I have 2 options due to point limitations and the need to use 3 free category 1-4 award nights. I have rooms currently books at London City East but I am also considering the Hyatt House out in Stratford. I like the idea of a small kitchen at the Hyatt House, but would it feel too far out? I really want to be where we can walk out of the hotel or, after a very short public transportation be where we can walk and wander. Can anyone share pros/cons for the two hotels and neighborhoods? I already have the more expenseive London City East hotel booked so switching to Hyatt house would in the long room save us points as it is overall less expensive, but not by much. I think we get free breakfast at LCE but I need to double check.
Posted by
Preston UK
1801 posts
The London City East location is a good one in my view. It’s on Whitechapel Road to the east of Aldgate so is walkable to a number of tourist sites (assuming good mobility). You also have access to a wide range of restaurants, especially South Asian ones. It has a diverse population, many Bangladeshi, and is perhaps not what many imagine as London in their heads, although it’s probably more representative of the city as a whole than Mayfair or Notting Hill.
The Hyatt House in Stratford is undeniably further out, but it does have its advantages. It is right next to Stratford station, meaning it has direct access from Heathrow via the Elizabeth line in less than an hour (as does the other hotel to Whitechapel). You can also be in the centre of the city at Tottenham Court Road or London Bridge in 16 minutes by the Elizabeth or Jubilee lines and in Westminster a few minutes later on the latter. You can also get to St Pancras from Stratford International in 9 minutes should you need a train north.
It is above the Westfield shopping centre, which means it is very busy and there are plenty of food outlets at all price points. Increasingly there are also tourist attractions there too - the amazing V&A Warehouse and Sadlers Wells East are already there and a V&A East Museum opens later this year.
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Posted by
OP
28 posts
The London City East location is a good one in my view. It’s on Whitechapel Road to the east of Aldgate so is walkable to a number of tourist sites (assuming good mobility).
They both sound good options for their reasons. One new advantage to moving to Hyatt House is the current Hyatt offer to earn 5k on a 5+ day stay.
Although maybe not as close as in Stratford, is the walk from Whitechapel station (for Elizabeth Line airport access) to the hotel relatively safe? I mean it's just a another city walk or does it go through sketchy areas?
The other one comment I read on LCE is that the rooms are quite small. They don't seem to be in the photos though. Have you been in the standard rooms at LCE?
Also, if we want to come into more central London in the mornings before 10, will the Tube trains be very crowded with work commuters? Should this be a consideration?
Posted by
London
2338 posts
My two cents worth:
London City East in Whitechapel is probably my choice. There's a lot more on your doorstep to interest. Stratford is just a really busy transport interchange and a very large mall, which is good if you like mall shopping.
Whitechapel (or the borough of Tower Hamlets in general) gets a bit of press from certain sections of the media at home and abroad because it is very diverse, with a predominance from South Asia and with south Asian heritage. There's a lot of influence from people's culture from those regions, in the street market and shops etc., but London doesn't get segregated by race or religion the same as other cities might. It's all very mixed. I don't mind personally, but that sort of neighbourhood's not for everyone and worth mentioning.
edited to remove overly negative stuff about Stratford. It's fine. Johnew52 puts it better below.
There's more going on around London City East to interest a visitor, but Hyatt House has the kitchen you want and the choice of one train to many destinations is wide.
edited to add:
Also, if we want to come into more central London in the mornings before 10, will the Tube trains be very crowded with work commuters? Should this be a consideration?
Yes, trains will be busy before 10 weekdays. You just wait your turn and squeeze on with everyone else. Lots work from home these days, particularly a Friday, so maybe a little lighter now than when I had a daily commute.
Posted by
Preston UK
1801 posts
I’ve not been in either hotel - my comments are based on the areas they are in, which I do have plenty of experience - my eldest son lived round the corner from Whitechapel Road for several years and is now based about 15 minutes walk from Stratford station.
Both areas are very diverse but in my view pretty safe at least up to around midnight. I have been in and around both up to that time but not later. But then maybe you won’t be either. There is a lively South Asian market seemingly always there between the hotel and the station on Whitechapel Road, which is likely to be something you’re not used to, but I don’t think it’s dangerous beyond the usual need for street smarts. I would also say that there are more black and brown faces at Westfield but again I have felt no threat whatsoever there.
Posted by
OP
28 posts
Yeah, black or brown faces and markets aren't a concern, I grew up in Africa and the Carribbean. I just wondered overall if its a safe space to be walking in for 7 days or what option might be better. I welcome the diversity given where I live now! lol
Thanks for the input everyone. :)