The hype
Travelers love the pool and the super-convenient location for events, but everyone mentions the 'tired' carpets and hallway wear.
Aloft London Excel
$150-250/ night
Book this if You have a badge for a conference at ExCeL and want to roll out of bed directly into the convention hall.
Why People Love It
- Direct indoor connection to ExCeL London (no rain!)
- Rare-for-London indoor pool ('Splash') with sauna and steam room
- One minute walk to Prince Regent DLR station
Quick Take: A fun, funky business hotel that's absolutely perfect for conventions but a logistical headache for standard London sightseeing.
Reviewed by @galavanting_escapades_: I was blown away by how much space I had in this suite. It's rare to find this kind of room to breathe in London, and the staff really looked after me with that welcome gift. Perfect spot if you need to be near the convention center.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'waterfront' views promised in older reviews are largely gone due to new construction; you're likely staring at a building site or a car park.
- You are attending an event at ExCeL or the O2 Arena
- You need a proper gym and pool to decompress after work
- You are traveling with a dog (they are genuinely pet-friendly)
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8
- Housekeeping: Generally reliable, though recent reviews cite 'missed spots' and 'opt-in' confusion.
- Bathroom hygiene: Clean, but the open-plan design means water splashes onto the bedroom floor easily.
- Maintenance: Showing age. Expect scuffed hallways, stained carpets in high-traffic areas, and 'tired' soft furnishings.
- Linens & towels: Standard Marriott quality—crisp white sheets, but towels can feel a bit thin/scratchy.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of the signature 'Aloft' fragrance (fresh/citrusy), hallways can be musty.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- DLR trains screeching past (starts early, ends late)
- Construction noise from ongoing ExCeL expansion
- London City Airport jet takeoffs (less frequent but loud)
Before you book
Good to know
- The hotel is technically in Zone 3; factor travel costs into your budget
- Breakfast is ~£17.50 and decent, but there's a grab-and-go pantry open 24/7
- The 'Splash' pool has specific hours (6am-11pm) and can get crowded with families on weekends
What to pack
- Swimsuit for the 11-meter indoor pool and sauna
- Earplugs for the DLR train noise
- UK power adapter (though some panels have EU plugs, don't risk it)
Room Genie
Best picks
- High floor (4th+) facing away from the DLR track for minimized noise
- Savvy Suite for a separate living area (often a cheap upgrade, though TV angle is awkward)
Rooms to avoid
- 2nd floor rooms (actually 1st floor) near the car park—noisy and zero view
- Any room directly facing the DLR tracks if you are a light sleeper
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am a light sleeper attending a conference. Please assign a room on the highest possible floor, facing AWAY from the DLR tracks and the construction site. Ideally a 'quiet side' room.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a shuttle to London City Airport?
No free shuttle, but it's so close you don't need one. It's a 5-minute Uber or a quick DLR ride (change at Canning Town).
Can I walk to the O2 Arena?
Not directly. You can take the IFS Cloud Cable Car (fun, scenic) or the DLR/Tube (practical).
Is the pool free for guests?
Yes, the 'Splash' pool, sauna, and steam room are free for registered guests.
Does the hotel have parking?
Yes, but it's limited due to construction. Costs ~£20/day. Overflow parking is available at the ExCeL center nearby.
Is breakfast included?
Usually not. It's a buffet at Docksider Restaurant costing around £17.50 per person.
How far is central London?
Far. Expect 30-45 minutes via DLR and Jubilee Line to reach Bond Street or Westminster.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Savvy Suite' upgrade is often surprisingly cheap (£50-ish) and gives you double the space.
- ✨
Don't rely on the hotel view; walk to the Royal Victoria Dock Bridge for the best sunset photos.
- ✨
The 'Re:fuel' pantry has a microwave you can use—great for heating up late-night snacks.
5 things to know before you go
💡The glass shower stall has a blind, but you can still see silhouettes from the bed—awkward for colleagues sharing a room.
💡The 'floating' bed frame has sharp corners that are shin-destroyers in the dark.
💡Mobile signal can be spotty inside the rooms; rely on the Wi-Fi.
💡The 'Docksider' restaurant terrace used to have a view, but now it mostly faces a grey construction wall.
💡Housekeeping is 'opt-in' for points on some rates, meaning your room might not get touched unless you ask.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Aloft London Excel is located and what's nearby.