I am incredibly pleased to share with you my time on the Sunborn London Yacht Hotel that is docked at Royal Victoria Dock, Western Gateway, London, E16 1XL. It is a unique and luxurious yacht that has been converted into a 4-star hotel and is the only floating hotel in London. The Sunborn London Yacht Hotel gives you grandeur, exclusiveness and style of a super yacht whilst marrying the beauty and elegance that comes with a high-end hotel, albeit in one place. The outstanding concept of having a yacht as a hotel has created a harmonious relationship that can be enjoyed and appreciated by solo travellers, couples, families and business travellers and I would urge you to visit it.
Glistening white superstructure with charm in every way
The exterior of the yacht has a glistening white superstructure and is partially covered with a medium grey tone on the sides. It does not boast its existence and appears more like a gentle and inviting giant sitting on the waterfront that is welcoming you in. With such a brilliant location and views that give this establishment the wow-factor, it is no wonder that everyone in the vicinity knows about the Sunborn London Yacht Hotel, which is only a few moments away from Custom House Docklands Light Railway Station. From the exit of Custom House Docklands Light Railway Station, you can view the entire yacht and a number of aligned little trees standing on the shore.
Slide into a golden lift and arrive at the front desk
As you walk closer to the Sunborn London Yacht Hotel, you will be in awe of how tremendous and vast in size the yacht appears. In order to access the yacht, you will need to slide into a lift (and yes, you did read that correctly), which will take you to the front desk and communal areas. The lift has beautiful golden surfaces and will smoothly transport you to more beauty and charm. Once the lift opens, you will immediately see how the Sunborn London Yacht Hotel oozes etiquette and grandeur in every way. I can guarantee you that any type of traveller would feel excited once the lift door opens. This is because of the immediate and positive first impression that you will experience of this glorious site.
Suitable luxury for every type of traveler
Ready to sparkle for all, the Sunborn London Yacht Hotel offers something to each type of traveller. For example, a solo traveller would enjoy the very relaxing, warm and welcoming feel to the establishment. A couple would embrace the romantic appeal of this grand haven that will make their stay a memorable one. Families with children would love the amount of space available on the yacht and the kind staff who are on hand to be of assistance. Business travellers would appreciate the close proximity that the Sunborn London Yacht Hotel is to major parts of London such as Canary Wharf. I believe that the question that you will ask yourself is not whether to stay at the Sunborn London Yacht Hotel but rather, how long can you afford to stay?
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Extravagant, incredible and jaw-dropping areas
The Sunborn London Yacht Hotel is filled with complete and utter opulence from every single corner. The extravagant and incredible double winding staircase with the crystal chandelier is jaw-dropping and a popular place for visitors and guests to have their photographs taken, clearly because it is so aesthetically pleasing. From the fresh bouquet of flowers to the smart and clean polish of the floor to the ceiling, every little detail has been thought about by Sunborn London Yacht Hotel. To the right hand side of this stunning area is the courteous front desk, tour desk and ticket service staff, who will be hospitable throughout your stay. Staff at the Sunborn London Yacht Hotel are multilingual and always on point to ensure that you have a wonderful time on their floating star.
London Tour Guide
Robert Woolf
I am a London tour guide and my tours include talking about people who have shaped the city plus the many connected places such as Hampton Court Palace, The Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, the commercial centre of the city: the City of London, and London’s world class museums and galleries. I have been guiding for 12 years. I am a licenced London Blue Badge Tour Guide, a City of London Guide, and a Westminster Guide. The reviews I receive from clients speak of their enjoyment from the local knowledge and the humour I bring to my tours. Born within sight of Hampton Court Palace, I am a Londoner and apart from 2 years in the Middle East, I have worked in this capital city all my business and tour guiding careers. I have travelled widely and I appreciate what appeals to visitors coming to London. I can tailor my tours to interest children. I guide couples, families and larger tour groups. I particularly enjoy visits to Westminster Abbey, where I also volunteer guiding students and children through its wonderful interior – on my tours you will hear about monarchs, why scientists and poets are remembered, the architecture and religious history. The Abbey is the story of England. Come on an engaging and fun tour with me. There is so much to show you !
Tours by Robert
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Sundown Bar has a sophisticated and plush feel to it
Behind the glamorous front desk, tour desk and ticket service is the Sundown Bar, which opens at 10.00 am every day and closing times range from 12.00 am to 2.00 am (contingent on which day in the week you visit). The interior of the Sundown Bar and most of the yacht consists of a rich mahogany and teal colour scheme with a few brighter tones in different parts of the yacht to add some glitz. There is a real sophisticated and plush feel to it, which is further enhanced by the mirror ceiling, which adds a glossy vibe to the area. If you choose to have a hot drink in the Sundown Bar, I would recommend that you opt for the hot chocolate, which will certainly surprise you (and I won’t be ruining the surprise by telling you here). All I can say is the chocolate that you will be enjoying is the best from Belgium and you will have some part to play in making your hot chocolate.
Beautifully furnished Sundown Terrace
The Sundown Bar is also the location for afternoon tea, served between 2.00 pm and 7.00 pm daily; reservation in advance is required. If by the end of reading this online review, you’re debating whether to make a reservation to stay at the Sunborn London Yacht Hotel, I would encourage you to consider visiting the Sundown Bar for a drink or afternoon tea. This is because you can experience the exclusive and magnificent ambiance (which I am confident will entice you into making a reservation to stay in the Sunborn London Yacht Hotel). In the warmer seasons, the Sundown Terrace, located in front of the Sundown Bar, is open for guests to lounge on and enjoy the sunshine and is recommended. Views from the Sundown Terrace are magnificent during the day and night time.
Exclusive and special dining at the Lands End Restaurant
The Sunborn London Yacht Hotel has its own delightful gourmet restaurant called the Lands End Restaurant. Breakfast is a continental buffet with cold and hot items. Lunch and dinner are served from the à la carte menu. On this menu, you can find dishes that are inspired by British, Mediterranean and Asian flavours, meaning that you will certainly find something on the menu that appeals to your palate and appetite. The dining area is spacious albeit not enormous, which fits in perfectly with the concept of it being on an exclusive and special yacht. The interior ties in with the Sundown Bar in that it has a splendid and lavish feel to it. If you are fortunate enough to be seated at one of the few tables by the window, then you will be able to appreciate the picturesque scenery of the River Thames including Canary Wharf and the O2 Arena.
Classic or executive rooms with stunning views
Being the phenomenal yacht and hotel that it is, you won’t be receiving a small accommodation but rather a very spacious and superior room. The Sunborn London Yacht Hotel has 131 modern rooms and 4 suites. The communal areas and the corridors throughout the yacht are immaculate with clean white and glitzy gold surfaces, adding and enhancing the luxury feel throughout it. In respect to the modern rooms, you can choose between a classic or an executive room. The only difference between the rooms is that an executive room includes a superior bathroom, a gown and slippers and also a private balcony with a small seating area.
Modern equipment in the room
The rooms in the Sunborn London Yacht Hotel have such character and class and are definitely worth enjoying. I was most impressed by the fact that there were a number of different types of plug points within my room, meaning that if you are travelling from abroad, fear not if you have forgotten your adapter as you will still be able to use the electricity available in the room to charge your devices. In addition, each room includes an iPad for your exclusive use whilst in the room. From the iPad, you can find out about the yacht, sites in the vicinity, contact staff on the premises (e.g. if you would like more pillows, a room service tray to be removed etc.) and browse the internet. Rooms also include excellent tea and coffee making facilities and housekeeping replenishes products on a daily basis.
A room with the view of the River Thames
All rooms have deluxe furnishings, excellent bedding, pristine towels and high quality bathroom products including those that are manufactured by Molton Brown. If you are travelling with young children and require a cot, Sunborn London Yacht Hotel is able to accommodate you with advance notice. All rooms have a view of the River Thames or Royal Victoria Dock, meaning that you can truly enjoy the surrounding area from the comfort of your room. I would recommend requesting for a room that faces the River Thames. This is because it will enhance your experience of staying on a superior yacht hotel as opposed to simply a hotel as you will be able to see the water, at any time of day or night, from your own room. A view of the River Thames during sunset and sunrise is certainly wonderful; the dark blue water contrasts with the light blue sky with hints of pink and light orange make it a sight to be seen.
Gorgeous living areas in the junior and executive suites
The suites are categorised into junior suites and executive suites. The junior suites are a truly marvellous living space and include a private sundeck, making it an exceptional place to getaway and relax in. If it is a bit chilly to go on the sundeck then do not be disheartened as the large panoramic windows provide natural light and create an ambiance of seemingly endless space within the suite. Similarly, the executive suites are also equipped with a gorgeous living area and have their own extensive sundecks albeit they stretch towards the yacht’s bow, unlike the junior suites. This is perfect for a private event where you can entertain others in a secluded space that is only for your enjoyment. My travel companion and I were both amazed with the extraordinary amount of space offered in the executive suites and so much so that my travel companion made a reservation for 2017 immediately. I retired to my executive room and visualised the experience that I too could be having in an executive suite one day.
Amazing hot tub and sauna experience
Whilst the bathrooms are designed differently in the various rooms and suites, they all include a fully functioning shower, hairdryer and toiletries. Some of the bathrooms are more modern and simplistic whereas others are designed with mosaic tiles, such as the one in the photograph. The most incredible bathroom that I have ever seen had to be, unsurprisingly, in the executive suite. The eye-catching and colourful turquoise mosaic tiles created a relaxing and glamorous feel to the space, in addition to the amazing hot tub and sauna. The interior of this bathroom was definitely purposeful: to make you feel like you are living in luxury to the maximum.
Spa treatments in the Elemis Therapy Rooms
If, however, you are on a budget and you cannot stretch to an executive suite, do not be disheartened as the Sunborn London Yacht Hotel has its very own spa treatments arena, which is located within the Elemis Therapy Rooms. Here, you can experience some calming and leisurely feel good treatments, such as a manicure, pedicure or massage. If you would like to book such treatments, you are advised to do so in advance. Tech-savvy Sunborn London Yacht Hotel also includes information about the Elemis Therapy Rooms on the iPad in each room, so if you don’t have a chance to find out about it beforehand, you can do it whilst relaxing in your room (which as you can see, is clearly what I did).
Canary Wharf and the O2 in the short distance
With such a beautiful waterfront setting with magnificent views of the River Thames, staying at the Sunborn London Yacht Hotel is an absolute joy. As I mentioned above, you will be in close proximity to Canary Wharf and the O2 Arena, which are in viewing distance. Canary Wharf is only a 6 minute drive from the Sunborn London Yacht Hotel and is brilliant for shopping, dining and events. The O2 Arena, which can be accessed easily via the Emirates Royal Docks Skyline is only a 5 minute journey by foot from the Sunborn London Yacht Hotel. The O2 Arena is most well known for hosting popular music events and offers a number of activities including bowling and cinema.
So many amazing sites and venues within reach
Located within 5 minutes by foot from the Sunborn London Yacht Hotel is the Excel Convention Centre, which is an internationally famous exhibition venue that is great for events and has multiple dining options. Also 5 minutes away by foot and immediately next to the Excel Convention Centre is Customs House Docklands Light Railway Station, as mentioned above. From here, you can easily visit Westfield Stratford City for shopping and/or the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, which is most beautiful to relax in during the summer and autumn seasons. If you are flying into London from abroad, then the closest airport to the Sunborn London Yacht Hotel is London City Airport, which is only a 7 minute drive away.
No other place like the Sunborn London Yacht Hotel
The star that is the Sunborn London Yacht Hotel is very different from anything around it and it is a highly rated exquisite establishment. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, let the Sunborn London Yacht Hotel know and it will be more than happy to provide you with suggestions on how it can enhance your experience even further. You will be made to feel like you’re flying high in the sky and experiencing life at its absolute best. The prices for the classic and executive rooms as well as the junior and executive suites vary according to the timing in which you visit and so you would be best advised to contact Sunborn London Yacht Hotel directly or check online via booking.com.
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