Crowne Plaza London Docklands, London

The Cranley Report

Crowne Plaza London Docklands

Crowne Plaza London Docklands, London

Hotel Address

Royal Victoria Dock
Western Gateway
London E16 1AL
England

Cranley Rating

Crowne Plaza London Docklands

Photo 1 of 25. Click to enlarge

Hotel Summary

Category

Hotel

Hotel Opened	2003
Refurbishment	The Terra Restaurant is to be refurbished in Summer 2008 and an outdoor area is also planned. The sliding doors at the front of the hotel are to be replaced with a revolving door in Summer 2008.

Cranley Summary

Crowne Plaza London Docklands, is a very modern six storey hotel located next to the ExCel Exhibition Centre, where it overlooks the Royal Victoria Dock, with a view towards The O2 across the River Thames and to Canary Wharf. Royal Victoria DLR station is close by and London City airport is just a few minutes drive away. Central London is easily reached by road or by public transport. The hotel has 195 comfortable guest rooms and 15 suites, all of which have internet access. The hotel's Terra Restaurant, which offers mostly British cuisine with a Mediterranean flavour, is situated on the ground floor. The Isle Bar and lounge adjoins the restaurant, and has a small terraced area outside, which overlooks the Dock. Business needs are well catered for, with the whole of the 1st floor given over to a business centre and nine meeting rooms. Leisure facilities are provided by The Quad Club Health & Fitness, which is situated on the ground floor and offers guests a fully equipped gym, a heated swimming pool, massage treatment rooms and other facilities. The hotel has its own car park at the rear, with parking for 75 cars.

Hotel Location & Layout

Location Description

Crowne Plaza London Docklands is situated on one of the main roads leading to the ExCel Exhibition Centre and is just a few minutes walk from the entrance. It has the Royal Victoria Dock opposite and a good view towards The O2 at Greenwich and Canary Wharf beyond. The area immediately around the hotel is residential, with a number of new apartment buildings. There are just a few shops within easy walking distance, including a convenience store and dry cleaners. There is also a Caribbean restaurant opposite the hotel. The shopping centres at Canary Wharf and Beckton are just a few minutes drive or can easily be reached on the DLR. London City Airport is just 3 kilometres away.

Airports
Distance	3 km
Airport Transfers	Taxi transfers available. The hotel also offers a complimentary shuttle service to the airport at 17:30 on Fridays.

Cities and Sights
Distance	6 km
City/Sight Transfers	Taxi transfers available

Layout Description

The hotel is situated on Western Gateway, the main road to the ExCel Exhibition Centre. There is parking at the rear of the hotel, but otherwise no grounds, just the hotel itself. It is a rectangular building on six floors, with full length windows on each floor at the front of the hotel. The ground floor is occupied by the Isle Bar, which is on the left when facing the hotel, whilst the hotel entrance and the lobby area are on the right hand side. This leads towards the lifts and the Quad Club Health & Fitness. The Terra Restaurant is also on the ground floor through the Isle Bar lounge and the hotel's meeting and conference rooms are all on the 1st floor.

Lobby & Guest Relations

Open Hours	24 Hours
Languages Spoken	English and numerous other languages are spoken
Payment Methods	All major international credit cards and cash accepted
Foreign Exchange	Open 24 Hours All major currencies exchanged
Taxis Arranged	Street taxis can be arranged on request
Tours Arranged	The Concierge desk will arrange local sightseeing tours for guests by bus and rail, as well as river cruises and walking tours. London sightseeing tours include Buckingham Palace, The Tower of London, London Eye, British Museum, Trafalgar Square, the Houses of Parliament and Greenwich.

Guest Relations	Full Services
Concierge Services	Full Services
Medical Facilities	A doctor can be called on request. Charges will apply.
Parking	The hotel has 75 outdoor parking spaces at the rear. Charges apply (discounted rates for residents.)

Cranley Comment

Entrance to the hotel is through two sets of sliding glass doors into a white tiled lobby area, which is part covered with a bright red and orange patterned carpet. Opposite the entrance are four red leather armchairs, whilst the Front Desk is ahead and to the right, immediately past the Concierge Desk. The tiles and areas of brightly patterned carpet, extend throughout the lobby area, which has white painted walls, with a number of abstract pictures hanging on them, in colours designed to match the carpet. Beyond the Front Desk are the two lifts, the exit to the car park and the entrance to the Quad Club Health & Fitness. The Isle Bar is on the left immediately after entering the hotel and there are stairs to the 1st floor meeting room from the lobby

Shops & Amenities

Cranley Comment

There is a small display cabinet in the lobby, but the hotel does not have any shops. In the immediate area around the hotel, there is a small convenience store selling every day essential items. There is also a dry cleaner's and a Caribbean restaurant. For all other purchases, guests would need to visit Canary Wharf, which is just 5 minutes drive away, or 2 stops on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) in one direction. In the opposite direction, 7 stops on the DLR will take guests to Beckton. Both of these centres provide a wealth of shopping opportunities.

Rooms, Suites & Villas

Number of Floors	6
Total Rooms	210
Elevators	2
Rooms per Elevator	105
Total Staff	95
Staff per Room	0.5

Check-in Time	14:00
Check-out Time	12:00
Late Checkout	Subject to availability to 18:00 at an additional charge. On Sundays, guests may stay until 15:00 for a nominal charge.
Smoking Rooms	42 in total, which are spread throughout the hotel in all categories but on separate floors.
Room Service	Full Menu: 07:00 to 23:00 Sandwiches and other snacks available: 23:00 to 07:00
Laundry Service	A dry cleaning and laundry service is available from Mon to Sat, excluding Bank Hols. Items handed in by 08:45 will be returned by 19:00 the same day.
Unique Features	Complimentary toothbrush, toothpaste, razor and other items available at the Front Desk. Complimentary daily newspapers are available in the lobby.

Club or Executive Facilities

None at present, although regular guests earn points towards the Priority Club Rewards Scheme, since the hotel is part of the InterContinenetal Hotels Group (IHG).

Cranley Comment

All 156 Standard and Superior bedrooms are identical in size and décor, differing only in terms of their bed configuration and external views. Otherwise, all rooms are the same and the majority have either a queen size bed or two twin beds. The rooms are brightly decorated but sophisticated, with décor and furnishings that are predominantly red and orange. There is wooden furniture throughout, whilst carpets in corridors and bedrooms are red patterned and all walls are painted white. The 39 King Superior rooms have a slightly different layout, with a separate desk and their olive green décor and furnishings match the 15 suites. All rooms and suites have a view over the Royal Victoria Dock, over the courtyard behind the hotel or towards the city. With the 1st floor being occupied by the meeting and function rooms, all guest rooms are situated on floors 2 to 6 inclusive.

Type of Room, Views & Facilities

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Standard Queen	71	19 Courtyard 47 Dock 5 City	Air conditioning High speed Internet connection Flat screen satellite television, in-house movies and AM / FM radio Direct dial telephone Modem point Tea and coffee making facilities Hairdryer Iron and ironing board Minibar En suite facilities with full-size bath and power shower Bathrobe Safe in some rooms	2 Adults	22

Cranley Comment

Standard Queen rooms are located on all floors. All bedrooms have a keycard entry system and low level door handles. The bathroom and wardrobes which feature a full length mirror are on either side, immediately upon entering the room. Beyond is the queen size bed and an armchair with footrest and a small table. The sophisticated décor and furnishings are predominantly in shades of red and orange, with mostly white painted walls giving a balance to the room. There is a writing desk / dressing table, with broadband internet connection and a desk lamp. Facilities include TV with optional games console at an extra charge, minibar, hairdryer and iron / ironing board. The bathroom has a dark grey tiled floor and grey marble topped sink unit, with a mixture of grey and white tiled walls. The bath has a power shower over it and all bathrooms provide towelling bathrobes for guests.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Standard Twin	76	39 Courtyard 20 Dock 17 City	As for Standard Queen	2 Adults	22

Cranley Comment

Standard Twin rooms are located on all floors. All bedrooms have a keycard entry system and low level door handles. The bathroom and wardrobes which feature a full length mirror are on either side, immediately upon entering the room. Beyond are double sized twin beds and an armchair with footrest and a small table. The sophisticated décor and furnishings are predominantly in shades of red and orange, with mostly white painted walls giving a balance to the room. There is a writing desk / dressing table, with broadband internet connection and a desk lamp. Facilities include TV with optional games console at an extra charge, minibar, hairdryer and iron / ironing board. The bathroom has a dark grey tiled floor and grey marble topped sink unit, with a mixture of grey and white tiled walls. The bath has a power shower over it and all bathrooms provide towelling bathrobes for guests.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Standard Queen with Sofa bed	9	Courtyard	As for Standard Queen, with the added benefit of: Sofa bed which sleeps 2 children	2 Adults and 2 children under 12	22

Cranley Comment

Standard Queen with Sofa bed rooms are located on all floors. All bedrooms have a keycard entry system and low level door handles. The bathroom and wardrobes which feature a full length mirror are on either side, immediately upon entering the room. Beyond is the queen size bed and a sofa that converts into a double bed, suitable for two small children. The sophisticated décor and furnishings are predominantly in shades of red and orange, with mostly white painted walls giving a balance to the room. There is a writing desk / dressing table, with broadband internet connection and a desk lamp. Facilities include TV with optional games console at an extra charge, minibar, hairdryer and iron / ironing board. The bathroom has a dark grey tiled floor and grey marble topped sink unit, with a mixture of grey and white tiled walls. The bath has a power shower over it and all bathrooms provide towelling bathrobes for guests.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
King Superior	39	18 Courtyard 13 Dock 8 City	As for Standard Queen, with the added benefit of: King size bed	2 Adults	22

Cranley Comment

King Superior rooms are located on all floors. All bedrooms have a keycard entry system and low level door handles. The bathroom and wardrobes which feature a full length mirror are on either side, immediately upon entering the room. Beyond is the king size bed and an armchair with footrest and a small table. The sophisticated décor and furnishings are predominantly olive green, with mostly white painted walls giving a balance to the room. There is a separate writing desk with broadband internet connection and a desk lamp. Facilities include TV with optional games console at an extra charge, minibar, hairdryer and iron / ironing board. The bathroom has a dark grey tiled floor and grey marble topped sink unit, with a mixture of grey and white tiled walls. The bath has a power shower over it and all bathrooms provide towelling bathrobes for guests.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
King Junior Suite	10	5 Dock 5 City	As for Standard Queen with the added benefit of: Additional space American King size bed French windows opening onto a private balcony – some suites have views over Royal Victoria Dock & Canary Wharf Luxury bathroom with bath, separate walk-in shower and 'The White Company' toiletries Bathroom scales and slippers	2 Adults	28

Cranley Comment

The two King Junior Suites on each of the five guest floors, are about 30% larger than the standard rooms and all of them have a small balcony. They have a keycard entry system and low level door handles. The bathroom and wardrobes which feature a full length mirror are on either side, immediately upon entering the room. Beyond is the king size bed and an armchair with footrest and a small table. The sophisticated décor and furnishings are predominantly olive green, with mostly white painted walls giving a balance to the room. There is a separate writing desk with broadband internet connection and a desk lamp. Facilities include TV with optional games console at an extra charge, minibar, hairdryer and iron / ironing board. The bathroom has a dark grey tiled floor and grey marble topped sink unit, with a mixture of grey and white tiled walls. It features a separate walk-in shower as well as a bath. All bathrooms provide towelling bathrobes for guests, as well as bathroom scales and slippers.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
King Executive Suite	5	Docks + City	As for Junior Suite with the added benefit of: Additional space, including entrance hall Separate sitting room with dining table and lounge furniture Large flat screen TVs in bedroom and lounge	2 Adults	58

Cranley Comment

There is one King Executive Suite on each of the five guest floors and each is more than double the size of the KIng Junior Suite. All of them have a keycard entry system and low level door handles. There is a small entrance hall, with the bathroom almost immediately on the left and wardrobes which have a full length mirror, opposite. Beyond is the bedroom, which features an American king size bed and an armchair with footrest and a small table. The bedroom also has a large flat screen TV. The sophisticated décor and furnishings are predominantly olive green, with mostly white painted walls throughout the whole suite, which gives a balance to both rooms. There is a separate lounge and dining area that is accessed from the hall. The dining area has a wooden table and four chairs, adjacent to a writing desk, which has a broadband internet connection and a desk lamp. The lounge area contains a sofa and two comfortable chairs, with a low level coffee table. There is a second flat screen TV, which has an optional games console at an extra charge. There is also a minibar, hairdryer and iron / ironing board. The bathroom has a dark grey tiled floor and grey marble topped sink unit, with a mixture of grey and white tiled walls. It features a separate walk-in shower as well as a bath. All bathrooms provide towelling bathrobes for guests, as well as bathroom scales and slippers. These suites occupy a corner position in the hotel, affording guests an excellent view of the Royal Victoria Dock, The O2 and Canary Wharf.

Restaurants & Cafés

Number of Restaurants

Terra

Restaurant Type	Mediterranean
Restaurant Capacity	100 plus 40 for private dining in an adjoining room
Opening Times	Breakfast: 06:00 to 10:30 Mon to Fri 06:00 to 11:30 Sat/Sun & Bank Holidays Dinner: 17:30 to 22:30
Dress Codes	Casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	No Smoking Allowed
Children’s Facilities	Children's Menu High chairs available
Breakfast Options	Buffet

Cranley Comment

The Terra Restaurant is located on the ground floor at the side of the hotel and is accessed via the Isle Bar. A display cabinet and serving area that stretches the width of the restaurant, separates it from the bar area. It is a bright and airy restaurant, with floor to ceiling windows, which provide good natural light. It is decorated in warm red and orange colours, with a wooden floor that is part covered by carpet and it has wooden tables and padded wooden chairs. The menu selection is simple and features a range of mostly British dishes, with a hint of Mediterranean flavour. For children, ice creams come in themed cartoon cups. At the far end of the restaurant is a 40 seat private dining area.

Bars

Number of Bars

Isle Bar

Bar Type	Lounge
Bar Capacity	Total 105 (of which 80 inside and 25 outside)
Opening Times	11:00 to 01:00 11:00 to 23:00 for non residents
Dress Codes	Casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	No Smoking allowed inside. Designated smoking area outside with tables, chairs, parasols and heaters.
Admissions Policy	Children allowed when accompanied by adults

Cranley Comment

The Isle Bar is located on the ground floor, immediately to the left of the hotel entrance. The bar lounge area extends across to the corner of the building, where it meets the entrance to the Terra Restaurant. With floor to ceiling windows, it is very light and affords a good view across to the Royal VIctoria Dock. Décor is all warm reds and oranges, with a range of many different styles of modern furniture. Part carpeted, the Isle Bar also features a tiled floor area that can be used as a dance floor. The bar serving area is a feature in itself, as a rectangular continental style bar, that is accessible on all four sides. Snacks and light meals are served from the Isle Bar between 11:00 and 23:00, with soup, salads, sandwiches, burgers, pasta and curries all on the menu. An outside area with wooden tables and chairs is available for smokers.

Business & Event Facilities

Wireless Internet

Available on the ground floor and 1st floor only. It is chargeable and guests purchase a scratch card from the Front Desk.

In-Room Services

Chargeable broadband internet connection
Electrical sockets for laptop
Table lamp
Desk and chair

Business Centre

One PC with chargeable broadband internet connection
Secretarial services that are available at a charge include:
Printing
Copying
Faxing
Scanning
Typing

Meetings & Events

Crowne Plaza hotels meeting and conference facilities are branded 'Meeting Success'. At the Crowne Plaza London Docklands, there is a self contained conference floor with nine well-equipped rooms that can cater for anything from theatre style presentations for 275 people to meetings for just a dozen delegates. The hotel is licensed for both traditional and same-sex wedding ceremonies and can cater for receptions for up to 200 people.

Docklands Suite: 25m x 9.5m Theatre style:275 delegates Classroom:140 Boardroom:62 Reception:250 U Shape:62 Banquet:200
Victoria Suite: 8m x 7m Theatre:63 Classroom:24 Boardroom:27 Reception:50 U Shape:16 Banquet:30
Thames Suite: 7.5m x 7.5m Theatre:54 Classroom:24 Boardroom:23 Reception:50 U Shape:16 Banquet:30
Riverside Executive Boardroom: 7.5m x 7.5m Boardroom:16
Tower Suite: 7m x 7.5m Theatre:54 Classrom:24 Boardroom:23 Reception:50 U Shape:16 Banquet:30
Butlers Suite: 7.5m x 3.5m Theatre:20 Classroom:12 Boardroom:10 U Shape:10
Mulberry Suite: 7.5m x 3.5m Theatre:25 Classroom:14 Boardroom:14 U Shape:14
Manhattan Suite: 7.5m x 3.5m Theatre:25 Classroom:14 Boardroom:14 U Shape:14
Dining Room: 7m x 7m Theatre:54 Classroom:24 Boardroom:23 Reception:40 U Shape:20 Banquet:40

The Docklands Suite can be divided into two equal sized rooms - Docklands East and Docklands West, where the numbers accommodated for each type of event are roughly half those shown for the Docklands Suite. There is also an Upper Lounge area with seating, outside the meeting rooms, which may be used for break out sessions, or can hold 150 people for a reception.

All of the function rooms have wireless internet, ISDN and telecommunications technology. All are equipped with TV, video, flip chart, overhead projector, screen and white board. A range of other equipment, including LCD projectors is available for hire at a charge. Wireless internet is free of charge when a conference room is booked.

All catering options are possible, from a finger buffet to a banquet.

Cranley Comment

The entire 1st floor of the hotel is given over to meeting and function rooms, with a range of sizes available. The floor can be accessed by stairs from just inside the main hotel entrance and also by using the two lifts. The area has a reception desk, which doubles as a business centre for guests. Each of the very modern function rooms has identical décor, with a blue/grey carpet, blue chairs and wooden desks. All of them are bright, with white painted walls and have natural light. Each room is equipped with everything that's needed for meetings or presentations and since the hotel specialises in weddings, it is able to meet the catering requirements for any type of event.

Children’s Facilities & Clubs

Restaurant Facilities

See Restaurants

Babysitting service

A babysitting service is available on request at a charge. The service is provided by an outside agency and 24 hours notice is required.

Cranley Comment

Whilst the hotel accepts children and nine of the bedrooms will accommodate 2 adults and 2 children, this is primarily a business hotel, situated on the doorstep of the ExCel Exhibition Centre. There is a special children's menu and ice creams for children are served in themed cartoon cups. With a hot and cold buffet breakfast, there is also plenty of choice for children there. The swimming pool does have special sessions for children, who must be accompanied by an adult. It is a family friendly hotel, but most of the guests staying at the hotel, tend to be there on business.

Entertainment

Evening Activities

Cranley Comment

The hotel has no day time entertainment and at present, the only evening entertainment takes place on Fridays, when a live band performs in the Isle Bar.

Pools

Pool

Opening Times	06:00 to 22:00
Temperature	29 - 30 degrees celsius
Depths	1.20 metres
Size	14 metres long x 6 metres wide

Facilities	Changing rooms Showers & WCs Spa bath Steam Room Separate male and female saunas
Safety	No lifeguards on duty

Cranley Comment

The swimming pool is part of the Quad Club Health & Fitness at the hotel. It is situated on the ground floor, with its entrance next to the lifts and close to the Front Desk. The Quad Club Health & Fitness has a small reception desk just inside the entrance, with the pool itself straight ahead. For the changing rooms, guests take a staircase just past the reception desk, up to the 1st floor. The Steam Room is adjacent to the pool, whilst the separate saunas are situated in the changing rooms. The swimming pool has special times for children, which excludes early morning, lunchtime and late evening from Mon to Thu.

Sports & Gym

Gym & Health Club

Opening Times	06:00 to 22:00
Description	1 Leg Curl 1 Pectoral Machine 1 Chest Press 3 Step Machines 1 Pulldown 3 Running Machines 1 Leg Extension 1 Shoulder Press 3 Cycling Machines 2 Rowing Machines Bench and free weights 1 TV Water cooler Changing rooms Showers and WCs
Size	12 metres x 7 metres

Cranley Comment

The gym is part of the Quad Club Health & Fitness at the hotel and it is open to club members as well as hotel guests. It is situated on the ground floor, with its entrance next to the lifts and close to the Front Desk. The Quad Club Health & Fitness has a small reception desk just inside its entrance, with the gym directly opposite. The gym has floor to ceiling windows on one side and a mirrored wall at one end, making it a bright area. The changing rooms for the gym are shared with the pool and are on the 1st floor. Massages and a small range of other treatments, such as manicures, pedicures, waxing and facials are available at a charge.

Special Needs

Communal Areas

The hotel has its own car park at the rear of the building and the disabled parking spaces are those closest to the entrance. The whole of the ground floor is wheelchair accessible, both from the front and rear of the hotel. There are disabled toilets on the ground floor and 1st floor and every area of the hotel is accessible to mobility impaired guests via the lifts.

Rooms & Bathrooms

There are eleven adapted bedrooms in the hotel, all of which have larger entry doors and larger bathroom doors. Each bedroom interconnects with another standard room. The door handles for all bedrooms in the hotel are at low level and the modified bedrooms have low level light switches and an additional spy hole on the bedroom door. Each room is furnished with a queen size bed at a lower height and there is plenty of space for wheelchair access. The bathroom has grab rails and a sink at a lower level, as well as a run-in shower. There is also an emergency cord in the bathroom and a flashing light in the bedroom, for the benefit of hearing impaired guests.

Restaurants & Catering

Both the restaurant and the bar are on the ground floor and are readily accessible to mobility impaired guests. There are no special provisions for visually impaired guests in the form of large print menus. Special dietary requirements will be met on request, though advance notice is preferred.

Recreation Facilities

The hotel has no outdoor facilities, but The Quad Club Health & Fitness centre is on the ground floor and is wheelchair accessible, giving mobility impaired guests access to the gym, the swimming pool and the steam room. Whilst the main changing rooms are on the 1st floor, changing facilities for mobility impaired guests are on the ground floor. There are no special provisions for assisting disabled guests to get in or out of the pool.

Visual & Hearing Aids

The only facility currently, is a flashing light in the bedroom for hearing impaired guests, though vibrating alarms and induction loops are available on request for guests at the Front Desk.

Staff Assistance

The training for all staff includes dealing with Special Needs guests. In the event of an emergency, a staff member will be assigned to each guest occupying one of the adapted rooms. At the emergency exit on each floor, there is a Refuge Point designed specifically for mobility impaired guests, who would then receive assistance from staff.

Cranley Comment

As a modern hotel, Crowne Plaza London Docklands has been built with the requirements of Special Needs guests very much in mind. Every part of the hotel is wheelchair accessible and the adapted rooms meet the needs of mobility impaired guests very well indeed. The Refuge Points by the emergency exits on each floor are an excellent idea. At present, the hotel does not have any special provisions for guests with visual impairment, but hearing impaired guests have a flashing light in the adapted bedrooms and there is an induction loop at the Front Desk, where vibrating alarms may also be obtained.

Environment

Measures

Recycling
Energy Saving
Minimise Cleaning Materials
Environmental Audits
Water Saving

Cranley Comment

The hotel has various policies and procedures relating to reducing co2 emissions and the use of energy. There are timer switches on electrical appliances in public areas and the kitchen. The hotel uses Energy Saving light bulbs and switches off all electrical equipment when not in use. The kitchen operates full dishwasher loads only and ensures that fridge doors are kept closed. Hotel staff print on both sides of paper and recycle waste paper. Other materials that are recycled include: cardboard, lamps, kitchen oils, glass, newspapers, electrical equipment, cans, coat hangers and plastics. The hotel encourages guests to assist with water and energy saving and minimising cleaning, through notices in the bedrooms about the changing of towels. Environmental audits are done by the hotel's owning company BDL.

Crowne Plaza London Docklands, London, Report Details

20 March 2008 (First Review)

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