The Novotel’s nondescript exterior looks like any other chain hotel, but the interior decor strikes a more stylish note. The bright, airy lobby has gray tile-effect walls, a mix of pale green carpet and handsome wood-paneled flooring, and contemporary wood fronted reception desk islands. Huge statement floor lamps, fresh flowers in tall white vases, and oversized blue pottery all help to balance the corporate feel, as do the more playfully decorated blue walls around the winding staircase. Smart hallways lead to spacious landings with lounge-style seating. The modern bar has wood-panel flooring, floor-to-ceiling windows, and stylish tub seating. The attractive, but busily, decorated restaurant leads with a naval theme, and there’s a pleasant paved outdoor terrace beside the Royal Victoria Dock.

The Novotel is located at the end of a one-way street and it's just short of a pedestrianized stretch that leads the remaining 350 yards (320 meters) to ExCeL London. There are other hotels, restaurants, and bars nearby. It’s a short walk to the subway, but central London attractions are a bit of a trek.

• Three-minute walk to ExCeL London convention center
• Five-minute walk to Emirates Air Line cable car terminal
• Six-minute walk to Royal Victoria DLR (subway) station
• 16-minute walk to Thames Barrier Park
• 17 minutes to London City Airport by public transportation (eight-minute drive)
• 19 minutes to O2 Arena by public transportation (13-minute drive)
• 34 minutes to Big Ben by public transportation (29-minute drive)
• 36 minutes to London Eye by public transportation (29-minute drive)
• 39 minutes to Oxford Street by public transportation (41-minute drive)
• 42 minutes to Buckingham Palace by public transportation (32-minute drive)
• 57 minutes to Gatwick Airport by car (72 minutes by public transportation)
• 66 minutes to Heathrow Airport by car (73 minutes by public transportation)

The 257 rooms sport the kind of modern decor that’s typical of corporate chain hotels. There’s gray carpet, white walls, and neutral curtains over large windows. Attractive pale-wood bed frames include built-in bedside tables and lamps, contemporary gray sofa beds, and pale-wood curved desks. Closet space is limited to small open wardrobes with hanging rods. 

Somewhat small bathrooms have cream floors and white wall tiling, attractive curved built-in sink vanities, and either built-in shower/tub combos or small shower stalls with power showerheads (some rooms have both a tub and separate shower). Separate water closets add privacy. Hairdryers and free miniature toiletries are provided. 

Amenities include 32-inch flat-screen cable TVs, phones, free Wi-Fi, safes, mini-fridges (these are advertised as minibars, but only contain still and sparkling water), coffee- and tea-making facilities, irons, and ironing boards. Executive Rooms and Suites add Nespresso coffeemakers, Bose iPod docks, bathrobes, slippers, and free local phone calls. Suites have separate living rooms. Superior Rooms sleep up to two adults and two children, and connecting rooms are available. Note that some front-facing rooms are affected by noise from the nearby airport. Most rooms have pleasant views of the river docks.

The Novotel’s solid range of facilities starts with a modern gym, fully equipped with free weights and Technogym cardio and weightlifting machines. The room is small, but the equipment is new and cardio machines have individual TV screens. There's also a sauna and a steam room -- a bonus at this price point. The breakfast buffet offers a good variety but costs extra (two kids eat free with parents). The Upper Deck restaurant serves all-day brasserie style meals until late evening, and the bar is open until the wee hours. Room service is available 24 hours. Guests get free newspapers. There’s free Wi-Fi throughout and free Apple Macs are available in the lobby. Pets are allowed for a fee. There’s secure underground parking, which costs extra. Thirteen contemporary meeting rooms can accommodate up to 90 people.