VIKING HOTEL, London

The Viking Hotel sits on the Romford Road, placing it within a 10-15 minute walk of Stratford station and the Westfield Shopping Centre, and approximately 15 minutes from Maryland station. Bus routes 25 and 86 stop directly opposite the hotel, providing a quick connection to the underground. Canary Wharf is a 10-minute drive away, and central London (Westminster, the West End) can be reached in around 30 minutes by tube. Free on-site parking is a notable advantage, and the hotel is not located within the London Congestion Charge zone. The immediate area offers supermarkets (Sainsbury's Local, Tesco Express), shops, and casual dining within a short walk, though the street itself can feel busy. The nearest restaurants include Calabash and Pizza Express, both within 1 km.

Most rooms at the Viking Hotel are surprisingly spacious, often larger than expected, and regularly noted for their cleanliness. Room types include double, twin, and family rooms, all with private bathrooms (toilet and shower). Each room features a flat-screen satellite TV, an electric kettle for tea and coffee, a hairdryer, and a telephone. Many rooms also include a mini fridge and a sink, which adds convenience for storing food and drinks. A large wall-mounted fan is provided, as there is no air conditioning - rooms on upper floors or facing the road can get warm, especially in summer. Road-facing rooms can experience traffic noise, so a quiet room can be requested. Rooms on the ground floor may have windows overlooking a courtyard, which can limit privacy. The property has soundproofed rooms, a lift, and rooms are fully non-smoking. Cots are available on request. Some guests have noted that the decor is basic and the carpet can feel dated, but the overall comfort and cleanliness are consistently highlighted.

The hotel offers a self-service continental buffet in the dining area each morning. While some bookings include breakfast, the service is not always available - it can be suspended or not provided despite being advertised. The buffet is a basic continental affair (bread, pastries, hot drinks), served in a space adjacent to the lobby. There is no restaurant, bar, or room service on the property. For other meals, guests can walk to nearby fast-food outlets, supermarkets (Sainsbury's Local, Tesco Express), or casual restaurants including Calabash (0.5 km) and Pizza Express (1 km). The location offers good access to Stratford's wider dining scene, including Westfield Shopping Centre's food court, around a 15-minute walk away.

The property has no wellness or leisure amenities such as a spa, swimming pool, sauna, or fitness centre. Guests seeking these facilities will need to look for options in the surrounding Stratford area or at other hotels. The hotel's value lies in its practical accommodation and location rather than recreational offerings.

The hotel offers a range of practical services. The 24-hour front desk means late arrivals up to midnight are possible, and luggage storage is free, which is useful for early arrivals or late departures. Daily housekeeping is included free of charge, keeping rooms clean. Free on-site parking is available but cannot be reserved - it operates on a first come, first served basis and can fill up during busy periods. Wi-Fi is available in rooms but incurs an additional charge. Other paid services include fax/photocopying and ironing. The hotel has a lift, making upper floors accessible. No airport shuttle service is offered, and there is no overnight cycle storage or balcony rooms. Some check-ins are handled through a window rather than a traditional reception, and guests may be accommodated in a separate annex building rather than the main hotel.