The urban hideaway London hotel that's in a great location, has a pool, gym, bar & restaurant and IS child-friendly
Joanna Lovell
Associate EditorNetmums’ Joanna Lovell and family enjoyed a stay at the Crowne Plaza London Docklands, and say it's the ideal base to explore the capital from
Ask most families how they choose a London hotel for a family stay with kids and many will say they look for a good price and location.
There's SO much choice it can be overwhelming, but often all you need are those two things – and anything else is a bonus.
And that's exactly what we found when we stayed at the Crowne Plaza London Docklands. It had everything we needed, and more.
- The 'all-inclusive' luxury London hotel
- The hotel that's PERFECT for footie-mad kids
- Will my family like a Eurocamp holiday?
- How to get on every ride at Alton Towers
- Mum's 36-hour £300 'Caribbean' cruise
- The family holiday with wine on TAP
Location, location, location
One of the things we absolutely love about this hotel is its location.
Step off the tube from busy central London after a day out and you walk into a haven away from the hustle and bustle of the busy tourist areas to find the hotel right in the heart of the Docklands.
The views across the Thames are stunning and the area just felt that little bit less crowded, busy and more relaxed – an urban hideaway.
The hotel is located just across the Thames from Greenwich on the Thames waterfront, enjoying stunning views over the Royal Docks.
It's close by to the O2 arena and just a stone's throw from the ExCeL Exhibition Centre – both showcasing plenty of family entertainment all year round.
There's also easy access into central London via the Elizabeth Line.
Comfort and style
Being a family of five, we often struggle when it comes to hotels as they often cater best for families of four. Not this one.
When I explained we needed more space for our two boys, aged 14 and 13 and daughter Jasmine, 10, the hotel suggested two interconnecting rooms.
The first had a double bed and a sofa bed and the second had two king sized beds. It was ideal for us. It meant the boys got a huge bed to themselves, and their own space in one room, while Jasmine – who likes to be as near to me as possible at all times – slept on the double sofa bed in our room.
She took great pleasure in taking over the dressing table with all the skincare I'd asked her not to bring and the boys enjoyed laying in bed watching TV in peace.
The rooms were spacious, comfortable and had absolutely everything we could need, including a fridge which meant we were able to keep the wine (which we bought from the Tesco Express next door), chilled!
There's speedy internet, work desks and flat screen TVs in each room. You can also upgrade to a Superior room or Suite and enjoy a king size bed for maximum comfort.
Things to do
The hotel also has a modern leisure club and spa. Go for a workout or enjoy a spa treatment (no contest here in my eyes!)
It was the IDEAL location for us because we were visiting the Kingdom of Winter at the London ExCel which was literally a stone's throw from the hotel.
We had wanted to try the cable car experience across the Thames too, and the kids loved it. The entrance is pretty much opposite the hotel.
Run by Transport for London, you can hop on and off the cable cars as easily as a tube.
This is a really unique way to see London during a 15-minute ride on the UK's first and only urban cable car.
The IFS Cloud Cable Car crosses the River Thames between the Royal Docks near the hotel to Greenwich Peninsula where we arrived just a five minutes' walk from The O2 and North Greenwich Underground station.
As you fly 90 metres above the River Thames, you'll enjoy spectacular views of the capital including:
- St Paul's Cathedral
- The Gherkin
- Thames Barrier
- Maritime Greenwich
- Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
A single trip costs £6 for adults and £3 for children. It's well worth doing!
During our London mini-break we also did plenty in central London during our trip, including a trip to Hard Rock Cafe, and Monopoly Lifesized.
The O2 building where you can spend a full day shopping, eating and drinking is also well worth a visit. We had a blast at Toca Social and the Selfie Factory – both inside the O2.
Top-quality food
You can dine in style at this hotel at the riverside restaurant – the Docklands Bar & Grill.
The floor to ceiling windows offer views of the Royal Victoria Dock, O2, Canary Wharf and beyond.
The Bar and Grill is open daily for lunch and dinner until late. It’s ideal for families and special menus have also been created just for children.
Start with a drink at the huge impressive bar, before going through to the main restaurant. It's the sort of place you can dress up if you wish to, or go casual.
The menu is varied, with everything from steak and salmon to burgers, prawn linguine and salads.
Favourites include traditional East London fare, dry-aged English beef cuts, homemade patty beef burger and the hotel's take on Docklands' staple fish and chips.
Chocolate sauce on tap for breakfast!
The hotel has a lovely outdoor terrace, too. Being January we couldn't take advantage of the terraced area, but I bet it's a lovely popular sun trap in the warmer months. The ideal place for an Aperol Spritz or two, I imagine!
Breakfast was equally as plentiful.
Families are invited to help themselves to everything from a traditional cooked breakfast to cereals, croissants and fruit.
My kids particularly liked the chocolate sauce on tap for their pancakes!
It wasn't a bad place to enjoy my birthday breakfast at all!
What do other families think?
I'm not the only one to recommend this hotel.
Travellers who have reviewed their experience on TripAdvisor agree it's a gem.
One said: 'I booked the hotel for my husband's birthday and from the minute we checked in everything was exceptional.
'They greeted us with a birthday card and chocolates for my husband.
'All the staff was friendly and professional. This hotel goes above and beyond to ensure your stay is enjoyable, nothing is to much trouble. 5 star customer service and I will 100% return.'
Another added: 'Absolutely lovely time at the Crowne Plaza London Docklands. Incredible staff who are always very attentive, friendly and welcoming.
While a third said: 'Nice hotel, great service.
'Fully equipped gym and nice warm pool.
Staff were very welcoming. Would definitely stay here again when visiting the area.'
How much does it cost?
Prices start from £149 for bed and breakfast.
To book a stay, visit the hotel's website here.
• Joanna Lovell was a guest of Crowne Plaza hotels. All views her own.
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