Originally Posted by NBSPGMEMBER

Lots of info here about this property, thanks everyone. Many positive reviews online as well for this mid-tier property in the outskirts of Central London.

I plan on staying here @CourtyardCityAirport for 6 days while doing some sightseeing with my spouse, using points seems to be reasonable. Properties in Central London are absurd in price or points. I’m not using 300k to stay at a Moxy! or 500-600k for a Sheraton or Marriott as nice as it might be. I don’t see extraordinary properties for these prices or points options compared to Paris or NYC. First time in London, the transit system Tube & LRT seems very VERY expensive, with lots of closure, service reduction, perhaps Uber or taxis would be better here. I’ve been to NYC dozen of times and this (London) seems like a pain in the a$$, the Paris Métro was simpler and cheaper as well.

I was warned by many that London is probably the most expensive city in the world, I tend to agree and I’m not even there yet.
Sorry for the transit and price rant, but looking forward to my trip regardless. This frugal Canadian will still make it to London!
The Brits probably think it’s dirt cheap visiting Canada or the US. Especially since a British Pound is almost worth a toonie (2$ Canadian).

Originally Posted by Nottingham Nick

Interesting thoughts about London and its issues. I am a Brit who makes several social trips to London each year, and I don't think you have to worry too much about issues with the transport system - it's far from perfect, but I find it generally reliable, and there are ways of keeping the price down by doing your research on the TFL website and traveling off peak.

Back to the topic of the Courtyard, we started to use it as our London base post Covid, after our previous favourite (Marriott in West India Quay / Canary Wharf.) became so eye-wateringly expensive.

It is a nice, clean hotel, with great staff who treat Bonvoy members very well, it is also VERY competitively priced compared to other London hotels.

But, and it is a big but - the two downsides to it both involves its location. Firstly, it is a bit of a trek on the DLR from Central London, and then quite a walk from the station to the hotel - especially if you have luggage. Secondly, there is very little of interest in its immediate vicinity within walking distance (except maybe the Thames Barrier), no decent supermarkets and very few restaurants. I would think that for an extended stay, the amount of time on public transport and walking to the hotel would become a real bind.

For our (paid) stays recently, we have moved to the Stratford International, which is an Autograph hotel right next to the Stratford International station and a stones throw from the huge Westfield Mall / Olympic Park complex. I don't know how it stacks up for redemptions, but the cash rates are often pretty reasonable (for a London hotel). They also treat Bonvoy members well.

Nick

Originally Posted by NBSPGMEMBER

Interesting take on things, I still have a couple of months; going in October 2026. I don’t leave anything to the last minute, so I also read that the Elizabeth line often has limited hours and service at night or on the weekend (ExCel area), unless you can comment otherwise. Stratford could be an option. Thank you for the recent update and pointers.