Crowne Plaza London - Docklands by IHG

I spent two nights here on a solo staycation. The room was nice and clean, the bed was really comfortable, and being able to use the spa throughout my stay was a great guest perk. The five-star part for me was the service. Every staff member I came across was friendly, helpful and accommodating. People said hello or good morning or night as they passed, which felt really warming, from reception and the restaurant and bar to security, the spa and housekeeping. I’d recommend the hotel and book again if I need to.

The random boxing session with Coach Patrick, Federico and Kylian was great fun and made my evening. They should make a point of doing it with guests more often! We had a pleasant stay despite the renovations. The family-room beds were a bit small, but after some persuasion they gave us an extra small bed for my youngest, while the 13-year-old had a small double to himself. Breakfast was standard cooked and continental, and the veggie sausages were a nice surprise.

We had plenty of room in the comfortable bedroom, and the cleaning team came every day and worked efficiently, which we really appreciated. Jason was especially welcoming and helpful with our baby, and the staff in general were friendly and accommodating. The docks are right nearby, with Custom House DLR, the Elizabeth line and Excel centre all fairly close. There are some decent places to eat around the hotel, though Fremantle restaurant was excellent, if a little pricey. Breakfast had cereal and pastries as well as full English options. The gym, pool and jacuzzi were a nice bonus, although having the sauna and jacuzzi beside the pool made the water feel quite hot, which wasn't pleasant with a baby. The room could use a newer TV and a larger fridge. Just a few little things kept it from a five-star stay.

The staff we met were all courteous and friendly, and the restaurant was attractive and well maintained. The reception area also looked clean and presentable. Getting to ExCeL was easy, and the tube made central London convenient to reach. The rooms and bathrooms, though, felt dated and ready for an update. Breakfast didn't offer much choice compared with other nearby hotels, and some of the gym equipment looked old, even a bit rusty. I'd stayed elsewhere in the area before and booked here after reading reviews. It was an okay stay, with the location and welcoming staff as the main positives.