Introduction: Enjoying a prime location just yards from
the east entrance to the
ExCel
Exhibition centre is the Aloft London Excel hotel. The main attraction of
this location will be access to the exhibition centre and and its closeness to
London City Airport which is just 0.7 miles to the east. The
London 2012 Olympic Stadium
is also within easy reach being 3 miles to the north as is Europe's largest
shopping mall called Westfield Stratford City. There's not much else in
the immediate vicinity of the hotel however the docklands and its good range of
amenities is just 2 miles to the west while central London and the main tourist
areas is some 5 miles further on from the Docklands. The City of London (square
mile) which is the main financial area within London is 4 miles from the hotel
between Docklands and central London. Access is good to all these locations by
road or using the DLR and tube services. Nearby places of interest include the
Thames barrier Visitor Centre (1 mile), East Ham Nature Reserve (1.4 miles),
Green Street Shopping for Asian goods (1.5 miles), Galleons Reach Shopping
Centre (1.7 miles), London gas Museum (2 miles) and Billingsgate Market (2
miles). Just over the water from the hotel (1.6 miles in a straight line) is the
O2 Arena (aka
Millennium Dome).
The Aloft London ExCel is a mid-range brand by
Starwood Hotels and Resorts. The name
refers to the hotels style with its loft style bedrooms, atmospheric public
spaces, contemporary industrial feel, urban-influence, open and vibrant design
and social guest experience.
What sets the hotel apart in the area is that it is the only hotel to be
directly connected to the Excel Exhibition Centre.
As you entre the hotel you will be greeted by an
open styled lobby. This is where you will find the self-service touch screen
kiosks giving you the option of choosing room and floor. It will also confirm
your rate and issue you with your room key. If required it can be sued to print
your flight boarding pass.
The loft type rooms have been designed by the Rockwell Group and feature either
a King or 2 Queen sized Relaxation beds.
Rooms are air-conditioned and have walk-in showers, fridge, oversized windows, iron and ironing board, 42" flat-screen TV,
ironing facilities and free WiFi.
Maximum occupancy is 3 which covers 2 adults plus a child using a camp Aloft air
mattress/crib.
There are 12 suites which feature nine-foot ceilings and extra-large windows for
an airy, loft-like feel. The suites have a separate living room that has a
seating area and a dining table. There's a separate guest toilet. They
also have all the benefits found on the standard loft rooms with the same
maximum room occupancy policy.
Onsite the hotel has a buzzy destination bar and pitstop Café ( re:fuel by
aloftSM) which
will be open 24 hours for grab and go snacks and drinks. The menu is sweet,
savoury and healthy (salads, sandwiches, and snacks). During the day, the space
is bright and industrial with an urban café design. At night, the space is
transformed to a place where guests mix, mingle and relax.
The place for drinks is the funky 'W XYZ BAR'. Serving a range of drinks
including cocktails along with funky music and a buzzy atmosphere.
There is also an onsite fitness facility called the re:chargeSM fitness centre
with a splash pool.
Great value is the dual free WiFi and wired internet access throughout the
hotel. Guest also can make use of the five Tactic meeting rooms which measure
25sqm and have a capacity for 8 guests. 24 hour reception with self service
check in touch and go facility.
Room Numbers: 252
(12 suites)
Check-in: 14.00 (2 pm)
Check-out: 11.00
Background: Developed by Abu Dhabi National
Exhibitions Company. Interiors designed by Jestico + Whiles.
The Aloft London ExCel is the first UK hotel for this brand and the second in
Europe and opened on 31st October 2011.
The hotel has a ‘serpentine’ design plan with a convex central spine and concave wings.
The interiors feature the Aloft signature colours of ‘primary green, burgundy
and patterning’.
