IBIS LONDON STRATFORD, London

Stratford Station (zone 2/3) provides direct tube access to central London in about 20 minutes, the O2 Arena in 25 minutes (3 stops Jubilee line), and Canary Wharf in 10 minutes by car or 20 by tube. Buses 25, 425 and 86 connect the station to the hotel. The area has a busy urban feel with Westfield shopping centre, numerous chain restaurants, and a Nando's next door. The hotel lies close to the A12, but the street can be noisy, especially with sirens and traffic. The neighbourhood around the hotel is mixed; for late returns, using the main routes is practical. The London Stadium (West Ham) is about 22 minutes' walk (2 km). For those arriving from Stansted, a direct bus stops at Stratford.

Rooms are compact but efficiently laid out with a modern if basic decor - notable for a pod-style shower cubicle in the corner. Each room has a work desk, wardrobe (open hanging area), and carpeted floor. Twin beds are sometimes a double bed split into two single toppers placed side by side, which can slide apart during sleep; the toppers are thin, so mattress firmness varies. Available types include double (one bed) and twin (two single beds), plus accessible rooms that are step-free with a walk-in shower and seat, and more floor space. Windows open on most rooms, though some have only a tilt function. The air-cooling system is not full air conditioning; on hot nights, the room may need the window open, which admits street and yard noise (delivery lorries, sirens). Road-facing rooms and those overlooking the goods yard are noisier. Housekeeping provides daily towel changes and bin emptying; more thorough cleaning may need a request. Tea and coffee (two sachets) are supplied; extra can be obtained from reception.

Breakfast is an all-you-can-eat buffet (£12 extra) served 06:30-10:00 weekdays and until 12:00 weekends - options include a full English (bacon, eggs, beans, sausages), continental items (cheese, cold meats, pastries, yoghurt, fruit), cereals, a waffle machine, and hot drinks. The cooked items are best before 9am when they are hottest. Evening food can be ordered from the bar/restaurant menu (available from 3pm to 3am) with options including chicken tenders, nachos, and a la carte mains; quality is basic but practical. A Nando's restaurant is immediately next door, and Westfield's dining plaza, plus chains such as Pizza Express and steakhouse options, are within a 5-10 minute walk. A kettle and tea/coffee are in every room.

For outdoor activity, the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (15-min walk) offers open space, walking and cycling paths, and the London Stadium. Westfield Stratford City includes a cinema, bowling and restaurants. The hotel's shared lounge/TV area and 24-hour bar provide casual relaxation on site. No wellness or fitness facilities exist within the property.

The 24-hour reception provides check-in flexibility even after midnight. Free luggage storage is available for early arrivals or post-check-out exploration. Daily housekeeping changes towels and empties bins; additional servicing can be requested. Laundry and dry cleaning are offered for an extra charge. The hotel has a lift, designated smoking area, soundproof rooms, and accessible step-free rooms with walk-in shower. Safety features include CCTV, smoke alarms and a safe deposit box (free). Children are welcome; cots are available on request. Payments accepted: American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, Solo, Carte Bleue. There is no airport shuttle. An ironing room is located on the first floor.