Following on from the Olympic Games development of 2012, Stratford has undergone a major revamp in recent years. These days, it’s a hotspot for shopping, entertainment and, more recently, arts and culture, thanks to the opening of V&A East, Sadler’s Wells East and the ever-popular ABBA Voyage experience. We checked into The Stratford, London, and discovered a modern stay with an enviable F&B offering.
While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.
The Stratford, London review
Hotel snapshot
Hotel: The Stratford, London
Address: 20 International Way, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London E20 1FD
Neighbourhood: Stratford, East London
Number of rooms: 145
Brand: Autograph Collection by Marriott
Design: Scandinavian-inspired interiors by Space Copenhagen, with natural timber, pastel tones and elegant stone bathrooms
Wellness: 24-hour gym and wellness centre; no spa
Family amenities: Family rooms, complimentary cots and selected rooms with additional-bed options
Other facilities: Outdoor terrace, event spaces, 24-hour concierge, room service and dog-friendly accommodation
Best for: Shopping weekends, business trips, concerts, sporting events, families and exploring East London
Nearest stations: Stratford International (adjacent) and Stratford Underground (approximately seven minutes’ walk)
Prices starting from: £140 per night, depending on room and season.
Contemporary design in a convenient location
The hotel’s dramatic form is an eye-catching sight amid the neighbourhood
The Stratford makes a striking first impression, as it’s located in a SOM-designed contemporary cantilevered skyscraper that rises above the rest of the neighbourhood. Inside, the hotel’s interiors, designed by Space Copenhagen, balance Scandinavian simplicity with nods to the area’s Olympic history found in the artworks throughout.
Its location is another major draw: Westfield Stratford City is just across the way, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is on the doorstep, and the hotel is well placed for exploring this increasingly interesting corner of East London.
Dining worth staying in for
The interior at Kitchen E20 is stylish and minimal
What really impressed me during our stay was the high quality of the F&B options. At Kitchen E20 we enjoyed an exquisite meal that featured octopus carpaccio, cauliflower with harissa, and roast cod with orzo and seafood bisque. While we were stuffed, we managed to squeeze in a delightful Paris-Brest for dessert, and a selection of mocktails rounded out the evening. This is a restaurant that I would book again for a special occasion.
Served in the same space, breakfast is straightforward, with a small buffet selection of fresh fruit, yoghurt, cereals, bread, pastries and cheese. Filter coffee and tea are included, while barista-made coffee is available at an additional charge. A selection of a la carte offerings, including a full English breakfast, porridge and vegetarian shakshuka are also included.
For something completely different, Kokin is a wonderful option for either lunch or dinner. The Japanese restaurant serves fresh sushi alongside a selection of cooked dishes prepared over a charcoal fire. Our favourites were the sushi, okonomiyaki and agedashi – all worth ordering if you visit.
There’s also The Lounge, a flexible space that works as both a lobby area and a casual spot for meetings or getting some work done.
Spacious rooms with thoughtful touches
Guest rooms feature pared-back design with pops of colour
We stayed in an Executive King Room, which felt spacious and thoughtfully equipped. Two comfortable armchairs and a desk provided plenty of room to relax or work, while the television streamed content easily. A live plant, brick-red throw and views across Westfield added a little personality.
Practical touches were particularly well considered: there were plenty of power points, a magnetic bedside charger on one side of the bed, a coffee machine, kettle, tea and a minibar. The bathroom featured a walk-in shower, large bath sheets, and Jo Loves toiletries by Jo Malone in Pomelo.
A couple of small things could have raised the bar: a bottle for collecting water would have been handy, and we only had one robe.
What else is there?
We noted a few sports teams using the spacious gym while we were staying
The hotel has an impressive, 24-hour gym that offers a selection of cardio and weights equipment. It also has a great view of the neighbourhood and a dedicated space for yoga or stretching.
For business travellers, there are plenty of spaces that can be hired for meetings and events, including The Mezzanine that offers a bar, a fireplace, and loads of room for networking.
The Mezzanine
Sustainability is an important part of The Stratford’s approach to hospitality, with the hotel awarded Gold by Green Tourism in recognition of its efforts to reduce its environmental impact. Initiatives include LED lighting throughout the building, solar panels, water-saving flush limiters and measures to reduce single-use plastics. Across the hotel’s three sky terraces, there is space to grow herbs and other ingredients for its restaurants. And guests can even get involved by planting a seed at the hotel, which its gardeners will nurture.
Getting there and around
Petroc Sesti’s Anatomy of the Void sculpture is featured in the hotel’s courtyard
The Stratford is exceptionally well connected, making it a convenient base whether you’re travelling from elsewhere in London or arriving from further afield. Stratford International station is directly opposite the hotel, with high-speed services reaching St Pancras International in around six minutes. Stratford Underground station is approximately seven minutes’ walk away, with Central and Jubilee line services, as well as the Elizabeth Line, DLR, Overground and National Rail connections. From Stratford, Liverpool Street is around eight minutes by Elizabeth Line, while Canary Wharf is approximately 12 minutes by DLR.
For international visitors, London City Airport is particularly convenient, around 17 minutes away by DLR. Heathrow is approximately 40 minutes by Elizabeth Line, although journey times depend on connections and services.
Once at the hotel, much of Stratford is easy to explore on foot, from Westfield and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to the Olympic venues and East Village. For a change of scene, Hackney Wick is also close by, with its independent cafés, breweries, street art and creative spaces.
The final verdict
The Stratford is a comfortable and well-designed hotel with excellent transport connections and a dining scene that gives you plenty of reasons to stay. It works particularly well for shopping weekends, business trips, concerts and sporting events, as well as anyone wanting to discover a different side of the capital.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stratford a good area to stay in London?
Yes. Stratford is a particularly convenient choice for visitors interested in shopping, sport, entertainment and exploring East London. It has excellent transport connections into central London, a major shopping centre, green spaces and an increasingly vibrant food and cultural scene. It is less traditional than neighbourhoods such as Covent Garden or Mayfair, but offers a different perspective on the capital.
What is Stratford best known for?
Stratford is best known internationally as the home of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Today, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the London Stadium, London Aquatics Centre and Westfield Stratford City are among its main attractions. The area has also developed into a cultural and residential destination, with new restaurants, independent businesses and creative spaces.
How far is Stratford from central London?
Stratford is around 20–30 minutes from many central London destinations, depending on where you are travelling and which transport service you use. Liverpool Street is approximately eight minutes away by Elizabeth Line, while Bond Street takes around 16 minutes. St Pancras International is around six minutes away by high-speed train from Stratford International.
Is Stratford good for shopping?
Absolutely. Westfield Stratford City is one of Europe's largest urban shopping centres, with hundreds of shops, restaurants, cafés and entertainment options. It includes high-street favourites, department stores, fashion brands and a cinema, making it particularly convenient for a shopping weekend.
What are the best things to do in Stratford?
Start with Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, where you can explore the landscaped gardens, waterways and Olympic venues. Visit the London Stadium, take a swim at the London Aquatics Centre, or enjoy the shops and restaurants at Westfield. Take in an exhibition at V&A East, see a show at Saddler's Wells East, or join the crowds at ABBA Voyage. For something different, head towards Hackney Wick for independent cafés, saunas, street art, breweries and creative spaces.
How many days should you spend in Stratford?
One or two nights is ideal if you're visiting for shopping, a concert, a sporting event or a short East London break. Three nights gives you more time to explore Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Hackney Wick and neighbouring areas, while still making trips into central London straightforward.
Is Stratford a good base for sightseeing in London?
Yes, particularly if you value convenient public transport and don't mind staying outside the traditional tourist centre. The Elizabeth Line, Central and Jubilee lines, DLR and high-speed rail make it easy to reach many of London's main attractions. If your priority is walking between historic landmarks, however, a hotel in central London may be more convenient.
Is Stratford suitable for families?
Yes. Westfield offers plenty of family-friendly dining and entertainment, while Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park has playgrounds, open spaces and cycling routes. The London Aquatics Centre is another popular option. The Stratford hotel also offers family room options and complimentary cots, making it a practical choice for families.
What is the best time of year to visit Stratford?
Stratford is a year-round destination. Spring and summer are particularly appealing for enjoying Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, its gardens and outdoor spaces. Summer also brings a busy calendar of events and activities. Autumn and winter are good for shopping breaks, theatre and indoor attractions, although large events can make the area busier.
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