Firmdale - accommodation in Ilford

I can’t fault this hotel for the location - it’s the reason we have stayed here twice this year. But honestly, the whole hotel needs ripping out and starting again to bring it up to date. There are limited plugs in all rooms. None of them have any plugs near the bed. There are NO USB sockets anywhere. There is no aircon, and the air cooling system fails when it gets too hot. The showers are weak and badly positioned. There is (poor quality) handwash in the bathrooms, but no complimentary toiletries or basic vanity kits. There are, however, plenty of towels in each room and of a good size. The beds are comfortable. If you want to blow dry your hair, you can only see yourself in the dressing mirror if you’re over 6ft tall. The hotel is currently refurbing the lobby reception area, and the noise of works throughout the day is hugely disruptive in rooms, even 3 floors above. If you’re jet lagged or wanting a lie in, sleep is the last thing you’ll get. I also have security concerns as anyone can enter the hotel lifts and access any floor of the hotel, no room keys are required to operate them.

The hotel is very centrally located and in a great spot near a lot of shops, theatres, and restaurants. While the service leaves something to be desired, as you have to check in and get your own room keys on a self-service tablet that is not very customer-friendly, and they do not clean the rooms during your stay. If you want towels, you will have to ask the person in the lobby, and the trash does not get taken out. The room itself was fine, very minimal, but it was clean and had everything you might need. The issue is the toilet. The "room" with the toilet is encased in glass that is frosted. This does not leave any privacy from the rest of the room, and everything can be clearly heard from the toilet to the rest of the room. This hotel is great if you are looking for a fairly reasonably priced room that is centrally located and has the bare necessities and nothing else.

We had a good stay at the Park Plaza for 9 nights. The location is terrific, short walk to Uber Boat, Westminster tube and Waterloo train station. Great views of Big Ben and Parliment buildings. The room was comfortable and clean. Primo Bar, Ichi, and Illy Cafe all had great service and food. Disappointed with Brasserie Joel, food was over cooked and the staff were not friendly at all. They have "prawns" as an appetizer but they were more like salad shrimp. The filet was boring and chewy. This restaurant was not busy and I see why. The hotel is worth the money to stay there.