The best hotels near Excel

This one’s for the post-convention pubbers: above the Fox bar, a boozer in an old Victorian-era tobacco warehouse, sited right outside the west entrance to the convention centre and the place to go for drinks after the exhibition ends. The loft-style apartments upstairs – full of exposed brick, wood beams, big red-painted steel ceiling supports, leather sofas and spiral staircases – have their own kitchens, so are also great for slightly longer stays.

A sexy, not-corporate boutique option, from the same group as the glitzy W hotels, with a swooshing mermaid-esque exterior and fresh, masculine decor in the rooms. Check-in is automated: you swipe your credit card to receive a key card, which also lets you into the gym and swanky modern pool with sauna and steam room. On the first three Thursdays of the month, emerging artists play live at the urban-looking W XYZ bar, and it’s the only hotel directly connected to the ExCel International Convention Centre.

A 124m luxury yacht moored at Royal Victoria Dock, right by the Excel Centre makes this the only yacht hotel in the city (though not the only floating one – The Good Hotel in Newham is another). The surprisingly spacious, bright rooms have a classic, grown-up decor, many of them with big french windows. There’s also an Elemis spa, which is, frankly, exactly what you’ll need after a day traipsing around a conference centre. The Lands End restaurant does a mean afternoon tea, with sea-themed cupcakes by Hummingbird Bakery.

The other part of the Fox mini-empire of ExCel bars, restaurants and rooms at the east entrance to the ExCel, this cosy hotel features 17 rooms in an old red-brick inn dating back to 1881, where Victoria Dock labourers used to congregate to be chosen for work. Now refurbished, the Grade II-listed building is a decent, well-located option (it’s also near City Airport). Homely rooms have a bright, light decor and there’s a large patio area (perfect for sunny pints) outside the downstairs bar.