YotelPAD London, Stratford Review

Introduction

YotelPAD is one of London’s newest hotels in the heart of Stratford City, having opened its doors in July, for those unfamiliar, Yotel is an established hotel chain with numerous locations across the UK and around the globe. The brand caters to travelers seeking efficiency and convenience: Yotel hotels are designed for those who are frequently on the move and in need of a quick, overnight stay. Meanwhile, YotelAIR properties are strategically located in airports for travellers requiring accommodation between flights or during layovers. YotelPAD, their latest venture, is tailored for guests who prefer to slow down and enjoy a more extended stay, typically ranging from four to eight nights.

YotelPAD London Stratford is ideally situated for both leisure and business travelers. Located just steps away from the vibrant Westfield Stratford City shopping centre, guests have easy access to an array of retail stores, dining options, and entertainment venues. The hotel is also within walking distance of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, perfect for those looking to enjoy a leisurely stroll or engage in outdoor activities. With excellent transport links nearby, including Stratford Station, which provides quick access to Central London and beyond.

I was invited for a gifted stay at YotelPAD to curate content and share my experience with my audience. However, I want to assure you that this review reflects my honest opinion. There was no screening or influence on the content of this post, allowing me to provide a genuine and unbiased account of my stay.

Parking

Unfortunately, there is no on-site parking available at YotelPAD London Stratford. However, the hotel is conveniently located near the Stratford Multi-Storey Car Park, providing easy access for those driving to the area. There are also a few smaller car parks nearby, so be sure to check for the best option. For my visit, I flew from Belfast International Airport (BFS) to London Stansted Airport (STN). From there, I took the National Express bus to the Westfield Stratford City Shopping Centre, which took about 40 to 50 minutes. Upon arrival, it was roughly a 15-minute walk to YotelPAD, making the journey relatively straightforward.

Arrival and Check-in

Check-in at YotelPAD London Stratford starts around 3 p.m., but it's always a good idea to double-check in advance. If you're fortunate, your room might even be ready an hour or two earlier. Once you arrive, you have the option to either use the self-check-in kiosks for a quick and easy process or speak to a receptionist on-site for a more personalised experience

Accommodation

I stayed in the Studio PAD Plus, which is the second-largest room among the four options at YOTELPAD. The room categories include the Queen Room, Studio PAD, Studio PAD Plus, and the top-tier Premium Studio PAD.

My room felt surprisingly large and spacious compared to other hotels I’ve stayed at. The full-length windows were a standout feature, allowing plenty of natural light to flood in. I had a view of the city street, looking out onto the main road and the buildings across. While the view was of the surrounding urban environment, it wasn’t unpleasant—just what you’d expect from a central location. If you’re lucky enough to get a higher floor, you can catch a glimpse of the London skyline in the distance, which adds a nice touch. My room was on the 5th floor, which I believe is the second-to-top floor, offering a decent view of the cityscape.

The air conditioning in my room worked perfectly, and the adjustable ambient lighting was fantastic, especially as evening approached. It was easy on the eyes and created a warm, inviting atmosphere, which I really appreciated. There were plenty of wall sockets throughout the room, including both USB-A and USB-C ports, making it convenient to charge all my devices. The room also featured handy reading lights, adding to the overall comfort and ambiance.

The kitchenette was well-equipped with everything you’d need to prepare your meals, making it ideal for longer stays. It included all the essential utensils and appliances, and the addition of an Nespresso machine with coffee capsules was a nice touch for keeping your caffeine levels in check. The only notable omission was a cooker, but aside from that, the kitchenette had everything you could reasonably expect for a comfortable and convenient stay. This was entirely fine with me as I didn't plan to cook, I ate out during my stay as there is an abundance of food choices nearby.

The room featured a double-door wardrobe that extended nearly from floor to ceiling. This tall wardrobe was both spacious and practical, offering ample room for all your outfits. Inside, it was well-lit, making it easy to see and access your clothing. Additionally, the wardrobe was stocked with essential items like a hairdryer, iron, ironing board, and a safe, ensuring that all your needs are met during your stay.

The room featured a comfortable lounging corner with a L shaped seating, which was a lovely addition. The seating was upholstered in a velvet-like material that complemented the bedding frame beautifully, creating a cohesive and stylish look. This corner was perfect for relaxing and added an extra touch of luxury to the space.

The bathroom was well-equipped with ample towels, toilet rolls, and a selection of toiletries for guests. It was notably clean and spacious, with a shower that boasted excellent water pressure and precise temperature control. The shower featured both a rainfall and a regular shower head, providing a versatile and enjoyable experience. Towels were offered to be changed each day too and a small clean of emptying rubbish.

YotelPAD offers exclusive Urban Jungle toiletries, which include shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand wash, and hand/body cream. The lighting in the bathroom was also well-designed, featuring both strip lighting and spotlights to create a pleasant environment.

The glass wall in the bathroom might raise concerns for some due to its transparency, but rest assured, it is not see-through and serves mainly an aesthetic purpose, maintaining privacy while adding a modern touch.

However, there were a few minor drawbacks. The YouTube app on the TV wasn’t working, and unfortunately, phone mirroring didn’t function either, so I ended up watching regular TV. Additionally, the WiFi could have been a bit faster. These were relatively small issues that can easily be fixed, and I mentioned them on my way out so they can be addressed for future guests.

For a longer stay, I would ideally want these features to be functional, as I primarily use YouTube for entertainment.

On to the bed, YotelPAD features their trademark SmartBED, a standout element of their brand. This innovative bed can recline and decline, transforming it from a traditional bed into an upright sofa mode or lying completely flat, maximising both space and utility.

I found the bed exceptionally comfortable—whether it’s because it’s new or simply the design, I slept remarkably well compared to other hotel beds I’ve experienced. There was no noticeable gap or imbalance when adjusting the bed to an upright position, and the firmness was just right—not too soft and perfectly aligned with my preferences. I would give this a 10/10, even better than the one I have at home. Noise throughout the night was very minimum too, very quiet and soundproof too.

Dinner and Other Facilities

Unfortunately, hot food is not available on-site at YotelPAD. However, for snacks and drinks, there is a convenient Grab & Go bar located at the reception. This area also includes a Brita water filter dispenser for easy refills. Everything at the Grab & Go bar operates on a cashless payment system.

For those interested in local beverages, the bar offers drinks from nearby producers such as Jim & Tonic and Forest Road Brewery. It’s a great option for guests looking to enjoy a refreshing alcoholic drink sourced from local establishments.

While YotelPAD does not have an on-site gym, there are several nearby fitness facilities available for guests. The hotel does offer an on-site laundry room for those who need it, although I didn’t use this service during my stay, so I can’t provide feedback on its quality or convenience.

Check-Out

Check-out time was at 11 a.m., which is quite reasonable, especially for early risers. If you prefer a later departure, I believe the staff would be accommodating if you request it. The team at YotelPAD is exceptionally friendly and helpful, so it’s worth asking if you need a bit more time, but don't go crazy, maybe an extra hour max.

Price and Score

Overall, my two-night stay at YotelPAD, which was gifted by the team, was excellent. I found it difficult to fault the hotel, as everything from the location to the space and features was top-notch. This particular property is hard to beat.

The price for my specific room generally ranges between £120 - £160, though there are more affordable room options available if you don’t require all the additional features. In my opinion, this represents a reasonable price point, possibly even slightly below average for the quality and facilities provided. Given the overall experience, I consider it a reasonable value.

As someone who values simplicity, I don’t require a lot of features in a hotel. My primary concern is the cleanliness of the location, which YOTELPAD definitely maintains. I understand that everyone has different needs and lifestyles, and it can be challenging to compare my preferences with those of someone who is constantly busy with calls and meetings. However, I try to assess whether a hotel is suitable for longer stays. In my opinion, YotelPAD offers most of the essential facilities needed for a comfortable extended visit, and I believe it would be quite suitable for two people staying for an extended period.

I would give this a rating of 4.5/5, I recommend YotelPAD, London Stratford.

Disclaimer* All images included in this review are original and captured by me, please do not repurpose without my permission.