Novotel London Canary Wharf : super top stay and a big rejuvenation to the Novotel br

100   Recommended
March 11, 2017 by

 Map | 9 Reviews | 78% Recommended
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Novotel London Canary Wharf
 Map | 9 Reviews | 78% Recommended

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This hotel was long awaited in the business district of Canary Wharf and its opening has been delayed several times. I wanted to stay there last december, but opening was delayed. It was reported in our favourite forum in february that the hotel finally opened. I had to go to London for a business trip to Canary Wharf and I was originally supposed to come back in the evening, but in the morning, I learned that I had to change plans and overnight in London. So I thought this was a good occasion to try the new Novotel. (they opened mid-february) I was already a-on-board my flight to LHR and I tried to book through the I-phone Accor app. It was impossible to log-in and so tried to book on the desktop site. It was very buggy and finally managed to complete the booking after many efforts just before I had to disconnect all electronc devices. I have to say I was worrying that the booking didn’t go through, but it turned out OK. Hmm Accor IT… ;-)

Check In

I checked-in before my meeting around 12. The lobby is not very big but very modern and warm. I was clearly expected by the staff. I have to say, apart my beloved Sofitel Angkor in Cambodia, I have never been as nicely welcomed in a hotel. Staff is young (in their 30’s) of course British but with many French people and from other countries. So I was constantly switching from English to French and vice-versa and that was really nice, all  in a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere. This is one of the rare hotel where the slogan « Feel welcome » means really something (I was feeling like staying with family & friends). Check-in was done with i-pad and not behind a traditional counter. I was immediately welcomed as a Platinum member as soon as I gave my name. I had booked a Superior room and I was told I was upgraded to the upper category (I forgot the name). Drink voucher was given and Club lounge access was granted.

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A lady in charge of guests relations showed up and asked me if I have time to have a quick introduction and presentation of the hotel. Guess what my answer was ;-)

It was obvious that all the staff was very proud and happy to work here. The hotel is still in soft opening mode (approx half of the floors are open)

There is a club lounge on the 1st floor. At the moment, you can have simple breakfast there (cereals, bread, juice, coffee), and soft drinks all day long. There will be free evening cocktails in this lounge in about a month from now (until that, you can have free cocktails in the main bar on the 39th floor from 6 to 8 pm). Unfortunately, I missed that, as my nearby meeting ended too late. This lounge is more than welcome as this is way too rare in Europe. She explained me about the bar & restaurants and then escorted me to my room on the 26th floor.

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Room

The room and bathroom were very nice, far from the cold typical Novotel design that I dislike more and more. And the view on downtown London was stunning. Very comfy bed.

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You can take your shower with the London view. And if you want privacy, you just press a button and in one second it’s done !!

Before:

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After:

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Club lounge & meeting rooms

Club lounge

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The meeting rooms are also of a very special style, very different from what you usually see in other hotels. I have to say I like it (warm atmosphere).

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Dining

On the top floors there are a bar, terrace and restaurant with stunning views as well. I asked the staff to book me a table for dinner for me and my colleagues (who were staying in another nearby hotel). I was told that it would have to be confrmed as it was very busy. I told them kindly that I rely on them to find me a table which they did ;-)

The restaurant was indeed full  (as well as the bar) and we had a great meal with a wonderful view. I was impressed, as the hotel was only opened for 2 weeks when I was there.  I used my drink voucher at the bar after the dinner. I asked the waiter what can I have with the voucher. She said she will ask and she came back saying «  I asked my manager and he said you can have whatever you want from the drink menu ». Super. I opted for a glass of Champagne rosé which was kindly bring. TBH, I don't think this will be the regular treatment in the future (I think they have just been super nice with me for whatever reason)

The restaurant

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The bar

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Suites

After a good night, I took a rapid BF at the lounge and had a nice discussion with my guest relations persons who took care of me the day before and we talked a lot about the hotel and LCAH. She introduced me to her boss and also later on to the GM whom we met in the lift. I asked her whether it would be possible to see the suites and she was happy to show 2 suites to me (which are still not sold yet at they are on floors where construction is still going on). You can see, they are lovely, especially the 2nd one (the 1st one is on a low floor and so is lacking a nice view, but the room itself is nice).

1st suite

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2nd suite (higher category than the previous one)

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Overall

Overall, an excellent stay. I am not a big fan anymore of the Novotel brand because I feel « cold » , but I loved this one and let’s hope it will be  model for the future ones. A long awaited Accor presence in canary Wharf.  And if you don’t stay there (or live in London), you can also just go to the bar and restaurant. You won’t regret it.

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