The Stratford Hotel London: Boutique Luxury Near ABBA Voyage

Looking for a place to stay that puts you within easy reach of ABBA Voyage while offering the refined comfort of an Autograph Collection property? The Stratford Hotel in London combines boutique luxury with one of the best-connected locations in East London — just six minutes by high-speed rail from King’s Cross and a short walk from the Olympic Park where the ABBA Arena sits. This article draws on verified data from the hotel’s official site, transport authorities, and independent reviews to help you decide if it is the right base for your trip.

Last checked: 2026-06-24

Property Name: The Stratford, Autograph Collection · Location: East London, Stratford · Number of Rooms: 145 · Wi-Fi Speed: 10 GB · Nearest Major Station: Stratford (6 min to Kings Cross) · Distance to Olympic Stadium: 1.4 miles

Key facts

What is the Stratford Hotel in London?

The Stratford is a 145-room luxury boutique hotel that opened in May 2019 within the Manhattan Loft Gardens development, a mixed-use tower that also houses loft apartments and restaurants (Sleeper Magazine). It became part of Marriott Bonvoy’s Autograph Collection in late 2024, joining a portfolio of independently styled properties that emphasize design and local character (Head for Points). The hotel’s website describes it as offering “world‑class hospitality” with a design-led experience, and its official copy highlights “the glamour and spirit of New York’s legendary long-stay hotels” (The Stratford – Hotel overview; ABBA Voyage).

Rooms are described by online travel agencies as clean, elegant, and comfortable, with attractive bathrooms (Hotels.com). Guest reviews frequently mention the lobby and public areas as well-designed, reinforcing the hotel’s positioning as a design-forward property. The property also markets long-stay options for guests who prefer an apartment-like setup, in line with the Manhattan Loft Gardens concept.

Is Stratford a good area to stay in London?

Stratford has undergone significant regeneration since the 2012 Olympics and is now one of East London’s most connected neighbourhoods. Transport for London identifies Stratford as a major hub served by the Central and Jubilee underground lines, the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), London Overground, National Rail, and numerous bus routes (Transport for London). The area is generally considered safe and vibrant, anchored by Westfield Stratford City shopping centre and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

For visitors, the main draw is the concentration of attractions and transport links: the Olympic Park offers walking and cycling paths, the London Stadium (home of West Ham United), the London Aquatics Centre, and the ArcelorMittal Orbit. The ABBA Arena sits within the park, about 1.4 miles from The Stratford — a 30-minute walk or a short taxi/bus ride. The area also has a growing dining and nightlife scene, particularly around the Olympic Park’s new neighbourhoods and the Hackney Wick canal-side bars.

The pattern: Stratford offers a practical trade-off: you lose the historic charm of central London but gain fast transport, modern amenities, and direct access to a major entertainment district.

How far is the Stratford Hotel from ABBA Voyage?

The hotel is approximately 1.4 miles from the ABBA Arena (Olympic Stadium). According to the hotel’s location page, the nearest station — Stratford International — is adjacent to the property, and Stratford Underground station is about a 7-minute walk away (The Stratford – Our Location). From Stratford station, ABBA Voyage’s travel guidance recommends taking the Jubilee line to Stratford station and then walking or using the DLR to reach the arena (ABBA Voyage – Plan your visit). Walking is straightforward along well-lit pedestrian routes through the Olympic Park; user reports on London travel forums confirm a roughly 10–15 minute walk from Stratford station to the arena, making the total journey from the hotel about 15–20 minutes on foot (London Travel Tips Facebook group).

“Located at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London, the arena is purpose-built for ABBA’s never before-seen concert.”

ABBA Voyage official site, via The Stratford’s ABBA Voyage page

For guests who prefer not to walk, a taxi from the hotel to the arena takes about 5–10 minutes, and buses also serve the area. The hotel’s own ABBA Voyage page emphasises the convenience of its location, noting that guests can “walk or take a short taxi ride” to the show (The Stratford – ABBA Voyage).

Where to stay for an ABBA Voyage in London?

The Stratford is one of the closest upscale hotels to ABBA Arena, but it is not the only option. Expedia lists The Stratford, Roomzzz London Stratford, and Aparthotel Adagio London Stratford among the nearest hotels to the venue (Expedia – Hotels near ABBA Arena). The comparison table below gives a quick overview.

Pros and cons of The Stratford

Pricing band

Exact nightly rates for The Stratford vary by season and booking channel, and we did not independently verify specific prices. However, based on its classification as an Autograph Collection luxury boutique hotel in a prime London location, travellers should expect rates in the upper‑mid to premium range for the area. Roomzzz and Adagio generally offer lower per‑night costs, particularly for extended stays.

Location and getting there

The Stratford sits at 20 International Way, E20 1FD, adjacent to Stratford International station. From the hotel, you can reach:

• Stratford Underground (Jubilee, Central, DLR) – 7 minutes on foot
• King’s Cross / St Pancras – 6 minutes via high-speed rail
• London City Airport – about 17 minutes by road (Travel Weekly)
• Westfield Stratford City – 5–10 minutes’ walk

The Manhattan Loft Gardens site notes that the hotel offers views of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and fast connections to central London (Manhattan Loft Gardens).

Alternatives to The Stratford

For travellers who want other options in Stratford, Roomzzz London Stratford and Aparthotel Adagio London Stratford both offer self-catering accommodation at lower price points. Outside Stratford, central London hotels near Jubilee line stations (e.g., Canary Wharf, Green Park) also provide good access to ABBA Arena, though with longer travel times. The Expedia list of ABBA Arena hotels includes several more options in the wider area.

Sample itinerary: An ABBA Voyage weekend

Here is a one‑day plan that makes the most of The Stratford’s location:

• Morning: Arrive at St Pancras, take the 6‑minute train to Stratford International. Check in at The Stratford (rooms available from 15:00; luggage can be stored).
• Afternoon: Explore Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, visit the ArcelorMittal Orbit, or walk to Westfield Stratford City for lunch and shopping.
• Late afternoon: Return to the hotel to freshen up.
• Evening: Walk or take a short taxi to ABBA Arena (allow 7:30 pm for the show). Post‑concert, the short walk back to the hotel avoids congested transport.

Sources cited

1. ABBA Voyage – Where to stay: The Stratford
2. The Stratford – Our Location
3. The Stratford – Hotel overview
4. The Stratford – ABBA Voyage page
5. Manhattan Loft Gardens – The Stratford
6. ABBA Voyage – Plan Your Visit
7. Transport for London – Stratford hub
8. Sleeper Magazine – The Stratford opening
9. Head for Points – Review of The Stratford
10. Hotels.com – The Stratford, Autograph Collection
11. Expedia – Hotels near ABBA Arena
12. Travel Weekly – The Stratford listing

Frequently Asked Questions