Originally Posted by landeej

Don't think you're missing out on that much. I was at this property last week in one of the suites, and while the extra closets and desk area/couch were useful places to deposit my kit, the nicest features of it were the espresso maker and the ability to contain my daily commuter mess outside my bedroom. Neither the chairs nor couch really lent themselves to being comfortable enough to work from.

Couple of additional thoughts and observations:

- Do ask for a higher floor, especially if your room is going to face the ExCel centre. The shades are either full-open or blackout-dark, as there is no mesh-diffuser to let light in but impair visibility from the outside. Disregard if you're a happy exhibitionist.

- There is a full English or Continental breakfast available upstairs at FEDE until ~1030. English was 15GBP, if I recall correctly. Really nice staff, but the chef makes some very runny scrambled eggs. Great beans & bacon, though.

- Platinums get free morning hot drink of choice from the grab&go in the lobby, and it's self-serve. My choice tended to be a cappuccino with 4 extra espresso shots in it. No delta in price, which was a welcome difference from any coffee chain.

- Don't underestimate the value of the 24-hour grab&go for nighttime snacks. They'll heat up any of the sandwiches and soups in minutes, so if you've been out for too many pints with colleagues and just need something in your stomach, it's better than waiting an hour for room service at a full-service property.

- Canary Wharf shuttles aren't branded, labeled, or even have placards on them. Look for the dark grey Mercedes vans. Sign up at the front desk to be sure they don't disappear without you, and call the hotel when you're ready to be picked up (until 2100 I think) with 15 minutes' notice. The shuttle will drop off and pick up either in front of the HSBC or Barclays buildings. Usually a 10-minute ride, and comfortable.

- Don't expect black cabs outside. If you've missed the shuttle or need to go somewhere the DLR+Tube won't easily get to, book a car with the front desk. It will be a nice luxurious executive sedan from LCY, but will take ~10 minutes to get to the aLoft. Cost to LCY from the hotel is 15GBP.

- If you're taking a cab to the hotel, make sure you know the route yourself. It's a fairly new property, and I'd had two drivers get lost in the parking lots while bringing me back at night.

- Night staff definitely trumps daytime staff in terms of both efficiency and courtesy. Daytime staff can't manage the queues of guests properly (much of which I blame on DYKWIA conference attendees) and the small desk lends itself to overhearing others' personal details.

Long story short, I'd stay here again if work brings me back to Canary Wharf. Close enough to be an easy ride, and affordable enough that my accounting folk don't yell at me. At the end of the day, it's a comfortable bed to come back to, and that's what matters to me.