Travelodge Aldgate East

I stayed twice for work in December 2025. Anirudh at reception really stood out on both visits, he was welcoming, efficient and helpful, and nothing seemed too much trouble. The rest of the staff were generally friendly too. The rooms were clean and fairly comfortable, though a little tired. On the first visit, I was on a higher floor and the very nearby trains were noisier than I’d expected, especially arriving late in the evening. The second time I was on a level below the tracks, and the train noise was less noticeable.

The staff were nice, but all the single rooms face the train lines, with six lines within 20 feet of badly insulated windows. I’ve been to more welcoming homeless shelters. It was slightly better than sleeping in a cardboard box under a bridge, which would have been colder and wetter but quieter.

The location is the only thing that really stands out, as you’d expect from a budget hotel in Central London. The room was decent, and the beds weren’t great, but they’d do for a night or two. Staff were friendly, though getting hold of an iron turned into a bit of a circus.

The beds were really comfortable, the place was otherwise clean and tidy, and the staff were lovely. But there were quite a few problems: an old rubbish bag was left behind the door, the tap was broken and glued in a way that felt rough, and the bathroom door was warped and noisy. The shower swung between very hot and very cold, with no steady temperature. There was just one pillow each and one spare for both of us, and no bath mat, so we had to use a hand towel. We also paid for breakfast on arrival, but the same person couldn't find any record or proof of payment when we went down. The window was bent and didn't seal at the top, letting in a draft and noise. The draft didn't bother me much. I didn't mention any of this at the time because I thought I'd be making a fuss, but looking back, I should have said something.