Holiday Inn Express London - Dartford by IHG

Hotels
Holiday Inn Express
8.1 (4291 reviews)
University Way, Dartford Bridge , Dartford , gb

Paid
Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
Heating
Family rooms
Pets allowed
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Helpful, friendly staff (multiple mentions, named 'Susan')
Convenient location for Dartford/Thames crossing
Good/bountiful breakfast with varied choices (many reviewers)
Comfortable rooms and beds reported by several guests
Perceived good value for the price paid
Air conditioning and adequate toiletries
On-site parking available
Reasonable evening/bar meal portions
Cons:
Paid parking (£12 overnight) noted as a drawback
Breakfast area small/chaotic and sometimes running out of items
Limited/sometimes basic breakfast menu (no fried eggs in one report)
Slow free WiFi reported
Some rooms dated and at least one report of an uncomfortable bed
At least one review reported poor cleanliness (dirty carpet)
Access can be challenging during evening rush hour

Categories

Cleanliness
6.4
Mixed reports: several guests described rooms as clean and comfortable, but at least one review noted a very dirty carpet and overall disappointing room cleanliness, so cleanliness is rated below average.
Service
9.3
Consistently praised: multiple reviews call staff very helpful, welcoming and exceptional (specific praise for 'Susan'); a single note mentioned unfriendly/professional issues, but overall service is a strong positive.
Location
8.8
Generally excellent for purpose: many reviewers highlight the convenient Dartford/Thames-crossing location and suitability for stopovers, though access can be challenging in evening rush hour and the hotel is near busy roads.
Room Quality
7.4
Mostly comfortable rooms and good sizes reported, with adequate shower rooms and toiletries; some guests noted dated rooms and at least one mentioned an uncomfortable bed, so room quality is slightly above average but not outstanding.
Amenities
7.8
Mixed: air conditioning and on-site parking are positives and toiletries are adequate; free WiFi reported but slow, and breakfast/food area is small—overall amenities are decent but have clear shortcomings.
Value for Money
8.6
Frequently noted as good value: multiple reviewers specifically mention value for money and the included/ample breakfast as a bonus; paid parking is a drawback but does not erase the sense of good value.
Food and Beverage
8.4
Breakfast is widely praised (plentiful choices, outstanding in several reviews) and evening meals described as reasonable, but some found the menu basic, chaotic service at breakfast, limited savory choices, or running out of items.
Overall Experience
8.1
Overall positive for short stays and stopovers with very good staff and location; however issues with breakfast service space, paid parking and some cleanliness/room-datedness temper the experience.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-08-11 19:22

Property Description

Convenient Location and Stunning Views
Holiday Inn Express London - Dartford is strategically situated near the M25 and boasts a picturesque backdrop of the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge. Some rooms even offer breathtaking views of the bridge, providing a unique and memorable stay.

Modern Amenities and Comfort
Each room at the hotel is equipped with essential modern conveniences such as air-conditioning, free WiFi, and USB ports. Guests can also enjoy the luxury of an en-suite with a power shower, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing experience during their stay.

Delicious Dining Options and Nearby Attractions
Start your day with a satisfying inclusive buffet breakfast and end it with a delicious evening meal at the Great Room dining area. Additionally, explore the nearby Lakeside and Bluewater shopping centres, perfect for a day of retail therapy. Dartford town centre is also within walking distance, offering further entertainment and dining options.

Book your stay at Holiday Inn Express London - Dartford for a memorable and convenient experience.

Important information:

If booking a Double Room with Sofa Bed and you require the hotel to set up the extra bed, please inform the hotel via the Special Requests box during the booking process. Please note, that the card used to make the reservation must be presented upon check-in and verified by pin. Please note that cash payments are not allowed. Pets are welcome at our hotel. An additional charge of GBP 30 per pet per stay applies. Pre-booking is essential. Please contact the hotel to check availability. Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply. Guests under the age of 18 can only check in with a parent or official guardian.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: LCY

Location

Guest Reviews

8.1
Based on 4291 reviews
Cleanliness: 6.4
Service: 9.3
Location: 8.8
Room Quality: 7.4
Amenities: 7.8
Value for Money: 8.6
Food and Beverage: 8.4
Overall Experience: 8.1
S
Stephen solo_traveller gb
8
Good stay in a convenient location
Pros:

Location was ideal for an early start to miss traffic through the Dartford Tunnel. Staff were very helpful and the rooms good size, clean and comfortable.

Cons:

The menu was a bit basic although the quality of the food was OK.

2026-08-08 via Nuitee
L
Lan couple gb
9
Value for money... excellent
Pros:

Great breakfast.. its a bonus for the price paid

2026-08-08 via Nuitee
M
Michael couple gb
8
2026-08-08 via Nuitee
D
Daniel solo_traveller us
9
Comfortable, the staff is exceptional.
Pros:

All. Very nice

2026-08-08 via Nuitee
D
David couple gb
1
2026-08-08 via Nuitee
S
Sean solo_traveller gb
8
2026-08-07 via Nuitee
D
Derek extended_group gb
7
Vary good
Pros:

It was good

Cons:

Better cooked

2026-08-07 via Nuitee
Łukasz solo_traveller pl
8
2026-08-06 via Nuitee
H
Helen couple gb
8
Dartford is was convenient and what we expected. no frills and easy to use. I will use it again.
Pros:

We did arrive just as the restaurant was closing but the staff were very obliging and made us a coupe of meals for which we were grateful.

Cons:

Breakfast was little chaotic - no fried eggs only scrambled and kept running out of things and not a lot of room in there to help yourself. And I don't enjoy paying for parking!

2026-08-06 via Nuitee
R
Ruvi couple gb
8
2026-08-06 via Nuitee
D
Duval solo_traveller fr
10
Pros:

L'emplacement, la literie , personnel gentll et disponible

Cons:

Parking payant pour les clients de l'hôtel

2026-08-06 via Nuitee
S
suzyqderek solo_traveller gb
7
2026-08-06 via Nuitee
M
Masako family_with_children gb
8
2026-08-05 via Nuitee
P
Priya family_with_children be
10
Perfect for a short overnight stay with the family!
Pros:

Firstly the front desk staff - especially Susan - very welcoming and made us feel at home! Amazing customer service skills. Was great to be welcomed in such a way.
Breakfast plentiful - unlimited tea/coffee/juices/water and also a good selection of English Breakfast options.
Also cereals and porridge was available as a healthier option.
There was also fresh plain yoghurt, mixed berries and a small selection of fresh fruit.

Cons:

Its a small area to grab your buffet breakfast where the warm food is available - I would suggest to move the hot drinks section to another location away from the warm food to allow more space.

2026-08-05 via Nuitee
N
Natalia solo_traveller gb
8
Pros:

Everything except staff wasn't too friendly/professional

Cons:

Staff

2026-08-04 via Nuitee
S
Sabrina family_with_children fr
1
2026-08-04 via Nuitee
M
Mark solo_traveller gb
8
2026-08-04 via Nuitee
E
Emma couple gb
8
Perfect location, perfect place for a stop over on our shopping trip
Pros:

We stayed at the rear of the hotel and it was lovely and quiet. It was clean, comfortable and had everything we needed.

2026-08-04 via Nuitee
B
Barbara solo_traveller ch
6
Pros:

Zimmer hat Aircondition

Cons:

Frühstücksbuffet lieblos, Frühstücksraum und Service hat noch viel Luft nach oben

2026-08-04 via Nuitee
A
Alessandra family_with_children it
8
Ok
Pros:

Personale molto gentile e disponibile, ottimo servizio bar, comodo il parcheggio

Cons:

Camere un po' datate, colazione con pochissime scelte non salate

2026-08-04 via Nuitee