We stayed at the Citystay for the first weekend of the paralympics.. Now it was a choice of £250 per night at another hotel or £140 for 2 nights here.. We stayed here at the 2* self rated Hotel and was very Happily surprised.. Ok, the Room we stayed in downstairs at the back, was quite small, but was very clean, had an en-suite.. Lets face it, most of the time your out, just need a bed and freshen up. The location is fantastic.. Right next door to Bow church DLR and not far from Bow road underground station. Breakfast was help yourselves, with plenty of provisions, fruit, cereal, bread, eggs.. just make your own, excellent concept :-).. Felt more like staying with loads of family members than other hotel guests.. would definitely recommend this Hotel.. Don't let their 2* rating put you off.. Really good value and the staff pretty much leave you to it. Brilliant.

Spotlessly clean, excellent price, convenient for public transport. There is a practical kitchen for guest use and a 24 hour Co-Op literally across the road. The bed was comfortable, the room was plenty big enough for us. If you want to stay somewhere handy for town but not too expensive this is perfect. The price you pay for the convenience of the public transport is a little bit of noise when the windows are open. Staff were helpful but unobtrusive.
We were there for the Paralympics but also did the cable car near the 02. You can be in the city in minutes using the frequent trains.

The location is fantastic. The room was spotless. The free use of the kitchen and the provsions in there wonderful. Downside the bed was more a one and half rather than double. Shower very small and no hot water. The attitude of the reception may have lost them a repeat booking. My rating is based on location, cleanliness, and the use of the kitchen plus the supplies there.

Plus
Good breakfast and kitchen set up with plenty of choice which was always open. Close to underground station. Helpful staff.

Minus
Small room (2m x 4m) with shared bathroom facilities. Noisy traffic all night due to lack of double glazing. No air conditioning. Wet paint on external stairway. Could only access bed from one side and lack of surfaces to put stuff on.