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Sunborn London Yacht Hotel

Royal Victoria Dock, Newham, London, E16 1XL, United Kingdom – Great location - show map

Cleanliness

Value for money

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Have stayed 4 times now, a lovely environment and away from the hustle and bustle yet close enough to travel to the centre

The breakfast is very good as is the accommodation

A wide range of "standard" breakfasts foods included in the price. The room was a lot bigger than expected, with a powerful shower. A fully-fledged hotel despite being on a yacht. A bar, with a great view of the dock by night, serving nice cocktails just down the hall from our room.

Everyone and everything,not the water view sorry to say ,please make it clear and I’ll easily come and stay 2/3 times a year ,really good breakfast ,must say,Matty W.

The room was stunning, spotless and well looked after. Staff were very helpful and pleasant. Breakfast was exceptional. location was brilliant, close to trains, cable car etc. Would highly recommend this hotel and will stay there again.

We were looked after fantastically well. It was my wife's 60th birthday, and it was made special. Thank you so much

We travelled to London to celebrate my Daugther's 50th Birthday, the SUNBORNE exceeded all expectations. Beautiful surroundings and our dinner, which I had pre-booked was exceptional. Our room was spacious and en-suite good. The bar and restaurant are comfortable. The Sunborne was a little pricey, but if you want cheap don't book this. For a special event it was just perfect.

Impressive yacht, friendly staff and great location

Beautiful hotel, lovely grand staircase in reception area, just a lovely place to stay. The staff were all very helpful and pleasant.

Lovely clean room, nice and quiet, good night sleep. Staff all friendly and good breakfast.

Great location!

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Good: 7 – 9

Passable: 5 – 7

Poor: 3 – 5

Very poor: 1 – 3

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• Families (512)
• Couples (3745)
• Groups of friends (268)
• Solo travellers (442)
• Business travellers (608)
• Superb: 9+ (2963)
• Good: 7 – 9 (1481)
• Passable: 5 – 7 (479)
• Poor: 3 – 5 (233)
• Very poor: 1 – 3 (162)

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Located less than a minute's walk from ExCeL London, the Sunborn London is a floating super-yacht hotel docked in Royal Victoria Dock, boasting free WiFi access, a bar and a restaurant. The hotel is 7 minutes' drive from London City Airport and a 6-minute drive from the iconic Canary Wharf. Each of the smartly designed rooms feature a TV with Freeview, air conditioning and an electric kettle. Also included is a shower, a hairdryer and free toiletries. Some of the rooms also benefit from a view overlooking The Royal Docks. At Sunborn London there is a 24-hour front desk and a sun deck. Other facilities offered at the property include a ticket service, a tour desk. The lounge bar serves a selection of beers, wines, ciders and spirits. In the restaurant, a buffet breakfast with continental and cooked items is served each morning. An à la carte menu is available in the evenings. Custom House Docklands Light Railway Station is 5 minutes' walk away. It offers direct routes to Westfield Stratford City and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Emirates Royal Docks Skyline is a 5-minute journey on foot. It offers a direct route to The O2 Arena.

Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.8 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

• Family rooms
• Non-smoking rooms
• Room service
• 24-hour front desk
• Tea/coffee maker in all rooms
• Good breakfast

Property highlights

Top location: Highly rated by recent guests (8.8)

Want a great night's sleep? This hotel was highly rated for its very comfy beds.

Saved to 25106 lists

Availability

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Hotel surroundings

Restaurants 1 restaurant on site.

• Cuisine British • Mediterranean • Asian • International
• Ambiance Modern
• Dietary options Vegetarian

Facilities of Sunborn London Yacht Hotel Great facilities! Review score, 8.3

• Toilet paper
• Bath or shower
• Private bathroom
• Free toiletries
• Wardrobe or closet
• Sun terrace
• Coffee machine
• Electric kettle
• Clothes rack
• Seating Area
• Flat-screen TV
• Tea/Coffee maker
• Invoice provided
• Concierge service
• Luggage storage
• Daily housekeeping
• Dry cleaning Additional charge
• Laundry Additional charge
• Fax/photocopying Additional charge
• Meeting/banquet facilities Additional charge
• Fire extinguishers
• CCTV in common areas
• Smoke alarms
• Security alarm
• Key card access
• Safety deposit box
• Air conditioning
• Non-smoking throughout
• Wake-up service
• Laptop safe
• Ironing facilities

Sustainable initiatives

See availability house rules.

Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in

Until 11:00

Cancellation/ prepayment

Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required room.

Children and beds

Child policies

Children of any age are welcome.

To see correct prices and occupancy information, please add the number of children in your group and their ages to your search.

Cot and extra bed policies

Cots and extra beds are not available at this property.

Age restriction

The minimum age for check-in is 18

Pets are not allowed.

When booking more than 8 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

Accepted payment methods

Cash is not accepted Sunborn London Yacht Hotel accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.

The fine print Need-to-know information for guests at this property

Please note that the extra child or adult can stay in a sofa bed.

Cash payments are currently unavailable due to to Coronavirus (COVID-19). Please note the same card used for booking needs to be presented at check-in.

An incidentals charge applies upon arrival. A charge of GBP 40 per day is required if guests pay via credit or debit card, or GBP 100 per day if guests pay with cash.

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.

Please inform Sunborn London Yacht Hotel in advance of your expected arrival time. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly with the contact details provided in your confirmation.

In the event of an early departure, the property will charge you the full amount for your stay.

This property may host on-site functions and some rooms may be affected by noise.

In response to Coronavirus (COVID-19), additional safety and sanitation measures are in effect at this property.

Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), this property is taking steps to help protect the safety of guests and staff. Certain services and amenities may be reduced or unavailable as a result.

In accordance with government guidelines to minimise transmission of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), this property may request additional documentation from guests to validate identity, travel itinerary and other relevant information, during dates where such guidelines exist.

Spa and gym facilities at this property are unavailable due to Coronavirus (COVID-19).

FAQs about Sunborn London Yacht Hotel

What is there to do at sunborn london yacht hotel, does sunborn london yacht hotel have a restaurant on site.

• Lands End Restaurant

What are the check-in and check-out times at Sunborn London Yacht Hotel?

Check-in at Sunborn London Yacht Hotel is from 15:00, and check-out is until 11:00.

How far is Sunborn London Yacht Hotel from the centre of London?

Sunborn London Yacht Hotel is 6.2 miles from the centre of London. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

What type of room can I book at Sunborn London Yacht Hotel?

How much does it cost to stay at sunborn london yacht hotel.

The prices at Sunborn London Yacht Hotel may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates you select, hotel's policy etc.). See the prices by entering your dates.

The best of London

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• Houses of Parliament
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• Tower of London
• Tower Bridge
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Popular areas

• Trafalgar Square
• Piccadilly Circus

Shopping areas

• intu Lakeside Shopping Centre
• Stratford City Westfield
• Borough Market

Stadiums and arenas

• Olympic Stadium
• London City Airport (LCY) 1.1 miles
• London Heathrow Airport (LHR) 20.7 miles
• Rochester Airport (RCS) 23.2 miles

Railway stations

• Blackheath station

Underground railway stations

• Stratford Tube Station
• Canada Water
• Liverpool Street Underground Station
• London Bridge Underground Station

Most popular cities

• Southend-on-Sea

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Sunborn London Yacht Hotel

rate per night

based on 5,366 reviews

About Sunborn London Yacht Hotel

• Hotel Room You’ll have a private room with all the hotel’s amenities
• Freebies This stay includes Wi-Fi for free

This charming boat is situated in London and is a short stroll from Custom House for Excel DLR Station. It is also set within a five-minute walk of ExCeL London.

Guests of Sunborn London Yacht Hotel can unwind with a variety of relaxation amenities at Elemis Spa, which features a beauty centre. Facilities include free wireless internet and a sun deck.

All lodgings on board the vessel have a private bathroom with a shower and a hair dryer.

Lunch and dinner are prepared every day at Lands End, as are British, Mediterranean and Asian specialties. Each evening, guests can relax in the comfortable lounge bar.

Public transports links close to Sunborn London Yacht Hotel include Royal Victoria Docklands Light Railway Station. The Royal Victoria Dock Bridge is only a two-minute stroll from the boat.

Photos of Sunborn London Yacht Hotel

Latest deals for sunborn london yacht hotel.

* Total includes estimated local taxes & fees payable on check out.

Prices are based on 1 night including VAT, excluding local taxes and fees.

Amenities at Sunborn London Yacht Hotel

• Room service
• Tea/coffee maker
• Coffee machine
• Wi-Fi available in all areas
• Flat-screen TV
• Cable or satellite TV
• Fire extinguisher
• Free toiletries
• Smoke alarms
• Air-conditioned
• Electric kettle
• Food can be delivered to guest accommodation
• Dining area
• Dining table
• Family rooms
• Seating area
• Storage available
• Toilet paper
• Private bathroom

Services and conveniences

• Conference rooms
• Wake-up service
• Concierge service
• Safety deposit box
• Meeting/Banquet facilities
• 24-hour front desk

Media and entertainment

Pool and spa

Accessibility and suitability

• Non-feather pillow
• Terrace/Patio
• Outdoor furniture
• Laundry facilities
• Laundry service
• Iron and ironing board
• Fax/photocopying
• Laptop safe
• Cleaning products
• Wardrobe or closet

Family friendly

• Babysitting or child care

Parking and transportation

Health and safety

• Daily housekeeping

Reviews of Sunborn London Yacht Hotel

All reviews are collected from real users with a verified booking made with KAYAK or one of our trusted external partners.

Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

Traveller type:

Time of year:, traveller rating:, what's nearby.

• Tower Bridge 4.3 mi
• Tower of London 4.3 mi
• Tate Modern 5.3 mi
• Southbank Centre 6.1 mi
• Somerset House 6.1 mi
• London Eye 6.2 mi
• Westminster Bridge 6.3 mi
• Big Ben 6.4 mi
• Palace of Westminster 6.4 mi
• Westminster Abbey 6.6 mi
• National Gallery 6.6 mi
• British Museum 6.6 mi

Essential information about Sunborn London Yacht Hotel

When to book a room at sunborn london yacht hotel, top tips for your stay at sunborn london yacht hotel.

• If you’re after a cheap room at Sunborn London Yacht Hotel, then you should consider staying during the low season. The cheapest deals can generally be found in February and January.
• Prices can also vary depending on which day of the week you stay. For the best room deals at Sunborn London Yacht Hotel, plan to stay on a Sunday or Thursday. The most expensive day is usually Monday.
• The cheapest price a room at Sunborn London Yacht Hotel was booked for on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks was £125, while the most expensive was £244.
• How long should you stay at Sunborn London Yacht Hotel? KAYAK users usually book their rooms here for 1 day.

FAQs when booking at Sunborn London Yacht Hotel

How can i reach the sunborn london from heathrow airport.

If you are planning to rent a car after your flight to London Heathrow Airport, the travel time to the Sunborn London will be about 1h and 15m, and there are 2 multi-storey car parks within walking distance of the hotel where you can leave the car overnight, namely the Royal Victoria Car Park and the Excel Car Park. Those who prefer catching public transport can take the Heathrow Express which gets you to the London Paddington station, and from there you need to catch the tube to Custom House station, which is a 5m walk from the hotel. The total trip would take about 1h 30m.

Why should I eat on board the Sunborn London?

If you are looking for an exquisite dinner experience with a view, then you won’t even need to leave the yacht. You can start your evening at the Sundown Bar where you can indulge with cocktails while overlooking Canary Wharf, then head to Lands End Restaurant for dinner which offers a fusion menu of fine food made with seasonal ingredients, and a wine list to match with trained sommeliers who will be able to offer recommendations throughout the dinner.

Are there any special offers available for couples at the Sunborn London?

Those looking for a special getaway with their loved one can book the Ultimate Romantic Package, which includes rose petals in the room, a tray of chocolates, and a 3 course dinner on the yacht. In addition, you will get a range of complimentary services such as a room upgrade, a welcome drink as you check-in, a luxurious king size bed for the night, and a discount off all spa treatments at the Symphony Treatments Room.

Can I organize my wedding at the Sunborn London?

The Sunborn London has 3 different wedding packages that you can choose from if you would like to make your wedding on a yacht dream a reality. You need to have a minimum of 40 guests and can host up to 200 people, with 3 different rooms to choose from for the ceremony and dinner. The Gold and Platinum Wedding Packages include a complimentary night at the hotel for the bride and groom, and all packages include discounted rates for their guests who wish to stay the night.

Are there any activities held on board the Sunborn London?

If you are staying at the hotel on a Sunday, you won’t want to miss out on their Sunday Movie Club sessions which are held all throughout summer. They start with an afternoon tea between 12:30 pm and 4:00 pm, with the screening of a classic British movie starting at 5:00 pm. Afternoon teas are also available without the movie experience on other days of the week, and you can choose between the Traditional Afternoon Tea experience or the Afternoon Tea with Expertly Chosen Laurent Perrier Champagne Tasting Flight which includes a taste of 3 different sparkling wines from Laurent Perrier.

Where is Sunborn London Yacht Hotel located?

Sunborn London Yacht Hotel is located at 1 Royal Victoria Dock in Newham, 6.5 miles from the centre of London. Tower Bridge is the closest landmark to Sunborn London Yacht Hotel.

When is check-in time and check-out time at Sunborn London Yacht Hotel?

Check-in time is 15:00 and check-out time is 11:00 at Sunborn London Yacht Hotel.

Does Sunborn London Yacht Hotel offer free Wi-Fi?

Yes, Sunborn London Yacht Hotel offers free Wi-Fi.

How far is Sunborn London Yacht Hotel from the airport?

Sunborn London Yacht Hotel is 1.3 miles from London City.

How does KAYAK find such great Sunborn London Yacht Hotel hotel deals?

KAYAK scours the web for all room deals available at Sunborn London Yacht Hotel in London and lets you compare them to find the best rate for your stay. Many different travel sites will offer discounts or deals at different times for rooms at Sunborn London Yacht Hotel and KAYAK will provide you with prices from a huge range of travel sites. That means that you can always find a great deal for Sunborn London Yacht Hotel.

Nearby hotels and places to stay

Most recommended, good to know.

YACHT HOTELS

Operating company, our luxury hotel brand – sunborn yacht hotels – is expanding..

Our international hotel operating company, Sunborn Yacht Hotels operates current and future yacht hotels.

Over 300 employees are supported by dedicated management and the market leading properties have excellent ratings and performance. Sunborn London was recently recognised as Europe’s Leading Boutique Hotel at the 2021 World Travel Awards and Gibraltar as the Leading hotel 2021.

international YACHT hotels

SUNBORN GIBRALTAR

Opened in March 2014, 5-star Grand Luxury Sunborn Gibraltar is operated by Sunborn International. The largest and most luxurious floating property ever built by Sunborn, the 142m superyacht hotel has 18 500 m² of floor space over 7 floors and 189 high-specification guest rooms and suites.

On board the hotel has extensive facilities for business and leisure guests – including an impressive ballroom and banqueting hall with 5.3m high ceilings, conference deck, casino, fine dining restaurant and a top floor restaurant with a retractable roof, as well as a spa, swimming pool and outdoor bar.

Sunborn Gibraltar website >

SUNBORN LONDON

Located in Royal Victoria Dock next to the Excel Arena, the Sunborn yacht hotel is a well known landmark building in London. Originally opened in 2003 and upgraded to a larger floating hotel in 2014, the 120m Sunborn London has 9 500 m² of floor space over 5 floors and 138 guest rooms and suites.

Operated by Sunborn International, the hotel has excellent guest facilities, as well as a restaurant, bar and event space over three floors with floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor terraces, offering spectacular views across the water of the Siemens Crystal, Emirates Airline, O2 Arena and Canary Wharf.  

Sunborn London website >

new hotel opening

With planning permission granted, we have begun the design stage for the new Sunborn London, our first carbon zero floating hotel. Located in the same waterfront location by the Excel Arena, the new-build 134m yacht hotel will have 16 000 m² of floor space over 7 floors and 225 high-specification guest rooms and suites.

Onboard guests will enjoy a contemporary interior with many new innovations to enhance the hotel experience. The location has stunning views of London across the water and the stern of the vessel has been designed to take advantage of this – with a 200 seat restaurant and extensive event facilities over several floors.

Sunborn London

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• Excellent 2,809
• Very Good 974
• Average 440
• Terrible 219
• All languages ( 4,634 )
• English ( 4,551 )
• Chinese (Trad.) ( 89 )
• German ( 19 )

" Be ready to dress up nicely hopefully others will take note and maybe dress more appropriately "

" We stayed in the executive King Room and this was quite big. Lets just say we were not at all disappointed with the room size :) "

" Perfect location for the O2 and surrounding area. Highly recommend. "

" If you can afford it go for an upgrade. "

" Hotel water us very expensive! Brin yout own "

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

SUNBORN LONDON - Updated 2024 Reviews, Price Comparison

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Sunborn London Yacht Hotel

London (Western Gateway)

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“Sunborn Yacht Hotel is moored on the Thames, just a short distance from Canary Wharf. This super-yacht hotel boasts smart, classically-styled rooms as well as a restaurant and a spa. Perfect for those who fancy something different! ”

Hotel Rooms

Recommended for.

• Short break
• Located just 15 minutes away from London City Airport
• Local exploring
• Spend your days seeing all that London has to offer
• Romantic Break
• Sunborn Yacht Hotel offers luxurious accommodation on the Thames and fine dining
• Go see the Imperial War Museum, British Museum or the Natural History Museum
• Local markets
• Camden Market and London Bridge Borough Market are both well worth a visit
• Great walks
• Wander all over this bustling city's streets getting a feel for the place
• Sights nearby
• Go see the Tower of London, London Eye or Buckingham Palace
• Sit-out Terrace
• Family Suites
• Contemporary
• Meeting Room
• Air conditioning
• Room service
• Head to London's famous West End to take in a show

Map & Location

What's Nearby

Other reviews, sunborn london.

"Not your usual hotel: Sunborn London is, in fact, a 420ft yacht moored in the Royal Victoria docks, a symphony in white and charcoal which could easily have been left behind by a departing oligarch. It's well-placed for the O2 arena, London City airport and the ExCel centre."

Originally published by The Telegraph ( view article )

Sunborn Yacht Hotel, London

"The Sunborn Yacht Hotel was based in Finland before it was towed to London in 2014..."

Originally published by The Times ( view article )

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Floating Fancy: Sunborn London Yacht Hotel Review

Finding the perfect hotel for a London stay can be tricky, with countless options and locations available. Sunborn London offers something a little more unusual, as it’s not your standard bricks-and-mortar establishment; pick the Sunborn, and you’ll be staying on an extravagant yacht. But while it stands out from the crowd visually, does the rest stand up to scrutiny?

Sunborn London Yacht Hotel, to give it its full title, is located at Royal Victoria Dock, an area of east London that has undergone extensive regeneration and is home to the Excel exhibition centre. Despite its Docklands location, the Sunborn yacht is easy to get to, thanks to the new Elizabeth Line that runs through the city, with stops at Heathrow Airport, Paddington, Bond Street and Liverpool Street, to name just a few, where you can connect to most other London underground lines. Arriving by car isn’t too much of a chore either, and with ExCel next door, ample parking is available just a few minutes walk from the hotel.

Arriving at Sunborn London certainly makes an impression. The vast open space in front of the floating hotel allows you to take in the size as you get closer to the riverfront. There’s a lift at dock level – one of few signs that the yacht was indeed built specifically for this purpose – which takes you directly to the stylishly designed reception level, where you are greeted by friendly staff, ready to check you in for a stay.

While the purpose-built yacht might not have sailed the Mediterranean, it still has all the features of a sea-going vessel, with heavy doors and raised sills. There’s even an impressive cruise ship-esque double staircase in the middle of the reception area, which is finished off with a crystal chandelier, adding a touch of elegance.

Sunborn London Yacht Hotel: The Room

We spent the night in a mid-range ‘Yacht Executive’ room with a balcony overlooking the surprisingly blue waters of the docks. The room was spacious and comfortable, with a good-sized desk area should you combine business with pleasure. There were a good number of plug sockets dotted about the room and at each side of the bed – something often overlooked – with a mix of UK and European sockets, which was a nice touch. Everything you would expect was there, including tea and coffee making facilities, a fridge and a safe, should you need them.

The bathroom was a reasonable size, with a spacious enough shower. Confusingly though, rather than having a simple shower control, there was a bath mixer tap with a shower attached. Once the water was turned on, a toggle needed to be pulled to direct the water through the shower head. With no bath in sight, this seemed rather odd.

Unlike the smaller rooms on the lower two levels, our room had floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the water, with a double-glazed door leading out onto our little balcony, complete with two chairs. While it was a nice little bit of outside space, it wasn’t well designed in that once seated in the chairs, the view was of the solid steel safety barrier rather than the river. Perhaps some safety glass would be a better bet.

Despite that, it felt like a well-thought-out space, with considerate touches ranging from the surfeit of power sockets to the welcome bottles of water. Between 19 and 23m3, the rooms aren’t huge on paper, but clever use of space and light makes them feel far more generous than they could.

Throughout the cabins and the public areas of the yacht, there are lots of mirrors, reflective surfaces and warm coloured wooden panelling, which adds to the character of Sunborn London, and adds to the sense of space, leaving you in no doubt that you are onboard a vessel.

Sunborn London Yacht Hotel: Lands End Restaurant

The onboard restaurant is located at the vessel’s rear, with an outside space providing views towards The O2 and Canary Wharf. Like the rest of the public areas, it is adorned with warm-coloured wood and reflective surfaces, making it feel both welcoming and light and airy.

We began by perusing the wine list and decided on a bottle of prosecco – such glamorous surroundings deserved a few bubbles! The bottle arrived at the table, was opened and poured, only to find that it had been served at room temperature. Our waiter did try to rectify this error, but the second bottle had also not been chilled. A cold bottle was eventually found from the Sundown Bar on the deck below, but two bottles had been wasted by this stage. It’s an amateur mistake to make and set a low bar for the rest of the evening.

Nevertheless, we put this mishap to one side and checked out the food offering. The menu had a good selection of options, with meat and seafood dishes available. However, the choice for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet was very limited.

I selected the mixed marinated olives as my starter, and my dining companion opted for the Gazpacho. Both arrived quite quickly and were tasty and fresh.

The main course was more of an issue, as I suffer from lactose intolerance. My only option was wild mushroom risotto with vegan cheese and grated truffle, with a seasonal house salad on the side. My companion had more choice and opted for the ‘Sunborn’ fish ‘n’ chips, which consisted of beer battered haddock, pea puree and chunky chips.

When the food did arrive at the table, it looked well presented, and while the fish fillet did look relatively small, the risotto was somewhat more substantial.

The wild mushroom risotto was well cooked, the risotto rice was tender, and the dish was well seasoned and tasty. The side salad, however, did leave a little to be desired. There was little or no dressing to add flavour, which was disappointing.

The fish and chips were fine, if unexciting. It’s a dish that’s difficult to get wrong but also difficult to impress with. The kitchen managed to stay in its lane, offering something perfectly acceptable, with fresh chips and tasty mushy peas, although portions were a little meagre.

Dessert was again lacking in options for my needs or those on plant-based diets, with fruit and sorbet being the only, somewhat unimaginative, options. I reluctantly opted for the three flavours of sorbet, while my dining companion opted for the much tastier sounding Bakewell tart with ice cream.

The Bakewell tart arrived without a hitch, but the lack of attention to the order in the kitchen meant that I was served two scoops of sorbet and one scoop of ice cream instead of three of sorbet. Luckily I noticed before I started to eat it, and I immediately notified the manager of the error. My issue is an intolerance rather than an allergy, but had it not been, this could have been a more significant problem.

With few guests in the restaurant the night we dined, there was little excuse for the multiple errors. While a long way from fine dining , the food was perfectly acceptable, but the lack of imagination in the menu and the lack of care in serving the drinks and meal tarnished the experience.

Sunborn London Yacht Hotel: Sundown Bar

After dinner, we headed down a deck for a nightcap at the Sundown Bar. As you enter the bar, lights and reflective surfaces surround you from every angle, making it just a little overwhelming against the dusk outside. We decided the sensory overload was a little too much, so we chose a seat on the outside deck with views along the docks to The O2 beyond.

The overall environment and vibe of the place were pleasant and lively, with most patrons spending their time either gazing into each other’s eyes or gazing at the myriad lights of the city twinkling away in the distance. A surprising amount of time can be wasted simply watching the Emirates Air Line cable cars crossing the river, their red lights floating across the skyline in contrast to the blue and white lights of the city.

There is a good selection of drinks available, but they are a little pricey, even allowing for London prices. A Diet Coke and a double Woodford Reserve bourbon came in at £20. The service was swift and friendly, recovering from the faux pas at dinner and rounding off our evening well.

Sunborn London Yacht Hotel: Breakfast

Breakfast the following day was on the outside deck of the Lands End restaurant and consisted of a cooked breakfast from the kitchen alongside a self-service buffet. The mix of table service for the hot food and self-service for the rest isn’t that unusual, but it was also self-service for tea and coffee, which, for a luxury hotel , is much less common. Disappointingly, there was hardly any hot water left in the urn to make tea, and what was there was lukewarm at best.

The breakfast was perfectly adequate and served quickly, suggesting that it is precooked in the kitchen and then plated up when ordered. While that’s not a significant problem, it is disappointing to be served fried eggs that have been kept warm a little too long when a fresh egg takes only a minute or two to cook.

Sunborn London Yacht Hotel: The Verdict

With countless highly-rated dining options within just a few minutes’ walk from the Sunborn, it’s a surprise and disappointment that the restaurant can’t match the standards that the rest of the hotel sets. With those other options available, though, it’s not something that should put you off, as it’s the hotel that holds the appeal.

What: Sunborn London Yacht Hotel Where: Royal Victoria Dock, London E16 1AA Web: SunbornHotels.com

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Sunborn London – The Floating Hotel

Enjoy a stunning city vista along with a cocktail in London’s only luxury floating hotel.

What is the Sunborn Floating Hotel?

A sleek yacht-hotel with a stunning waterside restaurant and bar.

Enjoy fabulous picturesque river views along with cocktails in the Sundown Bar or a first-class dinner in the restaurant.

See website for drinks list and menus.

Opening hours

Sundown Bar 11:00am – 01:00am Monday to Friday 11:00am – 11:00pm Sunday and Public Holidays

Lands End Restaurant Breakfast: 06:30am – 10:30am Monday to Friday 07:00am – 11:00am Weekends and Public Holidays Lunch: 12:00pm – 03:00pm Monday to Friday 12:30pm – 03:30pm Weekends and Public Holidays Dinner: 06:00pm to 10:00pm

Visit website >

Review: I spent a night on board a superyacht in the Royal Victoria Docks

The Sunborn London is the UK’s only superyacht hotel and is moored in the Royal Victoria Dock.

When you think of locations for superyachts you imagine the Caribbean or the Mediterranean.

What if I told you you could have this unique experience just metres away from London’s ExCel exhibition centre in east London?

The deluxe hotel has 138 yacht bedrooms and suites onboard as well as a restaurant, bar, outdoor terrace and event space across five floors.

Having never stayed on a yacht before of any description this was a welcome treat for a Tuesday evening.

Firstly getting onto the yacht was a confusing mission but I eventually came across an unassuming lift outside which took me up to reception.

I was warmly greeted by staff in the grand lobby which features a double curved staircase with a grand chandelier in the centre.

The interiors of the Sunborn are quaint with shiny brass fittings and mirrors, cream panelling and stained oak.

I stayed in one of the yacht bedrooms on the fourth floor which was surprisingly spacious, plush and very comfortable.

My room looked out on views of London’s beautiful skyline, which feels perfect for a romantic getaway or in my case a midweek solo adventure.

As part of my stay I enjoyed a delightful meal in the Land’s End restaurant which offers Docklands views and a varied Mediterranean menu with Asian influences.

For starters I had the tart royale with taleggio and walnuts which was light, crispy and soft in texture.

For the main course I opted for the lobster tagliatelle, which was served in a rich sauce with generous morsels of fleshy lobster.

The serving was so generous I was unable to finish it but still had some room for dessert.

I chose the poached and roasted pineapple served with vegan coconut ice cream which was deliciously light and tasted like a pina colada. 

What better way to end a delicious meal than retiring for the night in a luxurious cabin, instead of having to face a long Tube journey home.

I had a very peaceful night's sleep in the cabin and was thrilled to wake up to beautiful views overlooking the water the next morning.

For me the best part of the hotel experience is the breakfast and what a treat to enjoy a breakfast buffet on board before trotting off to work.

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay on board the Sunborn London and left feeling relaxed and revitalised and well looked after. 

A night on the Sunborn starts from £129 based on two sharing a Yacht Classic Room.

The nearest station is Custom House with links to the DLR and Elizabeth line.

Make an Enquiry.

About sunborn luxury yacht hotel.

Sunborn Group is a privately owned property and development company. Sunborn pioneered the original floating hotel concept in 1998 and has since created a number of bespoke Yacht Hotels for prestigious international locations.

The only company in the world to successfully construct a fleet of fully functioning, first-class Yacht Hotels, Sunborn is also highly experienced in the creation of flagship hotels, residential accommodation and restaurants.

With more than 30 years’ experience in the hotel, leisure and hospitality sector, Sunborn is also responsible for the development of luxury spa hotels, restaurants and other top-quality projects in Scandinavia, Germany, Spain and the UK. Sunborn Gibraltar is the first of a fleet of floating hotels. It has a sister hotel in London’s Docklands and more planned for other locations around the world. To find out more about Sunborn Group, visit www.sunborn.com .

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