What to look for in a business hotel

The Docklands area has been given a make-over in preparation for the 2012 Olympics, along with the rest of East London. Business travellers have very good reasons to stay at one of the many Dockland hotels. But how can you choose a good business hotel, and which are the best ones in the area?

The first thing that needs to be considered when choosing a business hotel is its location. If you have to attend to a meeting outside the hotel, how easily can you get to the venue? Is the location safe? Is there public transportation within walking distance? Does the hotel provide a shuttle service?

Secondly, you need to consider what corporate facilities does the hotel offer. This is especially true if you are organising a conference or a meeting at the hotel's premises. Does the hotel offer special rates to conference delegates? What can be said about the meeting rooms? The best business hotels offer meeting rooms with natural daylight. Meeting rooms in these hotels are dedicated rooms with no pillars or other objects that might block the attendees' view. Also, meeting rooms should ideally be located on the ground floor, in order to facilitate entry and exit with the maximum efficiency possible.

In-room amenities should include a safe, a spacious and well-lit work station, and complimentary Internet access. 

So, which are the best business hotels in the Docklands area?

Travelodge

The best budget option is Travelodge, with excellent offers and good a standard of facilities on offer, this is perhaps among the best budget option for a business hotel.

Hilton Canary Wharf and Hilton Docklands

These are leading business hotels, connected via a ferry shuttle and offering 24-hour business centres. Some of their facilities include couriers, a copy centre, as well as secretarial and translation services. A total of 34 fully-equipped meeting rooms are available and manned by a dedicated team. 

Both hotels are 15 minutes away from London City Airport, and offer easy access to the underground, the Docklands Light Railway and river water taxis.

Ramada Docklands

The Ramada is located just across the river from London City Airport, and 5 minutes away from the Excel Exhibition Centre. 

Usually, airport hotels are not the most pleasant from an aesthetic point of view. However, the Ramada Docklands is the exception to the rule, due to its architectural design and the views it affords over the Thames.

Staff at the Ramada are experts organising conferences. There are two spacious meeting rooms, equipped with the latest conferencing technology, and an ample lobby is located next to their meeting rooms, to facilitate registration and coffee breaks. Fork and finger buffet menus are available, as well as complimentary car parking.