Editor-in-Chief Alex Fisher ventures aboard the Sunborn Yacht Hotel in the London Docklands
WHAT’S THE BUZZ?
A trip into London, whether for shopping or visiting friends and relatives, might be daunting for some who live in quieter locations beside the sea, but the Sunborn London Yacht Hotel offers a calmer setting, moored on the River Thames in Docklands. After a busy day you can retire to this quieter spot and have a cocktail while you watch the sun setting over the river and re-energise for the following day. The rather grand décor – with its chandeliers and brass fittings –and welcoming reception staff combine to create an unusual atmosphere for a London hotel, it almost feels as though we are heading off on a cruise! Just a five-minute walk from the Emirates Air Line cable car link, it was great fun to head skyward and travel over the Thames in what felt like a giant glass bubble, before jumping on the Tube at North Greenwich Station to swiftly travel into town.
WHAT ARE THE ROOMS LIKE?
So much bigger than a regular room in London at these kinds of prices! Many of the rooms have space for a desk, small table and chairs as well as an en-suite shower room, TV, tablet, air conditioning and Wifi. The wood, brass fittings and portholes give the rooms a nautical feel, which is set against a plain chocolate brown and fawn colour scheme. Cleanliness is paramount and the hotel has attained Visit England’s ‘We’re Good to Go’ Covid standard.
BEST SEA VIEW?
Obviously, there’s no sea view, but there are uninterrupted views over the Thames from the bar and restaurant. Many bedrooms also have a great river view and their own little balcony.
HOW ABOUT THE FOOD?
The Sundown Bar offers a menu with classic appeal including fish and chips and a rib-eye steak served with thyme-roasted tomatoes. The gin-smoked salmon starter with horseradish was very good (priced at £13.50) and my friend enjoyed the ham hock terrine with homemade piccalilli (£12.50). The main courses start at £14.50 for a chicken Caesar salad or a club sandwich, rising to £29 for the steak. The Sunborn also offers a classic afternoon tea.
ECO-CREDENTIALS?
The company states that its purchase policies take into account the options of either going without or reducing plastic and say the environment is an important part of its decisions. All the glass and recyclables are separated from the rubbish to help with recycling.
ACCESSIBILITY?
There are 10 designated accessible bedrooms on the yacht. The hotel also has a lift and there is Blue Badge parking just outside the Sunborn too.
WHAT WILL IT COST?
Rooms start from a very reasonable £120pp, per night. To book, call 0203 7148111, email [email protected] or visit sunbornhotels.com/london. Please check current government travel advice before booking any trip.
For more Hot Hotel reviews, visit our Places to Stay section or pick up a copy of Coast magazine.
