The Stratford, Autograph Collection

The Stratford, Autograph Collection, a Michelin Key Selected property in London, consistently garners high praise for its sophisticated design, exceptional service, and prime East London location. Guests frequently highlight its modern ambiance and excellent transport links, making it a popular choice for both leisure and business travelers.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The Stratford generally receives an "Excellent" to "Exceptional" rating from guests. The Michelin Guide gives it a "Guest Score & Reviews" of 19.1 out of 20, with high marks for cleanliness (19.3), rooms (19.2), and overall experience (19.1). Other platforms like Booking.com show an average rating of 8.8 out of 10, with many reviews describing stays as "wonderful" and "stellar." The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many guests considering it their preferred hotel in London.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several aspects of The Stratford. Its modern design, inspired by New York loft-style living and Scandinavian clarity, creates an inviting atmosphere. The hotel is lauded for its friendly and attentive staff, who often go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. Its location next to Stratford International Station provides unparalleled accessibility to central London and local attractions. Additionally, the hotel's amenities, including a well-equipped gym, complimentary Wi-Fi, and diverse dining options, are frequently cited as key highlights. The stylish communal spaces, particularly the triple-height lobby, also contribute to its appealing ambiance.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at The Stratford are described as comfortable, clean, and spacious, featuring modernist-inspired furniture by Space Copenhagen. They boast large windows that provide ample natural light, with some offering city views. Guests often commend the luxurious Jo Malone shower gel provided in the bathrooms and the exceptionally comfortable beds. Standard amenities include a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a coffee machine, a desk, a mini-bar, air conditioning, and a private bathroom with a shower and hairdryer. Soundproofed rooms contribute to a quiet stay. For longer visits, the expansive Manhattan Studio offers a separate lounge area, resembling a luxury apartment. However, some guests have noted issues with insufficient lighting in certain rooms and inconsistent shower pressure.

4. Dining Experience

The Stratford offers a compelling culinary journey with several distinct options:

• Kitchen E20: This all-day neighborhood restaurant serves a seasonal modern British menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests have praised the "awesome breakfast" and the overall quality of the food.
• Kokin: A notable addition to the hotel's offerings is Kokin, a Japanese restaurant on the 7th floor, led by Chef Daisuke Shimoyama, who has a background in Michelin-starred kitchens. This restaurant is described as a standout experience with elemental dishes kissed by open flame and presented with theatricality.
• The Lounge: Provides a relaxed setting by the fireplace for drinks and light bites.
• The Mezzanine: A world-class cocktail bar featuring DJs and live music on weekends, offering contemporary twists on classic cocktails. Room service is also available. It's important to note that complimentary breakfast is not typically included, and paying for it separately can be expensive.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at The Stratford consistently receive glowing reviews. Guests describe them as friendly, helpful, attentive, polite, and professional. Many accounts highlight staff members going "above and beyond" and providing "stellar" service, particularly in the restaurants. One guest specifically mentioned a waitress named Simone as a "custodian of what good service should be at a 5-star hotel." While generally excellent, there was an isolated instance where early check-in was not accommodated efficiently, leading to a minor complaint about front desk consistency.

6. Location & Accessibility

Situated adjacent to Stratford International rail station, The Stratford boasts exceptional transport links, making it a highly convenient base for exploring London. It offers quick access to central London via the DLR, Jubilee, Central lines, and the Elizabeth line, with a high-speed train connecting to St Pancras International in just six minutes. The hotel overlooks Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and is just a short walk from major attractions like Westfield Stratford City (3 minutes), the Olympic Park (4 minutes), London Stadium (10 minutes), and the ABBA Arena. The neighborhood is described as up-and-coming and vibrant, yet the hotel sits on a quieter edge of the Westfield complex, avoiding excessive congestion. For those traveling by car, parking is available nearby, though at a cost. The hotel is also designed with accessibility in mind, offering wheelchair-accessible facilities, including the registration desk, fitness center, and restaurant.

7. Value & Pricing

The Stratford, Autograph Collection, is generally considered to offer good value for money, especially when compared to hotels of a similar standard in more central London locations. Room rates can vary, with prices ranging from approximately £37 to £694 depending on the room type, booking platform, and time of year. For instance, standard rooms might be found around £140-£200, or $175-$232 nightly. Many guests feel that the quality of the hotel, its amenities, and its convenient location justify the cost. However, some guests have noted that paying for breakfast on the day can be quite expensive if it's not included in the booking.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring issues and criticisms have been noted by guests:

• Bathroom Issues: Occasional complaints about inconsistent shower pressure or "bad showers" have been reported.
• Lighting: Some rooms were found to have insufficient lighting, making them "a little bit too dark," particularly at night.
• Breakfast Cost and Portions: If not included in the room rate, breakfast can be expensive, and some guests have described the portions as "measly" for items like eggs on toast.
• Service Charge: A 12.5% service charge at the bar was mentioned as a minor gripe by one guest.
• Elevator Speed/Darkness: One review mentioned slow and dark elevators.
• Views: While some rooms offer city views, others might overlook train tracks and loading bays, as the hotel is not on the highest floors of the building.

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