De Vere Venue Devonport House
King William Walk, Greenwich, London, England, SE10 9JW
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#61 of 80
expert-rated hotels in London- Recommended for:
- Business travellers, Culture vultures, First-time travellers, Mature travellers, Singles, Design and architecture, Great views / scenery, History, No fuss, Sightseeing
Expert review of De Vere Venue Devonport House
A handy base in the heart of Maritime Greenwich.
It's rare to find a hotel inside a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but that's the USP of the 94-room Devonport House, which sits amid the splendid ensemble of 17th-18th century naval buildings now known collectively as Maritime Greenwich. Although generally rated four-star, I'd say it's more like three-and-a-half - this is first and foremost a conference venue, with rooms and facilities that do their job but are neither super-stylish nor pampering. The location, though, is one in a million and you'll find many thoroughly rewarding attractions just a few steps from the hotel entrance.
Location:
Built in the 1920s-30s as a nurses' home, Devonport House is a handsome, four-storey red-brick block next door to several key sights including the National Maritime Museum and Queen's House. Tucked away on the east side is a small cemetery where Admiral Hardy (of 'Kiss Me, Hardy' fame) is buried. Walk south and you're straight into Greenwich Park with the Royal Observatory and terrific views back to London. Greenwich town is to the west, with its enjoyable market, theatre and boutique shops. Transport connections, including rail, DLR and river services, are excellent.
Bedrooms:
Decorated in a uniform style of pale lemon walls, blonde wooden furniture and blue curtains, the bedrooms have an executive feel - there are no robes or minibar but you do get a good-size work desk and tea/coffee facilities. Bathrooms are bright and white and there are some single and twin rooms available. Many look out through sash windows on to calm green lawns - I recommend asking for one facing north but not on the top floor (they are smaller).
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Public areas:
Reception is in a white block adjacent to Devonport House - outside there are 66 complimentary parking places available on a first come, first served basis. The lobby is bright and functional with a TV screening the news - go up the stairs and you'll find an Internet café with free computers and tea/coffee. Corridors are beige with a check-pattern blue carpet and arty black-and-white photos of Greenwich.
Eating and drinking:
In the heart of the building the unexciting ground floor Wharf Restaurant serves a comprehensive Full English buffet breakfast, a buffet lunch, and dinner with white tablecloths and a menu of staple dishes featuring soup, salmon, steaks and ice cream. Room service is available, and there is complimentary tea/coffee in the first floor Internet café. You can also order bar meals in the homely Admirals Bar, which has comfy sofas and an outdoor terrace with wooden chairs and tables. Alternatively, you'll find many more places to eat and drink in the neighbouring streets.
Leisure facilities:
None - but you are just minutes from the vast and uplifting space of Greenwich Park.
Service:
Par for the course - this is a busy hotel and the staff respond to requests efficiently.
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Who stays there:
Primarily guests attending conferences; the hotel also appeals to leisure travellers keen to explore Greenwich or who are catching a show at the O2 arena.
Price advice:
Rates include VAT. Breakfast is a Full English buffet at a very reasonable £7.50. Payment by credit card attracts a £2.50 surcharge. Parking and WiFi is complimentary. Keep an eye out for promotional offers.
Pros:
Inside a World Heritage Site
Free parking
Cons:
Primarily a conference venue
Institutional atmosphere
More information on De Vere Venue Devonport House:
- Price from:
- Type:
- Hotel
- Address:
- King William Walk, Greenwich, London, England, SE10 9JW
- Amenities:
- High-Speed Internet, Parking, Restaurant, Room Service
- Neighbourhood:
- Greenwich
