Luxury Thames-Side Apartment Near ExCeL London – Breathtaking Views!
Luxury Thames-Side Apartment Near ExCeL London – Breathtaking Views! - A Chaotic, Honest Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to spill the tea on this "Luxury Thames-Side Apartment Near ExCeL London – Breathtaking Views!" – and honey, "breathtaking" is definitely the right word, though sometimes in a slightly "oh dear god, I need a cigarette after that climb" kind of way. Let's dive in, shall we? And forgive the mess, this review is gonna be as gloriously chaotic as my travel planning.
Metadata & SEO (Because, you know, gotta play the game):
- Keywords: London, ExCeL, Thames, Apartment, Luxury, Views, Accessibility, Spa, Fitness, Dining, Internet, Review, Travel, Accommodation, Staycation.
- Title: Luxury Thames-Side Apartment Near ExCeL London - Honest Review: Views to Die For (and Maybe a Few Stairs)
- Description: A brutally honest and detailed review of the Luxury Thames-Side Apartment near ExCeL London, covering accessibility, dining, spa, and everything in between. Expect unfiltered opinions, quirky observations, and a few rambling tangents.
The Essentials (aka, the Mundane Stuff God, I hate these lists…):
- Accessibility: Okay, let's be real. "Luxury" and "Accessibility" don't always play nice. While they mention facilities for disabled guests, I didn't see it specifically mentioned in my apartment, so I can't comment on how well the specific apartment is equipped for those with mobility issues. The elevators helped immensely, which I was REALLY thankful for because I'm a klutz and those views! Seriously, I was panting by the time I got to my front door. Consider contacting the hotel directly to ask about accessibility within the specific apartment.
- Internet: THANK GOD for the free Wi-Fi in all rooms! I’m a digital nomad, and if I can’t get online, I’m basically a grumpy, caffeine-deprived gremlin. It was generally solid, but there were a few moments where it cut out while uploading my travel vlog. Sigh.
- Cleanliness & Safety: Top marks here. They seem to take Covid seriously. They do daily disinfection in common areas, which is a relief. Hand sanitizer everywhere and I even saw them sanitizing the kitchen and tableware items, as well as some individual-wrapped food options. Though I'm also the kind of person who wipes down everything with antibacterial wipes, I'm glad they're doing their part.
- Services and Conveniences: Daily housekeeping? YES PLEASE. Especially when I'm a slob on holiday. Concierge? Super helpful, especially when my taxi driver got lost (London, people!). Luggage storage was a godsend, because, well, I pack like I'm fleeing a zombie apocalypse. Elevator was key (see accessibility above!).
The Good Stuff (or, the "Things That Made Me Go 'Ooh!"):
- The Views! Honestly, the photos don't do it justice. Waking up to the Thames glistening in the morning light? That's the stuff of dreams. I spent a good twenty minutes just staring out the window, completely mesmerized. Pure bliss. I had this great idea of setting up a laptop workspace next to the window, but I'd get distracted.
- The Spa/Pool: Okay, I'm not a "spa person," usually. Give me a good pub and a pint any day. But, the pool with a view was just amazing. I swear, I wasn't expecting much. It might be a bit cheeky of me to say but the sauna and steam room were so calming, I might actually become a spa convert. Though, let's see how long that lasts…
- The Breakfast in Room. Room service, even room-booked breakfast, is always a win. I had an Asian breakfast one morning and let me tell you, that's how to start the day right. The A la carte in the restaurant was also very good.
The "Meh" Moments (because, perfection is boring):
- The Gym/Fitness Centre: Look, I dragged myself there once. It was… fine. Basic equipment, the usual suspects. But honestly, the walk to the local park was more inspiring. But I'm a slob, so what do I know?
- The Noise: Surprisingly, it was really quiet, which really shocked me. Because I'm used to noise. Though, some noise from the road, but nothing major.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (aka, Fueling the Adventure):
- Restaurants: I was a bit disappointed. They seemed to be very limited, really. I didn't check out a lot of them, but I might change my mind the next time.
- Room Service: 24-hour room service? Yes, please! Especially after a long day of sightseeing. I may have ordered a midnight snack or two… or three…
- The Bottle of Water: They gave me a water bottle when I arrived, and they gave me another one with breakfast. Always a good touch!
- The Bar: Had a few drinks here. Nice selection, friendly staff.
- Coffee Shop: Never went but I should have.
The "Other Stuff" (aka, the Miscellaneous Ramblings):
- Non-smoking rooms: Massive plus, unless you're a smoker, I guess. But seriously, fresh air is golden.
- Staff: Super friendly and helpful, from the doorman to the housekeeping staff. They really made me feel welcome.
- Couple's room: The apartment itself could well be suitable for a couple though I was traveling alone. But I could see it working well for a romantic getaway.
Final Verdict (The Truth, Unfiltered):
Would I recommend this place? Absolutely, with a few caveats. For the view alone, it's worth it. It's a luxurious stay, clean, with great services. If you're after a perfectly flawless experience, maybe temper your expectations slightly. But if you're after a memorable stay with stunning views, a comfy bed, and a convenient location near ExCeL, go for it. Just be prepared to potentially navigate some stairs (or double check those accessibility details!), and embrace the occasional imperfection. Because, let's face it, that’s what makes life interesting. Oh, and bring your own snacks, because you'll be nibbling on something late at night!
Luxury 1-Bed Haven in Cockfosters: Skyvillion Near Alexandra Palace!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is Skyvillion, London, and me, trying not to drown in a sea of overpriced pints and existential dread. Here we go, raw and unfiltered:
Day 1: Arrival & the Thames Tango (aka, Me vs. London's Charm)
Morning (ish): Arrive at Skyvillion, Thames Apt, near Excelo2City Ap (Honestly, still trying to figure out this postcode maze. It's a city, not a goddamn Rubik's Cube!). The apartment… well, let's just say the photos were optimistic. There's a faint smell of stale tea and the ghost of past renters. But hey, it has a view, right? Of… a slightly murky Thames. Okay, I'll take it. Emotional Reaction: Initial wave of "Holy crap, I'm actually here!" followed by a creeping suspicion that I've accidentally booked a room in a slightly depressing submarine.
Afternoon: The Thames! Gotta see the Thames! Walk along the South Bank, dodging selfie sticks and screaming children. The London Eye… majestic, but also, like, full of sweaty tourists. I did feel a weird pang of sentimentality when I finally saw it, even with all the crowds. And then the wind almost blew me into the river. Anecdote: Almost fell into a tiny bit of trash, but a kindly old man with a tweed jacket helped me out. He said, "That's London, love. You just gotta keep your head up and your boots on the ground." Wise words, old dude. Wise words.
Evening: Pub time! Found a place called "The Drunken Duckling" – promising, right? Wrong. Overcrowded, overpriced pint (like, REALLY overpriced), and a dodgy karaoke situation happening in the corner. But, hey, I met a chatty bloke who was just thrilled to tell me about his garden gnomes. Quirky Observation: Apparently, garden gnomes are a serious business in certain circles. I think I need a drink. Emotional Reaction: Mild irritation coupled with a deep longing for a quiet night in with a takeaway and Netflix.
Night: I found a small shop and I bought a few snacks after feeling a little more comfortable, I went for my first "proper" London meal, I ate a kebab which was pretty good. I slept like a log, the Thames murmuring softly outside the window.
Day 2: Culture Shock & Culinary Chaos (aka, My stomach's worst nightmare)
Morning: A proper adventure - The Tower of London! I got so excited seeing the Crown Jewels, I was practically drooling on the glass. The ravens though.. they are the cutest things. Then, I got lost after leaving, and then I was getting late for lunch. Still not understanding the Tube, I took several wrong turns.
Afternoon: Lunch! Found a cute little cafe, and asked for the most British plate. Came out with a plate that seemed like it would kill anyone, full of things that I did not recognise, I felt my stomach turn upside down. Emotional Reaction: I'm a foodie, not a glutton, I was not prepared for the feast that the waiter gave me, but it did have a certain character.
Evening: Wandered into a market. Food stalls galore! I found a stall selling these crazy looking pies, and then something else that came out looking like a plate full of mush. It was okay. I tried getting a pint. It was cold, but felt good after my stomach's ordeal. Humorous Self-Deprecation: I am starting to realize my expectations vs reality is a bit too high.
Day 3: Museum Mayhem & Thames Reflections (aka, Finding the good in the bad)
Morning: British Museum! Attempted to absorb a thousand years of history while jostling with crowds again. The Rosetta Stone… fascinating, but also… why is it behind glass?! Rambling thought: I spent an hour trying to locate the damn thing, got frustrated and almost left. But then I actually saw it, and it was so beautiful! All the artifacts were beautiful. I loved it.
Afternoon: Decided I needed some nature after the museum hustle. Walked alongside a different part of the Thames, past some gorgeous, old-looking houses. Found a bench, sat, and just… breathed. Emotional Reaction: A genuine moment of peace. The river felt… profound.
Evening: Failed to get tickets to the musical I wanted to see, so I went to a small jazz club in a back alley. It was dark, smoky, and utterly perfect. The music was amazing, the whiskey flowed, and I felt… connected. Strong Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated joy. This is why I came. This is London.
Day 4: Departure & Existential Pondering (aka, Leaving with a Slightly Broken Heart)
Morning: Last breakfast. Sat by the Thames again, watching the water. Packed. Dragged my suitcase back to the station. Quirky Observation: The London Underground is a beast. A sweaty, crowded, confusing beast. Goodbye, London.
Afternoon: At the airport. Waiting. Thinking. Existential Rambling: Did I see enough? Did I experience enough? Did I overpay for everything? Probably. Would I come back? Absolutely. Even with the overpriced pints, the crowded museums, and the questionable cuisine, London… got to me. It's messy, it's frustrating, it's beautiful, and it's utterly unforgettable.
Evening: Goodbye London.
Luxury Thames-Side Apartment Near ExCeL London: The Unedited Truth (and FAQs!)
Okay, spill the beans. Is the view *really* breathtaking? Or is it just marketing fluff?
Okay, so, *breathtaking* is a strong word. Let's be real, I've seen some pretty average views in my time. Remember that tiny studio in Croydon? The view of the bin chute? Shudder. But this... this is different. First time I walked in, I actually *gasped*. Like, a little embarrassing, "Oh my god" gasp.
It's the bend in the Thames, right? You get this sweeping panorama. The o2, Canary Wharf twinkling in the distance… It’s seriously good. Now, is it breathtaking every *single* second? No. Sometimes it’s just, you know, a really nice view. But when the sun sets and paints the sky all fiery colours? Yeah, then it's breathtaking. I actually sat there, with a glass of wine, on my first night, and just… stared.
And that's saying something, because I'm usually glued to my phone. So, yeah. Breathtaking-adjacent, definitely. Consider me, sold.
How close to ExCeL really is "near"? I've walked long distances in heels... tell me the *truth* !
"Near" in property jargon is a *lie*, isn't it? It's like “luxury” - you never *really* know what you signing up for. But in this case, hold your horses. It's ridiculously close. Like, you could practically *roll* there. (Please don’t, though, unless you're feeling particularly theatrical.)
I mean, I've strolled it, I've power-walked it, I've even, on a particularly hungover morning after a conference, *staggered* it. It's a comfortable, leisurely walk. No heels? Easy peasy. Heels? Still manageable, but maybe take an extra five minutes to admire the view. Trust me, the view offers redemption after a tough day in stilettos . I would recommend it, if you use a taxi or a car service.
Seriously, It's actually a blessing for weary conference-goers. No need for a car. No endless tube rides. Just… a gentle, scenic stroll. I’m talking, a very short walk to ExCeL in heels is still pretty good, in my books. And those are *my* books, so.
Is it noisy? Because, you know, London. And water.
London noise. It can be a beast. I prepared myself for a cacophony of sirens, seagulls, and the general clamor of city life. But you know what? It's actually pretty peaceful. I was so surprised. The double glazing is a LIFESAVER.
Now, there's a faint hum of city noise. The distant rumble of traffic. The occasional boat horn (which, admittedly, I find kind of charming). But the water itself? Mostly serene. The lapping against the riverbank is almost… *calming*.
The only real noise complaint? The seagulls. Those dive-bombing, food-thieving, squawking maniacs. They are relentless. But you get used to it. Or, you know, you buy some earplugs. I keep them handy. Also, my cat is terrified of them. which is hilarious.
What's the kitchen like, really? Because a shiny kitchen is like…catnip to me.
Okay, the kitchen. This is where I might get a little... overwhelmed. It's gorgeous. Gleaming worktops, state-of-the-art appliances... It’s a proper chef’s kitchen, but even if you're like me, and your culinary skills peak at "microwaving ready meals", you'll still appreciate it.
The dishwasher is a game-changer. The oven, a work of art. The fridge, a cavernous space for wine and… well, wine, mostly. I actually *enjoy* making a cup of tea in that kitchen. (I still burn toast sometimes, though. You know, I'm only human.)
The only downside? I’m now tempted to cook *everything*. My bank account is not impressed. But seriously. Kitchen goals, achieved. Maybe just make a shopping list *before* you walk in.
Is there a gym? Because, let's be honest, I might actually *need* one after all the eating and drinking I plan on doing in London..
Oh, yes. There is a gym. I mean, there *has* to be a gym. It's a requirement of luxury living, isn't it? And a pretty good one, too. All the fancy machines, the free weights, the motivational posters with pictures of ridiculously toned people.
I tried the gym... once. Okay, twice. First time was to scope it out. Second time was to actually *attempt* a workout. Let’s just say, my enthusiasm outweighed my fitness level. There was a lot of puffing, groaning, and a near-miss with a treadmill.
But hey, the intention was there! And the gym's conveniently located. Maybe I'll try again. Eventually. After I've finished eating all those croissants from the local bakery. Baby steps, right? It's reassuring to know I *could* go for a run if I wanted to. And that's enough for me for now.
Are there any downsides? Because even paradise has a tiny, annoying mosquito, right?
Okay, time for brutal honesty. Nothing's perfect, not even a luxury apartment with a view. The mosquito, as you put it. Here's the things that bugged me a bit:
- Grocery Shopping: Decent supermarkets aren't exactly on the doorstep. You'll likely want to either order delivery, or be prepared for a walk. This isn't a massive problem, but it's not as convenient as a corner shop. Which is why I now use delivery.
- Getting Around: While the ExCeL access is amazing, you might find yourself a bit isolated for some other areas of London. You *are* a little out east. Public transport is good, but you might spend a little longer travelling.
- The Building's Personality (or lack thereof): It's a modern, sleek building. Which is usually a plus. But it does not exactly ooze character. It can feel a little… impersonal, sometimes. I have since remedied this with a lot of plants, so it is looking better.
- The Unexpected: Construction can happen. There was some on-site construction, which started a bit earlier than I'd hoped, one morning. It's London, so that's almost inevitable! Earplugs are your friends.
Now, are these dealbreakers? Absolutely not, not for me. The pros (the view, the kitchen, the peace and quiet) far outweigh the cons.Bali's BEST Private Pool Villa: Alyssum 4B ZN69A Awaits!
