East London’s transformation over the past decade has been well documented, but the area around Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park still surprises people who haven’t been recently. The Stratford, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, sits at the heart of it. It’s a striking tower designed by SOM, winner of a RIBA Regional Award, with interiors curated by Space Copenhagen, and the kind of building that makes a statement from both the outside and the inside.
The Scandinavian influence runs through everything, from the 145 guestrooms and studios with their floor-to-ceiling windows and generous natural light, to the triple-height lobby that anchors the whole property. For planners, the hotel offers five contemporary meeting and event spaces accommodating groups from two to 150 guests. All rooms benefit from natural daylight via floor-to-ceiling windows and are equipped with 5G Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and digital projectors throughout. The standout space is The Mezzanine, which can host receptions for up to 150 guests or conferences for 80. Centred around a statement fireplace and featuring a balcony overlooking the lobby below, it works particularly well for high-profile meetings, hospitality events and private dinners that need atmosphere without feeling overly corporate. For groups that need more flexibility, the remaining spaces handle conferences, briefings, press events, workshops and networking receptions comfortably.
Food and drink is another strength. Kitchen E20, the hotel’s all-day restaurant, offers modern British dining in a light-filled triple-height space that works well for group meals and private hire. The Mezzanine bar provides a more atmospheric option for evening receptions, Terrace E20 adds seasonal outdoor space for informal gatherings, and The Lounge gives smaller groups a relaxed setting for drinks and networking.
The location is one of the hotel’s most distinctive selling points. The Stratford sits within walking distance of London Stadium, the Copper Box Arena, the London Aquatics Centre and Lee Valley VeloPark, making it a highly practical base for sports teams, federations, media and sponsors attending events in the area. The hotel’s 24-hour Technogym-equipped fitness centre and partnerships with nearby Olympic venues, including exclusive hire rates and guided tours, reinforce its credentials for performance-driven groups.
Connectivity is also very strong. Stratford station offers Underground, Overground, DLR and National Rail services, with Elizabeth line connections reaching Liverpool Street in under 10 minutes, the West End in 15 minutes and Heathrow in just over 40 minutes. King’s Cross is as little as seven minutes away and Bond Street Eurostar is 15 minutes, making it a genuinely efficient choice for both UK and international delegates.