Aparthotel Adagio London Stratford

The shared living space in the lobby has a large kitchen and plenty of seating designed for working, dining and socialising

BACKGROUND

Adagio is a joint venture between Accor and the Pierre and Vacances Center Parcs group. Open since April for essential stays and May to all, this is the brand’s sixth UK property. A London Sutton property is due to open in July 2021.

WHAT’S IT LIKE?

The four-star aparthotel is set in the former London Olympics Athletes Village. Now called East Village, the area is home to more than 2,000 apartments, numerous independent food and drink outlets, and hotels including the Stratford and, opening next March, the Gantry London, Curio Collection by Hilton.

The 16-floor new-build’s design incorporates geometric shapes in teal, pink, grey and blue, and contemporary elements that draw inspiration from Stratford’s industrial heritage. Check-in was quick and at check-out you can simply drop your key in a box. To the right of reception is the Circle, a shared living space with a large kitchen, table football and plenty of seating areas designed for working, dining and chatting with fellow guests. Weekly socials take place here. There’s also a “library of objects” from which you can borrow the likes of plants and games for your stay. The hotel has laundry facilities and a car park.

WHERE IS IT?

On Celebration Avenue, just down the road from Westfield Stratford City shopping centre. It’s a two-minute walk to both the DLR, for easy access to London City airport, and Stratford International, which runs six-minute trains to St Pancras International. Stratford station is an eight-minute walk away for the Underground and Overground.

ROOMS

The 136 units are a mix of 26 sqm studios (double or twin bed, on floors one to 11) and 35 sqm one-bedroom apartments for up to four people (levels 12-16). In the studios, the double bed converts into a sofa, giving you more space to work. All have a kitchen with a dishwasher and

Nespresso machine, a table for dining or working, free wifi, a TV that you can pair your devices with, and Keiji bath amenities.

My 14th-floor one-bedroom apartment had a living room with a sofa bed and a dining table for four. There was a safe, plenty of plug sockets and USB points, and blackout curtains. Large glass windows offered views of the Shard and the City in the distance. I had a peaceful night’s sleep.

FOOD AND DRINK

While the apartments are self-catering, you can use the shared kitchen in the lobby area to prepare meals, or purchase snacks and drinks at the small shop next to reception. There’s a Sainsbury’s next door. The hotel intends to offer a buffet breakfast from July (when I stayed in early May I could order a grab-and-go breakfast).

MEETINGS

None.

LEISURE

There’s a small gym, or go for a run in nearby Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

VERDICT

A very well-connected aparthotel in a rejuvenated area of

East London that continues to see new developments crop up. The apartments are comfortable, the Circle is an inviting place to work, and staff are friendly and approachable. It’s close to London City airport and easy to get into central London. Hannah Brandler