First up is the InterContinental London – The O2. Yes, it’s attached to the dome itself—literally steps from the arena doors. You can practically hear the encore from your room, which is either a dream or a nightmare depending on how much you liked the band. Pro tip: book a room with an arena view, because watching the crowd pour out while you sip a £15 glass of wine is a weirdly satisfying power move.
It’s pricey. Like, “I could’ve bought four more concert tickets” pricey. But if you’re celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or just surviving another work week, this is the spot. The beds are cloud-like, the spa is legit, and the bar stays open late enough for you to debrief with friends about that guitar solo. Just don’t look at your bank statement the next morning—ignorance is bliss, right?
The Budget-Friendly Hero: Holiday Inn Express
Let’s talk about the Holiday Inn Express London – Greenwich, because your wallet deserves love too. It’s a short walk from the arena—about ten minutes if you’re not dragging a tipsy friend—and it’s consistently clean, simple, and reliable. No surprises. You get a free breakfast, which is basically a lifesaver when you’ve stumbled in at 1 AM and need to function the next day.
The rooms aren’t going to win any design awards (think: beige and functional), but they have Wi-Fi, a kettle, and a bed that doesn’t squeak. That’s really all you need after standing for three hours. Side note: the breakfast sausages are surprisingly decent—don’t judge, it’s the little things.
