Staycity Aparthotels Deptford Bridge Station

Opened in 2014, the Staycity Aparthotels sits on a busy road surrounded by a mix of old and modern shops, offices, and cafes. The hotel retained most of the original brick front of the Old Gin Brewery, while adding the chain's signature canary-yellow signage and side portraits of women that can be found throughout the property. The latter design continues inside where slate-gray tiles contrast the bright-yellow retro sofas and chairs around white circular tables. The only other common area is a back courtyard square with trees and wooden benches that provides a quiet outdoor space. Guests are a mix of business travelers, here for the quick journey to financial hub Canary Wharf, tourists on a budget, or students attending the nearby language school.

The hotel sits on a busy multi-lane road with Deptford Bridge Station across the street, in a neighborhood that has improved from its modest beginnings. Though far from Central London attractions (tube and bus journeys to Oxford Street, Westminster Abbey, and the West End are long), there's still a good deal within walking distance. The 15-minute Docklands Light Railway journey to financial Canary Wharf makes it ideal for business travelers and tourists can reach the Greenwich sights of the Cutty Sark, Royal Observatory, and Maritime Museum on foot in under 30 minutes, or quicker by bus. The charming Greenwich neighborhood and its market are a 10-minute walk away and The London Theatre- New Cross is seven minutes. The closest airport of London City is half an hour both by car and public transport, while the journey from Gatwick is twice that. Heathrow Airport is around 90 minutes by taxi or public transport.

Air-conditioned rooms come in the form of traditional hotel rooms, studios, and one-bedroom apartments. Decor is modern and attractive across the board, featuring light-wood furniture and floors, blue-gray accent walls, and dark-gray bed frames topped by caramel throws. Though they do not open, floor-to-ceiling windows let in plenty of light, and statement artwork of women's side portraits combined with an aerial city view sits above the beds. Rooms come with flat-screen TVs and tea- and coffee-making facilities, while apartment-style rooms add sleek kitchenettes with electric burners, microwaves, and plenty of pots and pans alongside crockery and cutlery. A step up from many self-catering rooms, all have a dishwasher, a fridge with freezer compartment, and toaster.

Standard Studios are tight, making it necessary that rooms have fold-away tables and foldable chairs for dining. Executive Studios are more spacious and add a few extras including Nespresso machines, iPod docks, and Blu-Ray DVD players. Bathrooms are compact but modern, with walk-in rainfall showers, large mirrors, and basic toiletries. Note that some rooms suffer from traffic noise.

As the Staycity is more akin to an apartment building, the typical hotel features of a restaurant and bar are not offered. The lobby does have vending machines with snacks, drinks, and even a variety of hot coffee beverages. The hotel also offers set menu vouchers for the nearby Guilford Arms pub. A spacious though minimally equipped gym is open 24 hours and has cardio machines and free weights. Coin-operated washers and dryers are available, as well as luggage lockers (at a fee). Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Off-site parking is available for a fee.