Last Updated on March 27, 2025

Overnight stay at the Crowne Plaza London Docklands

There has never been a better time to take a city break and enjoy all that London has to offer.  Hotels in the city are quiet at the moment, with rooms readily available while overseas tourism is limited.  I’ve wanted to explore London Docklands for a while to find out more about the area and this seemed like the perfect opportunity. The Crowne Plaza London Docklands hotel is moments away from the DLR (Docklands Light Railway), Royal Victoria station, in an excellent waterside location overlooking the historic Royal Victoria Docks. It’s an ideal place from which to explore East London and for business and leisure travellers visiting EXCEL, the O2 or Canary Wharf.

Check-in went very smoothly and I made my way up to the fifth floor and an executive room with a massive king-size bed. My first impressions were that the room was spotlessly clean and free from any clutter. A comfy chair was placed by the window, perfect for admiring the view over the dock, towards the River Thames, instantly recognisable landmarks being the O2 and the Emirates Airline cable car.

The bathroom was clean and light with plenty of soft fluffy towels and toiletries from This Works. Standard tea and coffee-making facilities were provided so I had everything I could need for my stay.

Housekeeping at the moment is by request rather than on a daily basis, so you will need to call reception and book a time when you will be out if you need your room to be cleaned during your stay. Room service is also suspended for the time being due to Covid restrictions but, as I found out there’s a bar and restaurant in the building.  The hotel is hoping to resume full service in September.

It was time to explore the hotel facilities, there is an indoor pool and spa for use by residents, though booking is essential for the pool to avoid overcrowding. Next to the spa is a small fitness room with weights and machines for fitness enthusiasts. On the ground floor, the Docklands Bar and Grill serves drinks all day and lunch, and dinner in the evening. It has an outside seating area, perfect for relaxing with a drink and soaking in the view.

As it was a pleasant afternoon I went for a stroll along the dock, London Docks has an open water swimming zone in Royal Victoria Docks and the water was busy with brave swimmers and water sports activities. Above my head, the Emirates Airline cable car (the terminal is almost immediately outside the hotel) was busy transporting people to the O2, something I will certainly remember for another visit.

Booked in for dinner at the Docklands Bar and Grill restaurant in the evening I discovered that there are two menu options.  The first offers a selection of small sharing plates, including vegetarian dishes to pick and choose from, with pricing for three or five dishes. The main menu is comprehensive and perfect for the traveller, with traditional grilled dishes such as steaks and burgers as well as salads, fish and chips, and fish options. Tables were spaced well apart and the staff were friendly and very helpful.

To start I chose a dish from the small plates menu of grilled tiger prawns with chilli, lime, and coriander butter, the prawns were succulent and very tasty. I followed this with ribeye steak and chips and a glass of merlot washed it down a treat.

Feeling sleepy after a good meal I took one last look at the view over the dock and retired to my room for the night. The bed was extremely comfortable, and it was blissfully quiet, perfect for a good night’s sleep.

I woke up feeling refreshed and went for a walk along the dock before breakfast, served in the restaurant.  The hotel operates a self-serve buffet with plenty of choices including cereals, fruit, pastries, and what you would expect for a traditional English breakfast.

The Crowne Plaza London Docklands is ideally situated for visiting the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the Thames Barrier (a short walk away), or for a spot of shopping at  Westfield Stratford.  Perfect for visitors to the 02 thanks to the Emirates Airline cable car, it’s also about 40 minutes walk (or 2 stops on the DLR) from Canary Wharf with a wealth of exclusive shops and restaurants and the Excel Centre (10 minutes walk).  It’s a great location if you happen to be travelling from City Airport too – about half an hour to walk but less than ten minutes in a cab.

Finally, thanks to the DLR, it is also within easy reach of Central London. Parking is available at the hotel at a nightly cost and the hotel is located close to the DLR making it convenient for travelling around London.  If you are looking for a city break in London it is reasonably priced, comfortable, and particularly quiet. Why not treat yourself to a staycation in London where there is so much to do?

For more details on the hotel and current offers available visit the website here

Crowne Plaza London Docklands
Western Gateway
London E16 1AL

Tel: 020 7055 2000

Looking for something a little different?  How about this quirky hotel on a boat in docklands

Disclosure: I stayed as a guest at the Crowne Plaza London Docklands.