superyacht hotel london

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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Fantastic venue such a beautiful yacht the staff were incredible and went all out to make a difficult day more peaceful for my partner and I. I would come back again for sure

Location and ease of transport links around it, also cleanliness and friendliness of the staff. Food was very nice.

All very good and ideal for my visit to the passport office. Excellent breakfast!!

We enjoyed the whole Christmas Package .lt was brilliant.

The breakfast was ok a bit cold. The var staff were lovely but one of the reception staff was not very helpful

Everything, the best experience I had ever from staff to food unreal, we will 100% be going back and cannot wait.

Location and the novelty of staying on a cruise liner

Overall, this was fine accommodation for London with good access to the metro system and numerous restaurants. It's located in a fun area and staying on a boat is always a unique experience. We liked waking up and looking out our window to see the people kayaking and swimming in the river.

room was fantastic, room was very hot even with the AC on full, however it was very hot outside that weekend. breakfast was fantastic, views off the rear of the boat were lovely especially sipping a nice cold beer whilst watching the watersports.

The breakfast was a nice touch. The rooms were quiet. Overall, it was a fun experience, but I would not probably book it again just because it felt a little confining with no window to open, and the rooms were only accessible by elevator.

Great location!

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Wonderful: 9+

Good: 7 – 9

Fair: 5 – 7

Poor: 3 – 5

Very Poor: 1 – 3

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• Families (504)
• Couples (3724)
• Groups of friends (266)
• Solo travelers (441)
• Business travelers (608)
• Wonderful: 9+ (2941)
• Good: 7 – 9 (1468)
• Fair: 5 – 7 (479)
• Poor: 3 – 5 (234)
• Very Poor: 1 – 3 (160)

• Mar–May
• Jun–Aug
• Sep–Nov
• Dec–Feb

You're eligible for a Genius discount at Sunborn London Yacht Hotel! To save at this property, all you have to do is sign in .

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 in particular 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 24990 lists

Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

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Hotel area info

Restaurants 1 restaurant on site.

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

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

• Toilet paper
• Bathtub or shower
• Private Bathroom
• Free toiletries
• Wardrobe or closet
• Coffee machine
• Electric kettle
• Clothes rack
• Sitting area
• Flat-screen TV
• Kids' meals
• Tea/Coffee maker
• Invoice provided
• Baggage 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
• Air conditioning
• Smoke-free property
• Wake-up service
• Laptop safe
• Ironing facilities

Sustainability initiatives

See availability house rules.

From 3:00 PM

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card at check-in

Until 11:00 AM

Cancellation/ prepayment

Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodations type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check what conditions apply to your preferred room.

Children & Beds

Child policies

Children of all ages are welcome.

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

Crib and extra bed policies

Cribs and extra beds aren't 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 Must-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 ID 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 of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.

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

This property might host on-site functions, so noise may be audible in some rooms.

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

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), this property is taking steps to 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 minimize transmission of the coronavirus (COVID-19), this property may request additional documentation from guests to validate identity, travel itinerary, and other relevant info on dates where such guidelines exist.

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

FAQs about 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, hotel's policy etc.). To see prices, enter your dates.

What type of room can I book 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 3:00 PM, and check-out is until 11:00 AM.

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

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

What is there to do at Sunborn London Yacht Hotel?

The best of london, institutions.

• Houses of Parliament
• Buckingham Palace
• Tower of London
• Tower Bridge
• Victoria Park

Popular Areas

• Trafalgar Square
• Piccadilly Circus

Shopping Areas

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

Stadiums or Arenas

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

Subway/Metro Stations

• Tube Station
• East Ham Tube Station
• Stratford Tube Station
• Barking Tube Station
• Canada Water Tube Station
• Leyton Tube Station
• Liverpool Street Tube Station
• London Bridge Tube Station

Train Stations

• Blackheath Station

Most Popular Cities

• Southend-on-Sea

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Things to do in Docklands

Sunborn London is superbly placed for the ExCel Centre and for the many businesses that make their home in the London Docklands. Great transport links make it easy to commute across the city, but there’s plenty to see and do in the immediate area, too.

London Docklands Hotels

Restored and re-imagined as part of the visionary Docklands regeneration scheme, Royal Victoria Dock successfully marries historic industrial architecture with dramatic new structures to create a dynamic location for business and leisure.

Hotels Near o2 Arena London

Sunborn London affords outstanding views across The Thames towards the O2 Arena – the yacht hotel makes the perfect base for visitors looking to combine a trip to the iconic venue with a luxury stay in a convenient location.

Excel London

Sunborn London is handily placed for visitors to the ExCel London convention centre. This world-renowned exhibition venue is the location of choice for a wide variety of events, and offers imaginative shopping and dining options, too.

Hotel Reservations

For all updates on reservations please register your interest here.

Conference & Event Reservations

We’re now taking conference and event reservations.

General Enquiries

Press enquiries.

Our press office is at your service.

The Luxe Review

All aboard this luxury superyacht hotel in London, open for you to stay right now

Our plans to sail the French Riviera for the summer may have been somewhat derailed this year. But thankfully, it turns out we can live out our superyacht dreams closer to home – and we can book in to stay, right now. 

The luxury Sunborn Yacht Hotel, London is a floating hotel – so it’s also the perfect option for those who would rather avoid any choppy waters. Seasickness is so passé. 

Moored at the Royal Victoria Docks, by the ExCel centre, the Sunborn London Yacht Hotel is the city’s only superyacht hotel, and one of the most unique luxury experiences in London. The yacht hotel had its grand reopening this weekend, as the UK hospitality industry opens back up.

Each room and suite of the 136-room floating hotel boasts beautiful river or dock views, while the plush Yacht Executive Rooms have their own private terrace or balcony, too. Every room is stocked with high-end Prija toiletries, and offers a new in-room dining experience, with an extended menu, Grab & Go wrapped breakfast items and snacks – all ordered through the rooms’ tablet.

Along with the stays at the hotel beginning again, comes the reopening of the yacht’s gorgeous Sundown bar: arguably the most elegant place in Canary Wharf to enjoy an aperitif. The third-deck dining venue offers panoramic views across the water, exclusive wines and spirits from high-end distilleries, and a sumptuous menu of bar bites, too. Guests must pre-book their place in order to regulate numbers, while seating at the restaurant and bar have been adjusted to safely social distance, too. 

The hotel’s Land’s End restaurant is also back open for bookings. The high-end restaurant promises to take your tastebuds on a ‘voyage of discovery’ with a refined menu of European and Asian fusion, a sumptuous setting and enviable views. 

For its reopening, the hotel has had a deep, hospital grade sanitisation of all rooms and public spaces. It’s had months to learn and perfect its safety measures: during lockdown, rather than closing its doors, the hotel acted as a place for NHS staff at the nearby Nightingale Hospital to stay, and served breakfast and dinner in the yacht’s Land’s End restaurant. 

More of the new precautions on board to protect guest and staff wellbeing are a digital system for checking in and out, protective screens on reception and sanitiser stations every 2 metres. 

We thought we wouldn’t be back on the water for a while – but a luxury superyacht break in the capital has sailed to number one in our staycation wishlist. 

Sunborn London offers nightly rates from £109 In a Classic Room. Booking details at sunbornhotels.com/london

Looking for more staycation inspiration? This private countryside holiday club might be one of the UK’s best-kept secrets.

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• Open Water Swimming
• Royal Docks Adventure
• Wakeup Docklands
• ExCel London
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Sunborn London

• London City Airport
• Booking Forms

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 >

YACHT HOTELS

Floating property development, pioneer of the yacht hotel.

Sunborn has developed an innovative solution to realise the potential of unused water space in city harbours and prestigious waterfront locations.

With two decades of experience and over €200m invested, we’re expanding to North America and other international locations – with a proven concept and successful track record designing, custom-building and operating luxury floating hotels, with exclusive accommodation and unique event facilities.

With high potential for future international growth, Sunborn has become the market leader in the floating hospitality sector and is well positioned to succeed.

Our knowledge and experience of waterfront and harbour development is long established and highly specialised – extending to land integration and all areas of water development, including marine construction, access structures, long term maintenance and international relocation of yacht hotels and floating real estate.

Floating structures can be built anywhere in the world and transported to a final location. They also have the advantage of leaving no environmental footprint after removal.

Working with world-leading green technology partners, we also offer a sustainable, carbon zero product with all new-build yacht hotels and floating structures. In addition, we’re retrofitting our existing yacht hotel fleet and are committed to achieve a carbon zero property portfolio by 2025.

Flagship yacht hotels 

Sunborn London | Superyacht I

In 2003 we developed and opened our first international yacht hotel – Sunborn London. Overnight we brought to market a completely new and original hotel concept, a property which became a well known landmark building in London. 

Offering a unique experience to business and leisure guests, the success of the first Sunborn London proved the concept worked as a stand alone hotel and was the first time in the world that a fully operational hotel building was relocated to another country. 

Sunborn London | Superyacht II

The first Sunborn London was a ground-breaking hotel and proof of concept. After its success we upgraded the hotel in 2014 to a larger, 2nd generation yacht hotel, with 138 guest rooms, improved operational facilities and larger hospitality and events spaces.

With the new Sunborn London we also signed our first long-term lease with an operational partner. Operated under the Sunborn Yacht Hotels brand the new hotel has been a major commercial success, with above market revenues and occupancy rates.

Sunborn Gibraltar | Superyacht III

In 2014 we opened our first 5-star Grand Luxury floating resort – Sunborn Gibraltar, a third generation yacht hotel. The construction and opening of the ambitious new yacht hotel pushed boundaries and tested our company with it’s scale and sophistication.

With 18 500 m2 of floor place over 7 hotel floors and 189 guest rooms and suites, Sunborn Gibraltar features an impressive ballroom and conference deck, as well an exclusive spa and top floor sky restaurant, with extensive outdoor areas, pool and bars. 

New hotel developments

Sunborn London | Superyacht IV

A key advantage of our yacht hotels is the ability to move, upgrade and expand hotels in the same waterfront location. In 2021 we received full planning permission for the new Sunborn London, our 4th generation yacht hotel.

Our biggest and most advanced yacht hotel to date, the newly constructed 134m vessel will expand the hotel operation to 225 guest rooms and feature a 200 seat restaurant, as well as more extensive leisure and event facilities. The new Sunborn London will also be a carbon zero yacht hotel, through its sustainable design and use energy efficient materials, smart glazing and thermal heat exchange systems.

NEW DEVELOPMENTS | NORTH AMERICA

Following the commercial success of our first yacht hotels we have now began a major international expansion – with 3 new superyacht hotel developments in North America. 

Located in iconic waterfront locations, the new property developments are prominently positioned next to some of world’s most valuable real estate. With a proven concept and a wealth of specialist experience gained over many years we now have a highly scalable business – and the operational and technical knowledge to expand into new international markets and achieve a successful outcome.

Superyachts have become the world’s ultimate symbol of wealth and exclusivity.

Sunborn yacht hotels offer a unique hotel experience, onboard a luxury, purpose-built floating hotel. 

With exclusive hotel accommodation, restaurants and event spaces, the concept combines the high value associated with luxury yachts and a modern, self-contained hotel. 

Sunborn London

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• Excellent 2,801
• Very Good 972
• Average 439
• Terrible 219
• All languages ( 4,623 )
• English ( 4,540 )
• Chinese (Trad.) ( 89 )
• German ( 19 )

" Rooms extremely hot "

" Becareful failities advertised not always available, and thier accounting department are incompetent "

" Get to breakfast early as it gets very busy after 9am. Book room only and eat out "

" They was plenty of parking places we parked at the excel and was a 2 min walk.plenty of places to eat and drink! "

" River view room is better "

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SUNBORN LONDON - Updated 2024 Reviews, Price Comparison

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Sunborn London

Docklands, London, England, United Kingdom

• Full Review
• A floating super yacht hotel with serious novelty factor
• Moored right opposite Excel conference center
• Minutes' walk from DLR train station
• Easy access to London's City Airport
• Relatively spacious rooms, most with water views
• In-room Lavazza coffeemakers and Sony tablets
• Restaurant and terrace bar with water views
• Far from tourist center
• No fitness facilities

Bottom Line

The 136-room Sunborn London is an upper-mid-range hotel in the form of a 394-foot super yacht moored in London's Royal Victoria Dock. Rooms are pleasant, surprisingly spacious, and most have views over the water, though decor is more cruise liner than luxury yacht. Some rooms have spacious decks and big soaking tubs; all have coffeemakers, minibars, and flat-screen TVs. Eating and drinking options are solid though lack of fitness facilities feels like an oversight. Overall, for maritime enthusiasts with business in the area it's perfect, but tourists wanting to explore the capital's attractions should look elsewhere. Wi-Fi is free throughout. 

Hotel & Amenities Photos

Classic room with river view.

Restaurants and Bars

Junior Suite

Oyster Hotel Review

An upper-mid-range floating hotel set on a super yacht .

The Sunborn London is not only the capital's only floating hotel, it's the only one occupying a 394-foot super yacht. Built without an engine, however, it was towed from its native Finland and opened as upper-mid-range water-based lodgings in 2014. From the outside -- with its sleek marine lines -- it looks every inch the luxury vessel. Inside , however, the look and feel is deliberately more traditional, with polished brass railings, teakwood paneling, and the occasional nautical touches across all five of its floors. The resulting vibe is certainly more cruise ship (albeit an attractive one) than billionaire's playground. There's plenty of outside space on deck for enjoying the surrounding docks -- if not the most attractive of views -- accompanied by the sound of planes taking of and landing at the nearby City Airport. A solid pick for the novelty factor and for guests with business at the nearby conference center, this hotel is a bit far from main tourist attractions.

Moored in Royal Victoria Dock to the east of London's Canary Wharf

The hotel is permanently moored in the London ’s Royal Victoria Dock in the Docklands area in the east of the capital. The city's largest conference and events venue -- the Excel Center -- is located right opposite while the DLR (Dockland's Light Railway) station of Custom House is just minutes away on foot. From here it's just about 15 minutes by train to London's business district of Canary Wharf. While it's not ideally located for tourists, public transport links to the city center in around half an hour. City Airport however is right nearby and takes less than 10 minutes by car. 

Relatively spacious rooms with Sony tablets and Lavazza coffeemakers

The hotel's 136 rooms are certainly a lot larger than your average cruise ship cabins, but all follow cruise liner styling with plenty of polished teak, brass trim, and maritime touches. Unlike a cruise ship, all rooms are outward facing and most have large picture windows overlooking the water (some have small furnished balconies too). Amenities include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs plus sitting areas, and a Sony tablet for web browsing and ordering room service. Lavazza coffeemakers and minibars with free water also come standard. Clean, well-maintained bathrooms provide wall-mounted hairdryers, walk-in showers, and Molton Brown products. The top-end Yacht Executive Suite we saw had its own private sauna and large balcony.

Restaurant and terrace with water views, free Wi-Fi, and a small spa with massage treatments

The hotel's Lands End restaurant provides a pleasant space awash with mirrored glass and teak paneling with large windows overlooking the water. A la carte and set breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus are served with British, Asian, and Mediterranean influences. The adjoining bar provides house cocktails, snacks, and meals as well as an outdoor terrace with views of Canary Wharf and the O2 arena. A small spa also provides a range of massage treatments though there are no fitness facilities on-site. Wi-Fi is free throughout.

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Air Conditioner

Babysitting services, balcony / terrace / patio, basic television, dry cleaning, kids allowed, meeting / conference rooms, mini bar (with liquor), poolside drink service, room service, separate bedroom / living room space.

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.

View Top Offer For This Hotel

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8.5 Excellent

6,121 reviews

8.6 Excellent

Location rating score

Sunborn Yacht Hotel London

Get your trip off to a great start with a stay at this property, which offers free Wi-Fi in all rooms. Conveniently situated in the Canary Wharf part of London, this property puts you close to attractions and interesting dining options. Don't leave before paying a visit to the famous London Eye. Rated with 4 stars, this high-quality property provides guests with access to massage and restaurant on-site.

Hygiene Plus

250 meters to public transportation

• Front desk [24-hour]

Great Breakfast

Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!

• Check-in/out [express]
• Luggage storage
• Restaurants
• Room service [24-hour]
• Coffee shop

This property is in high demand!

4 travelers have booked today.

Rooms available at Sunborn Yacht Hotel London

• Room size: 55 m²/592 ft²
• 1 double bed
• Room size: 45 m²/484 ft²
• Room size: 30 m²/323 ft²
• Street view
• Outdoor view
• 1 king bed and 1 sofa bed
• 2 single beds

Frequently asked questions

Does Sunborn Yacht Hotel London have bars on the premises?

Enjoy your getaway the finest way with a beverage in your hand at Sunborn Yacht Hotel London's bar accessible right in front of your doorstep for when you need a sip or two.

Does Sunborn Yacht Hotel London provide laundry services?

Yes! Sunborn Yacht Hotel London offers laundry service at your disposal for whenever you need your favorite clothes clean and fresh all throughout your trip. Please contact the property for more information.

Is car parking available at Sunborn Yacht Hotel London?

Sunborn Yacht Hotel London provides car park nearby for all guest visitors traveling with a vehicle. Please contact the property for more information, or log into your Agoda account and contact the property through Agoda's direct message chatbox.

What bars are close by Sunborn Yacht Hotel London?

While lodging at Sunborn Yacht Hotel London, enjoy your evening or night out at The Gun to make the most out of your nightlife.

How many floors does Sunborn Yacht Hotel London have?

Sunborn Yacht Hotel London has a total of 5 floors.

How long do travelers typically stay at Sunborn Yacht Hotel London?

Verified past guests that have stayed at Sunborn Yacht Hotel London had an average nightly stay of 1 night at this property.

At what time of the year is Sunborn Yacht Hotel London most popular?

Sunborn Yacht Hotel London's most popular month where verified guests have stayed the most is in October.

What is the typical rating that verified Solo travelers' have given to Sunborn Yacht Hotel London?

Verified solo travelers that have stayed at this property have given Sunborn Yacht Hotel London an average rating of 8.5. You can look up more detailed customer reviews and responses by filtering for a specific type of verified travelers down in the review section.

What is the typical rating that past Families with older children have given to Sunborn Yacht Hotel London?

Past families with older children that have stayed at this property have given Sunborn Yacht Hotel London an average rating of 9.0. You can look into more in depth customer assessments and comments by filtering for a specific type of verified travelers down in the review section.

What is the closest train, metro, or bus station to Sunborn Yacht Hotel London?

The nearest train, metro, or bus station is Chancery Lane Tube Station, 10005.74 m away from Sunborn Yacht Hotel London.

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

Check-in is from 03:00 PM, and check-out is until 11:00 AM. You may ask for early check-in or late check-out during booking, subject to availability. Customers checking in or out before or after the designated time frame may be charged an additional fee.

What is the closest airport to Sunborn Yacht Hotel London?

The closest airport to Sunborn Yacht Hotel London is London Oxford Airport, 100.0 km away.

What people love about Sunborn Yacht Hotel London

"Nice clean big rooms."

May 11, 2023

"Very clean and comfortable room with a balcony."

May 1, 2023

"A good quiet location to stay."

August 31, 2023

More about Sunborn Yacht Hotel London

Sunborn Yacht Hotel London Make everyday special with all that London has to offer with a stay at Sunborn Yacht Hotel London . Enjoy all that Sunborn Yacht Hotel London has to offer! Free internet access provided within the cruise keeps you connected throughout your stay. Car hire services provided by Sunborn Yacht Hotel London makes it easy to plan your day trips, sightseeing, and more around London. For those driving their own car, parking is available for guests. Always get the assistance you need with front desk services including concierge service, express check-in or check-out, luggage storage and safety deposit boxes. For longer stays or whenever you need it, the dry cleaning service and laundry service keep your favorite travel outfits clean and available. Feel like doing nothing? Available services like 24-hour room service, room service and daily housekeeping let you get the most out of your time at the Sunborn Yacht Hotel London . For health reasons, smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the cruise. For guests who would like to smoke, the designated smoking areas are available. All guestrooms at Sunborn Yacht Hotel London provide guests with a range of amenities to ensure a restful night. Enjoy your stay even more at the cruise, knowing that some selected rooms include air conditioning. For a bit of entertainment, guests will find television and cable TV available in some selected rooms. Don't worry about being thirsty as a coffee or tea maker is provided in some guestrooms. Bathroom amenities are just as important as others, and at the cruise you'll find a hair dryer and toiletries available in some guest bathrooms. Dining and things to do Each morning you can start the day with a delicious in-house breakfast offered at Sunborn Yacht Hotel London . Don't start your vacation days without your morning coffee, available every morning in the café. A number of great dining options at the cruise assures that you'll always have convenient and delicious choices. A great night out couldn't be easier! Enjoy a fun evening without traveling outside at the bar. Fill your days with the array of activities and facilities offered at Sunborn Yacht Hotel London . A relaxing end to every day is possible with a visit to the massage, located right in the cruise. Around the property Be sure to visit some of the city's popular sights during your stay in London. A great museum trip can be had at The British Museum located 11.1 km away, with local art that provides a sense of the region. Be sure to visit Tower of London located 7.5 km away, an item on every checklist of those who travel to London. Reasons to stay here Find incredible value for money here, which is ranked better than 99% of the city's accommodation. Compared to the city's accommodation options, this cruise scored higher than 99% of them for food and dining. Guests who stayed here found it to be neat and tidy, scoring it above 99% of other accommodations in the city.

Amenities and facilities

30 mentions

Housekeeping

20 mentions

Food & Dining

18 mentions

14 mentions

Languages spoken

Internet access.

• Internet services
• Wi-Fi in public areas

Things to do, ways to relax

Cleanliness and safety.

• Anti-viral cleaning products
• Cashless payment service
• First aid kit
• Hand sanitizer
• Hot water linen and laundry washing
• Physical distancing of at least 1 meter
• Professional-grade sanitizing services
• Protective screens in common areas
• Room sanitization opt-out available
• Rooms sanitized between stays
• Safe dining setup
• Sanitized kitchen and tableware items
• Shared stationery removed
• Staff trained in safety protocol

Dining, drinking, and snacking

• Breakfast [buffet]
• Breakfast [continental]

Services and conveniences

• Air conditioning in public area

Currency exchange

• Daily housekeeping
• Dry cleaning
• Facilities for disabled guests
• Food delivery
• Invoice provided
• Laundry service
• Meeting/banquet facilities
• Safety deposit boxes
• Smoke-free property
• Smoking area
• Xerox/fax in business center

For the kids

• Family room
• CCTV in common areas
• Fire extinguisher
• Non-smoking rooms
• Pets allowed
• Safety/security feature
• Smoke alarms

Getting around

• Car park [nearby]

Available in all rooms

Air conditioning

• Alarm clock
• Coffee/tea maker
• Free bottled water
• In-room safe box
• Internet access – wireless
• Ironing facilities
• Non-smoking
• Private bathroom
• TV [flat screen]
• Wi-Fi [free]

Food and dining

• Full English/Irish

Lands End Restaurant

• Cuisine: Asian, International, Mediterranean
• Menu: Buffet
• London City Airport (LCY) 1.2 km 6 min drive
• Gatwick Airport (LGW) 42.0 km

Public transportation

• DLR - Prince Regent Metro Station 250 m 7 min walk
• DLR - Pontoon Dock Metro Station 560 m

Hospital or clinic

• West Beckton Health Centre 1.0 km

Convenience store

• Tesco Express 890 m 4 min drive

Cash withdrawal

• ATM 260 m 4 min walk

What's nearby

Popular landmarks.

• Tower Bridge 7.4 km
• Tower of London 7.5 km
• London Eye 10.5 km
• Big Ben 10.9 km
• The British Museum 11.1 km
• National Gallery 11.1 km
• Buckingham Palace 12.1 km
• Madame Tussauds London 13.1 km
• V&A - Victoria and Albert Museum 14.2 km
• Natural History Museum 14.5 km

Nearby landmarks

• ExCeL London Centre 170 m
• ExCel Exhibition Centre 190 m
• Marvel Avengers Station 210 m
• DLR - Prince Regent Metro Station 250 m
• Cundy Park 340 m
• Royal Victoria Dock and Bridge 430 m
• DLR - Custom House for Excel Metro Station 500 m
• ExCeL 530 m
• Royal Docks Adventure 610 m

Property policies

Children and extra beds.

Extra beds are dependent on the room you choose. Please check the individual room capacity for more details.

All children are welcome.

• There is an extra charge to accommodate the 3rd adult or 3rd/4th child for the use of the sofa bed.
• When booking more than 5 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

Some helpful facts

Check-in/check-out.

• Check-in from :  15:00
• Check-out until :  11:00
• Reception open until :  00:00
• Distance from city center :  4 km
• Breakfast charge (unless included in room price) :  15 GBP

The property

• Number of bars/lounges :  1
• Number of floors :  5
• Number of restaurants :  1
• Number of rooms :  136

Property announcements

Due to the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, the property can currently only accept bookings from essential workers. Identification and reasonable evidence of work qualification must be presented at check-in. Please contact the property for more information.

Reviews of Sunborn Yacht Hotel London from real guests

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Will definitely come again”

Absolutely fabulous. Will definitely come here again. The rooms were massive, nicely laid out with a very large sofa, lavaza (I think) coffee machine, tea making facilities and fridge stocked with complimentary waters for the first night. The staff are absolutely amazing; friendly, courteous, welcoming and extremely helpful. So sorry, I can only remember Lizzie's name. The restaurant food was superb and again great staff. One suggested improvement is that it would be good if the breakfast food could be hot instead of warm and a request for a well done poached to manifested as such. I still give this hotel 5 stars as overall, the experience was fantastic and the view from the riverside view balcony was awesome.

Great facility/ poor tourist location”

The Sunborn Yacht rooms were clean, roomy and bright. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The only thing we were not happy with was the location. Not knowing London well we assumed Canary Wharf as the address on all the sites was where the yacht was located however it is in Victoria Wharf. This is the conference area and at least a 10 min walk to train stations plus in the 3rd district line. This meant travelling to London anywhere was at least an hour and expensive.

Sunborn Yacht Hotel was amazing!”

We came to London to see family for my husbands birthday. The Sunborn Yacht hotel was amazing. Everyone was so friendly & we could not fault anything. Will definitely be back.

Exceptional”

What a wonderful experience Can only think of superlatives to describe our 2 nights on the Sunborn. Was lucky enough to find a deal that enabled me to book for my husband’s 75th birthday treat. Just hope another offer comes up next year as I cannot think of anywhere else in London I would want to stay. Can only reiterate everything said in other reviews. Thank you to the delightful, helpful staff who do their job so well

Perfect a Adult Getaway”

The perfect getaway for adults. For us it is only an hours drive. Close enough for all the attractions that London has to offer, but far enough away if peace and quiet is the order of the stay. Set against the backdrop of the capital, this stunning yacht ticked all the boxes. Spacious and luxurious, with your own outdoor space - perfect for smokers, taking away the need to hunt out communal smoking areas. Staff were very attentive, polite and helpful. We loved the contemporary design, the outdoor terraces and how surprisingly spacious the Yacht is. Very accessible, with lift to all decks. Comfortable and spacious lounges and the glass design allowed for magnificent views across London. We will definitely be returning very soon.

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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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Posted on Published: 28th April 2023  - Last updated: 5th June 2023 Categories Where to Stay in London

By: Author Lauren Kendrick

Best Boat Hotels in London: Where to Stay on the Water

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Discover the best boat hotels in London with this handy guide. Here’s our pick of the best.

With the Thames running through London, along with a plethora of canals and marinas in the city, having a break on a boat hotel (or boatel?) is easier than you think.

From mega millionaire yachts to boutique barges, this is your one-stop shop for finding the best floating hotels in London.

Best London Boat Hotels: At a Glance

Best boat hotels in london.

££

The Good Hotel sits in the Royal Victoria Dock area of London’s Docklands. We love that this is a hotel with a social conscience – the not-for-profit basis of the hotel sees all profits reinvested to help underprivileged people, from sending children to school to offering adults the chance to retrain in hospitality.

Rooms at this hotel are designed to maximise space in the most stylish of ways. Utilising Dutch design, the ensuite bathrooms have outstanding rain showers and locally-sourced toiletries. 

And best of all? Each night you stay, a disadvantaged child can go to school for a week.

Sunborn London Yacht Hotel

£££

Moored in Royal Victoria Dock, in the heart of East London’s affluent Docklands area, the Sunborn Hotel is a minute’s walk from ExCeL London. This superyacht is highly luxurious, with crystal chandeliers, an opulent lobby, stunning dining areas and much more.

There is a sun deck where you can take drinks and sit back to soak up the rays, with the bar selling a terrific selection of beers, wines and spirits. Meanwhile, their breakfast buffet comes highly rated.

The best part of the Sunborn Yacht is unquestionably the accommodation. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, air conditioning and an excellent power shower, while some rooms even boast stunning views across the Royal Docks.

The Boathouse

The Boathouse is a wood-panelled houseboat moored in the Paddington Basin, where the Regent’s Canal meets the Grand Union. Not too far from Little Venice , and with all the charming waterside bars, restaurants and beauty of the Paddington Basin, this is one of London’s premier floating holiday accommodations.

Although we’d recommend this boat for romantic breaks, there’s space for up to four people. Guests can use the whole boat, including a gorgeous bathroom with a bath and shower space. 

The living quarters are super comfortable, and the kitchen is well-equipped. Best of all, the rooftop deck from which you can marvel at a beautiful London sunset for those summer months.

St Katharine Docks 2Boats

St Katharine Docks in Wapping is home to Sea Dancer, a yacht that sleeps four and includes a microwave, hot drink-making tools and a fridge for the whole self-catering waterborne experience. 

On the boat is a work desk, a stove, flat-screen TV and even an outdoor dining area, step foot on land and you’ll be greeted by plenty of bars, restaurants and cafes to choose from.

Absolute Pleasure Yacht

Moored in West India Quay, the Absolute Pleasure Yacht gives guests a taste of the millionaire yacht-living lifestyle at a fraction of the price. Although it’s primarily a function space that hosts corporate and private parties, you can also hire the yacht for a break, which includes everything you’d expect from a top-draw London hotel.

Ten luxury bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms, flat-screen TVs and luxe linen. Bottled water, toiletries and bathrobes are all included, while the yacht is moored close to a range of stunning bars, restaurants and a cool pop-up food market on Thursdays and Fridays.

Boutique Barges

Boutique Barges have three narrow boats moored on the Thames, offering holidaymakers and visitors to London an authentic riverside experience. 

Barbara is a stunning boat with a log-fired stove and bathroom complete with a shower, as well as a small double master bedroom, and is situated in Central London.

Meanwhile, Big Boat is more comprehensive but shorter than Barbara and comes with a raised master double bed that we love, making it the perfect accommodation for a romantic couple’s break. Outside is space for a fire pit and a couple of deckchairs, ideal for watching the sun go down with a glass of bubbly. 

Finally, Velvet Morning is another narrow boat that has been gorgeously designed and is moored in Central London. We’d say this was our favourite, thanks to the crisp and stylish decor.

Tulana Taggs

This floating holiday home is one of our favourites. Mainly because it offers something a little bit different to the others we’ve mentioned. 

Situated in the inner lagoon of Taggs Island near Hampton Court Palace and Bushy Park is a stunning oasis of calm where you can leave the stresses and strains of the 21st Century behind you.

Cross the bridge onto Taggs Island and enjoy this stunning floating home amongst the reeds of the lagoon. Tulana Taggs combines gorgeous Art Deco and period furnishings with the mod cons of a Sky Glass Smart TV, a four-poster Super King bed, a freestanding nickel bath and for a little extra, a Swedish wood-fired hot tub – just a stunning floating holiday home experience.

Practical Tips to Consider Before Booking Your London Yacht Hotel 

• These boat hotels are dotted around London, many of which have limited parking. Check before you book whether you need to travel to the boat via public transport or whether you can park at the hotel.
• If you’re staying on a houseboat, check the house rules before you visit to ensure you know what is expected of you as guests.

London Boat Hotels: Read Next

• Where to Stay in London: The Best Hotels
• The Best Hotels in Canary Wharf
• Riverside Pubs in London for Cosy Pints

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We delve into the cool, interesting and quirky spots that make London such a dynamic city, telling you the best things to do, eat and drink along the way. 

Tired of the same old dull suggestions? Want to know where to find London’s secret bars, tastiest eats and weirdest finds? We provide practical guides that help you do just that.

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Who can afford the ₤150,000-a-week it costs to charter a superyacht? Not many. But thanks to the Sunborn London you can still experience the life of a sexy sea-dog. It is a 394ft superyacht that has been converted into a luxury hotel.

Permanently moored at Royal Victoria Dock, the financial center of Canary Wharf and the City are in easy access as if the celebrated O2 centre which hosts the biggest concerts and exhibitions. There are 138 rooms starting at a relatively modest ₤180 per night ($305) that go all the way up to a royal suite that has a sauna, sunken Jacuzzi, and a 100sq ft private terrace. There are two restaurants one for fine dining and one for a more casual experience.

The London Sunborn yacht is set to stay in London for many years to come but there’s nothing to stop it weighing anchor and setting sail if London suddenly hits financial hardship… or if stolen by pirates.

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All aboard the Sunborn Yacht Hotel London

• Stef Bottinelli

With beautiful cabins, stunning views and delicious food, the superyacht moored by the Excel in East London is not just a four star hotel, but a veritable experience.

Moored by the Royal Victoria Dock, right next to the Excel, Sunborn Yacht London is the only first floating hotel in the capital.

The superyacht arrived in the UK in April 2014 and opened to guests in the autumn of the same year. It’s been very popular ever since, thanks to its beauty, interesting concept, proximity to the Excel and the city and the fact that it has a marriage licence.

The 128 metre-long, five storey craft boasts 136 roomy and elegant cabins and suites, spectacular views of Canary Wharf and central London, fine dining in the form of the Lands End Restaurant, the Sundown Bar, meeting and conference rooms, an auditorium and for those in need of pampering, even an Elemis SPA.

With its grand central staircase, spectacular crystal chandelier, teak wood panelling and brass railings, staying at the Sunborn feels like being on a luxurious cruise ship (albeit one that doesn’t sail, as this yacht does not have an engine). And with kingsize room prices starting at just under £140 per night, this is a cruise that won’t break the bank and it’s certainly cheaper than buying your own yacht or chartering one.

We visited Sunborn London on a splendid autumnal Sunday. We were immediately impressed by our spacious and stylish room (a term preferred by the management rather than cabin, which conjures up a cramped space), all wood and clean lines with  a comfortable double bed, sitting room area, an all white bathroom stocked with Molton Brown products, mini bar, tea and coffee facilities, a large TV, free WIFI, a tablet and stunning views across the Thames.

After settling in, we headed for the Sundown Bar, and enjoyed a glass of wine on deck, watching the sun setting over the London skyline – a very relaxing way to spend the end of the weekend.

Post  aperitif  we headed upstairs to the Lands End Restaurant, were dinner was fine indeed. The menu has a modern British/European feel and is well thought out, with simple, classic and delicious dishes. Starters include mouthwatering scallops with spring onion, pea purée, soft shell crab (£13), octopus tranche, red pepper & onion confit, avocado, lime & chilli (£11.00) and chicken and leek mousse and Shimeji mushroom & honey roast ham, chive beurre blanc (£11.00). Mains feature duck leg confit, celery root, roasted plum, watercress soubise (£22.00), sea bass, fennel textures, Polonaise sauce (£21.00) and pickled & slow braised pork belly, buttered savoy cabbage, carrot purée, beetroot with cider jus (£20.00). Vegetarians are well catered for too with at least two imaginative and tasty options per course, such as an entrée of cauliflower and ginger pudding, spinach shortbread, Parmesan foam (£10.00) and mains of vegetable roulade, spinach, goat cheese with tomato fondue (£18.00) and gnocchi, Stilton cheese, roasted almonds and herbs (£16.00).

Sunborn London Yacht Hotel doesn’t just offer a luxurious stay, but a real experience. Its proximity to the Excel and the city and its connections to central London by public transports or boat, make it an excellent alternative to standard accommodation, whether you are in the capital for pleasure or for business, or simply want to spend a relaxing weekend pretending you are indeed chartering a yacht, sailing away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

For more information visit Sunborn Hotels London.

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This month saw the arrival of the 108 metre, 5 storey Sunborn London at the Docklands’ Royal Victoria Dock.  A Superyacht by anyone’s standards.  However this Superyacht will offer its facilities to a wider audience because it is to be used as a Hotel location.

Photo credit:- onthethames.net

Moored at Royal Victoria Dock, the riverside location is picturesque and convenient for Canary Wharf, Greenwich Market, City Airport and events at the nearby O2 and ExCeL exhibition centres.  Most cabins come with private balconies and separate lounges, the reception boasts a glamorous spiral staircase and there is a spacious restaurant that seats up to 80 people.  With 77 classic, 55 executive, 2 Junior Suites and 2 feature Royal Suites incorporating separate lounge,  terrace, Sauna and sunken  Jacuzzi bath, all the usual luxurious room choices of land based hotels are provided. With Spa, Gymnasium, fine dining terraces and conference facilities adding to the facilities that guests can enjoy.

The original 2003-2005 experiment moored at Excel

The Sunborn Group, a Finish based property and leisure group built their first Superyacht Hotel in 1998, locating it at the Naantlai Spa resort in Finland.  The group trialled a yacht hotel at Excel Royal Victoria dock in 2003-2005.  The success of that experiment resulted in the decision to locate a permanently moored Superyacht Hotel in the Docklands.  Hans Niemi, Sunborn Groups Director of European Operations said: “The new hotel in London, currently the world’s most important city, gives us an important platform for the Sunborn brand and business concept.” The group have also built a new £123 million Superyacht Hotel, “Sunborn Gibraltar.”  At 142 metres and seven storeys with 189 rooms and 22 suites, she will be located on the Ocean Village marina complex in Gibraltar and will also open in 2014.  A further Sunborn Superyacht Hotel project is planned for the Port Forum Marina in Barcelona.  Dubai based development group Al Ghurair had also been looking at Canary Wharf as a location for their project “Aquiva” having been granted planning permission in 2002, but the global recession put this project on hold in 2009.

Much is made by the developers in the marketing to potential guests of getting the Superyacht experience for a fraction of the cost of a charter but for me the static nature and the large number of ‘other’ passengers onboard makes that comparison spurious.  More like a cruise ship experience without the cruising. As an alternative Hotel choice to the usual suspects on the waterfront in a major city, fantastic, but as a superyacht experience that remains to be seen.

The Sunborn London will undergo soft opening from April 7, with general opening scheduled for May 9.  Suite pricing has not been confirmed but entry level rooms are indicated at £180 per night.

Further details can be found at SUNBORN LONDON

About the author:-

A city career in Proprietary Derivatives trading at UK merchant bank Schroders and private trading firm Manro Haydan and for the last 15 years as an independent, part funded this sailing passion, but his desired J Class yacht purchase has yet to be made.  Currently he and his family enjoy cruising the beautiful East Coast estuaries on his 1960 Baltic Clinker or Halberg Rassy.

To share this passion he co-founded SailingAction, a specialist charter organiser for participation and viewing of iconic regatta action particularly J Class, Classic, Thames Barge and working sail and multi-hulls in the UK and Europe.  Uniquely offering bunk and day ticket rather than whole boat charter, offering luxurious champagne days SailingAction has many satisfied customers who have experienced the beauty, majesty and awesome sights out on the water that regatta action brings.

Sailing Action details:-

W : www.sailingaction.co.uk

E: [email protected]

T: 07748 334625   01206 299661  07734 097922

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Sunborn Yacht Hotel London review – a bargain London 5* hotel or a sinking feeling?

• 18 February 2023

The Sunborn Yacht Hotel London always looked very smart and rather a fun way to stay in London, so when I needed somewhere to stay in the East of London due to the train strikes, I thought I would give it a go. It was originally built as an ocean-going yacht but then was turned into a hotel before it was ever used as a proper yacht and actually has no engines. 

In this post:

Price and booking

I booked direct with Sunborn and paid £233.10 which for a Friday in December was fairly cheap for London. This was the flexible rate which allowed cancellation until 2pm on the day. It said that if you book direct you get a complimentary upgrade. It was also one up from the base room being a river view rather than the dockside view. 

If you are interested in staying there is currently a decent offer with Groupon for a Classic King Room with Dockview for Two with Breakfast from £149 per night.  They also have an offer on their own website for 20% off if you stay one night, valid for stays until the end of April 2023.

Location and The Yacht

The yacht is moored right next to the Excel so it has decent transport options within a few minutes walk. I arrived on the IFS Cloud Cable car via North Greenwich tube on the Jubilee line and caught an amazing sunset. It is around 7 minutes to walk from the cable car. There is also the Customs House that is on the DLR and Elizabeth line to the side of the Excel around 5 minutes walk away. 

Check-in at Sunborn Yacht Hotel London

There was quite a queue when I arrived at around 3.30pm and then when I did check in it wasn’t the fastest process. The person helping me had to keep walking away to sort out a trainee on another booking which I found quite rude and it was a rather laborious process considering I had already checked in online. 

They asked if I wanted to leave a credit card on file, to which I agreed as I needed to use room service and also planned to have breakfast. 

Sunborn Yacht Hotel London room

The Yacht Classic Riverview Room I had booked appear to only be on the lowest floor. The room did promise “excellent river views” which I got since I was practically in it, but I couldn’t see much else. The upgrade that it promises for booking direct (subject to availability, of course) was not forthcoming either. 

There was often a long wait for the lifts as you had to use them even to get from reception to the way out one level above. 

My first impression of the room was good, being a large size and more like a Junior Suite. There was a desk for working or doing your hair/make-up with a socket nearby and a huge mirror. However, the light in the room was quite dark in this area. 

The TV was a bit ancient (a bit like the decor) but it did the job. 

There was a Lavazza coffee machine and a kettle and even some biscuits, which always cheers me up in a hotel room (simple things…). There was also a fridge with two bottles of free water.

I liked that there was a large area for you to lay out your suitcase for unpacking. There was more storage space than most people could ever want or need unless you were staying more than a week.

The bed sadly was not comfortable at all and I ended up with back ache after tossing and turning all night. As I always caveat, I am very sensitive to beds, having paid a lot of money for a great Hyponos one at home. When I looked in closer detail I could see why as the mattress was incredibly thin.

The bathroom was also not particularly luxurious and definitely felt like a yacht bathroom being very small. 

Toiletries were provided which did the job but were nothing special. 

The towels were rather thin and old too.

Food and drink at Sunborn Yacht Hotel London

I needed to eat something before I headed out for the night since I had not had lunch either. There was a fair choice on the room service menu but I went for the standard burger as I knew it was likely to be a fairly boozy evening that needed some sustenance.

It arrived in around 25 minutes but was missing my drink, so I had to wait quite a while for them to fetch that as well, which was annoying. I also found it very odd that I had to pay the delivery person directly when I left a card with reception. I have never experienced that before. You could see the menu from a QR code and order online, which I like. The burger was tasty, and it was good to get a chutney on the side.

Breakfast was not included, but for the sake of the review, I went to try it. Again it was weird that I had to pay with my card when I came in. None of this leaves a very luxury hotel-type impression. 

The breakfast was a buffet which was set out with the food in one place and then the tea and coffee somewhere separate. I ended up with coffee as when I first went up there was no tea available.

The buffet had a reasonable selection including a full cooked english, smoked salmon, meats and cheeses along with pastries and bread. 

The way it was presented was a bit odd as it didn’t look great and made it hard to see what there was.

As well as the restaurant which is also open for afternoon tea and dinner, there is the Sundown bar which would be lovely for sitting outside in the summer. (Not so much in the snow!)

Conclusion for Sunborn Yacht Hotel London

While this is not really what I would call a luxury hotel experience, you do get a lot of space in your room, which you would struggle with in many hotels. It is certainly a unique experience, and for something that is a decent price and fairly smart, it is not a bad choice. Would I rush back again? No, but if I was attending something at the Excel I would consider it if the price was right. 

You can check prices and availability here.

Like our review of Sunborn Yacht Hotel London? You can read more hotel reviews here. 

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Thanks Michele for highlighting this deal, and for giving an honest and thorough review. It doesn’t sound perfect, but I’m giving it a go next month as the price is reasonable for London and it helps solve a problem that was coming up! It’s always good to hear here about places that are a bit different.

Thankyou for your review, I also may consider this in the future. I was shocked at your picture of how thin the mattress was! Did you leave feedback for management on the concerns you raised in your report? I would be interested to know their reply if they do get back to you if you did let them know. You don’t mention how much you paid for breakfast and your burger meal. I guess we could check this online in advance?

Thankyou once again for your time. Please keep up your reviews, I find them really interesting 🙂

Thanks Rob. I don’t generally leave feedback unless it is a fault in service that they can rectify. Most brands and hotels read the reviews anyway via their PR agency. The burger was £18.50, and I think breakfast was around £18 also.

Hi Michelle, Thankyou very much for your reply. Much appreciated.

Agree with your review Michele. We were underwhelmed by the yacht – we did pay full price. Horrid decor, average service and that annoying lift to get off the boat!

Thank you Michele saved me some money as I was thinking about staying here. Now I think I will find somewhere else. Love an honest review

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Accor in talks with Dubai Holding to fund Orient Express superyachts

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Oliver Barnes and Chloe Cornish in London

Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.

French hotel group Accor is in talks with investment vehicle Dubai Holding to fund the roughly €800mn development of two upmarket cruise liners under the Orient Express brand, in the latest example of Middle Eastern investor interest in the luxury travel sector, according to multiple people familiar with discussions.

Since announcing plans to launch two Orient Express-branded superyachts early last year, Accor has been seeking a partner to bankroll the majority of the capital expenditure associated with the cruise liners, in line with its “asset-light” strategy, three people said. Accor is also launching luxury hotels and trains under the Orient Express brand.

Talks have been held with several parties but discussions with Emirati ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum’s conglomerate Dubai Holding are at a more advanced stage, the people said. Dubai Holding, which has $35bn worth of assets, owns the Jumeirah luxury hotel chain and last year agreed a deal with Accor to launch hotels in the emirate. Talks may yet fall through, the people added.

The two Orient Express-branded yachts are being constructed by French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique and are expected to launch in early 2026 and early 2027, respectively. The first vessel — the 220 metre-long Orient Express Silenseas — has just 54 suites onboard, with tickets costing up to €20,000 per voyage.

Dubai Holding would become the majority owner in the property company behind the yachts, if the deal goes ahead, providing Accor with the benefit of moving the assets off its balance sheet, the people said. State-backed funds in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have poured billions of dollars into luxury hospitality in recent years.

Accor and Dubai Holding declined to comment.

Any possible partnership could extend to the Orient Express hotel and train assets, the people added. Accor is restoring 17 original train carriages to be launched on a route named the “Orient-Express-Nostalgie-Istanbul” as well as launching six other train routes and several hotels in Italy under the Orient Express brand in collaboration with Oaktree Capital-backed luxury hospitality group Arsenale.

Accor has made a push into more upscale hospitality in recent years. The hotel group’s luxury and lifestyle division accounted for 43 per cent of revenues last year, up from 39 per cent the year before. The group reported more than €1bn in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation for last year, driven by an 82 per cent like-for-like increase in profits from its upscale segment.

Marriott-owned hotel group Ritz-Carlton launched its own luxury cruise liner last year. Luxury resort operators Aman Resorts and Four Seasons have also announced plans to launch their own cruise ships. Accor paid a total of €44mn to buy the Orient Express brand from state-owned French rail operator SNCF as part of a 2017 deal, according to a person familiar with the matter.

The travel sector continues to benefit from a post-pandemic boom in demand, despite high inflation. The global luxury travel market is projected to grow by 45 per cent between 2023 and 2028 to $2tn, according to market research cited by consultancy Deloitte. The luxury cruise sector is growing three times faster than the industry at large, nearly doubling capacity by 2028, according to an Oxford Economics report from last September.

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