aloft London Excel is very well located for stays that side of London. With the DLR on its doorstep, it does not take long to get into central London. We did get an Uber back from Notting Hill and that cost about £35, so late night returns post-Tube shutdown do not break the bank.
With friendly staff, decent facilities and a very nice breakfast, I had a quite pleasant stay at the hotel. Keep an eye on the hotel price after you book though. Originally it was €717 for three nights but shortly before travel it was being sold for €427, so there are savings to be made if you pay attention.
Have you stayed at the Aloft London Excel before? What did you think of it? Thank you for reading and if you have any comments or questions, please leave them below.
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Looks so simple. Maybe not IRL. But the pool is gorgeous.
Yes, it is indeed!
I have not stayed at this property, but I have been to the EXCEL many times. I stay in Shoreditch, at the Citizen M. While it takes a bit longer to get into the EXCEL, there is nothing out that way of interest. Staying in Shoreditch does the trick. Great spot to eat and drink.
You are correct, there is literally nothing around the hotel except the convention centre. Thanks for the tip, might try the CitizenM next time I’m over there. Would be nice to be in a more lively area!