Crowne Plaza London Docklands

This 2003 Occa Design project was where it all started! A new-build site in the heart of London Docklands at the start of the regeneration of the Docklands area.

Occa Design was appointed by Redefine BDl & Marcol Ltd to bring “central London out to the East End”, creating a stylish, buzzy hotel experience in an area where, at that time, there was nothing like it.  Striking contemporary architecture with riverside views, plus an upmarket hotel and conference experience would attract business users to the up and coming area.  The hotel would be designed as a 123 bedroom Holiday Inn with the addition of a pool and leisure offering, with the intention to convert to a Crowne Plaza as soon as possible thereafter.

Out team were heavily involved with IHG’s development of their ‘Academy’ conferencing concept and the first floor of the hotel was given over to this.  A buzzy, design-led bar area was built at Ground Floor level bringing vibrancy and a stylish sense of fun to the glass-fronted public spaces. An island bar, featuring a variety of mixologists created a social hub in the middle of the space.  Intimate seating booths offered privacy while bench seating to the glazing offered exquisite riverside views in an urban setting.

Concealed architectural lighting runs throughout the interiors, utilising subtle shadow gap details, bespoke seating, wall panels and ceiling coffers to create softly lit spaces.  At a time when colour lighting technology was making huge progress, lighting techniques created subtle shifts in atmosphere and ambience. Bespoke artwork, carpets and furniture created unique interiors which were as contemporary and stylish as they warm and inviting.

On completion of the rooms, IHG said the rooms perfectly summed up the future direction of the Holiday Inn room. Now overlooking the Millenium Dome and enjoying a somewhat less unobstructed view of the river, the hotel is very much part of the bustling Docklands area.

Love Crowne Plaza London Docklands?  See our Queensway Hospitality Holiday Inn Express projects here