royal sunborn yacht hotel

Sunborn London Yacht Hotel

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

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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 8.9 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 (8.9)

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

Availability

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Sustainability certification

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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, 8.4

• 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

House rules Sunborn London Yacht Hotel takes special requests - add in the next step!

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.

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

Does sunborn london yacht hotel have a restaurant on site.

• Lands End Restaurant

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 is there to do at Sunborn London Yacht Hotel?

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.

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.

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• ExCeL London

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• Southend-on-Sea

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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 Yacht Hotel

London (Royal Victoria Dock)

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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! Parking available too.”

Hotel Rooms

Hotel review.

Moored in the trendy Royal Victoria Dock, Sunborn might look like a decommissioned cruise ship, but in fact it was purpose built as a hotel and has never sailed at all. Step inside though, and you’d think you were about to drift off across the oceans to other lands. Wood panelling and the swish spiralling grand staircase with chandelier, evoke feelings of luxury travel and lead you into the Lands End Restaurant where attentive servers bring out slow roasted rump of lamb and lobster tagliatelle. Enjoy twists on classic cocktails, like the Cherry Martini, in the Sundown Bar and take in the nightscapes out on the terrace. Then retire to your spacious cabin complete with balcony overlooking the river.

Written by Samantha Priestley

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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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 >

Sunborn London Yacht Hotel

Royal Victoria Dock, East London, E16 1XL, United Kingdom

Rooms & Rates

Executive King Room with Dockview

Room amenities, details, and policies

This executive room features a king bed with a balcony. It also includes a TV with Freeview channels, air conditioning and a Lavazza coffee machine.

• Room Service
• 24 hour front desk
• Guests are provided with free hand sanitizer
• Social distancing measures are in place
• Non-Smoking Facility

Junior Suite with River View

This suite features a king size bed with sofa bed and a room control system with one-touch operations. It also includes a TV with Freeview channels, air conditioning and a Lavazza coffee machine. The private bathroom has a hairdryer and Molton Brown toiletries.

Extras with booking this room includes a complimentary mini-bar, complimentary still and sparkling water and a private sundeck with river views.

Executive King Room with River View

This executive room features a king bed with a balcony and river views. It also includes a TV with Freeview channels, air conditioning and a Lavazza coffee machine.

Executive Suite with River View

This suite features a king size bed with sofa bed. It also includes a TV with Freeview channels, air conditioning and a Lavazza coffee machine. The private bathroom has a hairdryer.

Yacht Junior Dockview Suite

This suite features a king size bed with sofa bed and a room control system with one-touch operations. It also includes a TV with Freeview channels, air conditioning and a Lavazza coffee machine. The private bathroom has a hairdryer.

Extras with booking this room includes a complimentary mini-bar, complimentary still and sparkling water and a private sundeck.

Double Room

This double room features a king size bed with dockviews. It also includes a TV with Freeview channels, air conditioning and a Lavazza coffee machine. The en suite shower room has a hairdryer.

Executive Suite with Dockview

This suite features a king size bed with sofa bed. It also includes a TV with Freeview channels, air conditioning and a Lavazza coffee machine. The private bathroom has a hairdryer and Molton Brown toiletries.

Executive Family Room

This family room, with a king -size bed has a TV with Freeview channels, air conditioning, a Lavazza machine and a private balcony. The en suite shower room has a hairdryer. There is also a sofa which can be used as a sofa bed for up to 2 children.

Classic King Room with River View

This king room features a king size bed with view over the river. It also includes a TV with Freeview channels, air conditioning and a Lavazza coffee machine. The en suite shower room has a hairdryer.

Classic Family Room

This family room features a kingsized bed and sofa bed which can be used to sleep up to 2 children. It also includes a TV with Freeview channels, air conditioning and a Lavazza coffee machine. The en suite shower room has a hairdryer.

Classic King room with Dockview

This king room features a king size bed and includes a TV with Freeview channels, air conditioning and a Lavazza coffee machine. The en suite shower room has a hairdryer.

Junior suite with Dockview

Yacht Executive Riverview Suite with Jacuzzi and Sauna

Junior Suite With Views

Family Room Classic King Bed

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About Sunborn London Yacht Hotel

Experience unique stay at sunborn london yacht hotel.

Docked at Royal Victoria Dock, the Sunborn London Yacht Hotel offers a one-of-a-kind accommodation experience. Located less than a minute's walk from ExCeL London, this floating super-yacht hotel combines comfort and convenience. With London City Airport just 7 minutes away by car and Canary Wharf reachable within 6 minutes, the hotel provides an excellent base for both business and leisure travelers.

The smartly designed rooms at Sunborn London Yacht Hotel feature Freeview TVs, air conditioning, and electric kettles. Each room is equipped with a shower, hairdryer, and complimentary toiletries. Some rooms offer stunning views over The Royal Docks, enhancing the unique experience. Guests can enjoy free WiFi access, and the 24-hour front desk ensures round-the-clock service.

• Floating Super-Yacht Hotel Docked at Royal Victoria Dock
• Proximity to ExCeL London and Canary Wharf
• Rooms with Stunning Dockside Views
• Sun Deck and Lounge Bar Serving a Range of Beverages
• Easy Access to Custom House Docklands Light Railway Station

Guests can relax on the sun deck or enjoy a selection of beers, wines, ciders, and spirits at the lounge bar. The on-site restaurant serves a buffet breakfast each morning with both continental and cooked options, and an à la carte menu is available in the evenings. With Custom House Docklands Light Railway Station just a 5-minute walk away, direct routes to Westfield Stratford City, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and The O2 Arena are easily accessible. The Emirates Royal Docks Skyline, offering a direct route to The O2 Arena, is also just a short walk from the hotel.

Frequently Asked Questions

The property is located at Royal Victoria Dock in East London.

Prices vary based on dates and availability. Select the dates of your stay above to find the best price on all available rooms.

Check-in begins at 15:00 and check-out is at 11:00 at Sunborn London Yacht Hotel. Early check-in or late check-out may be available at an additional cost.

No, this hotel does not have a pool, but it has other amenities for guests to enjoy. Please see the hotel description above for more information.

Yes, this hotel does have at least one on-site restaurant to enjoy during your stay. Room service is also available should you prefer meals from the comfort of your room. Check out the hotel description above to learn more about the dining options available at Sunborn London Yacht Hotel.

Breakfast may be available at Sunborn London Yacht Hotel, and may come free with your room, depending on your selection. Please check for dates and room availability above to see what's included with your stay.

Guests at Sunborn London Yacht Hotel can enjoy amenities such as a restaurant and bar/lounge during their stay. Check out the hotel description to learn more about the amenities available during your stay.

We offer a wide variety of rates on Sunborn London Yacht Hotel. Discounted rates are available throughout the year, depending on your travel dates. Search for your dates above and we'll show you our lowest prices.

By logging into our site using the login banner above, you'll receive an instant discount of 5% on your booking today with no limit to how much you can save. Log in, claim your promo code, select your dates and room and apply your code at checkout.

Sunborn London Yacht Hotel Royal Victoria Dock, East London , E16 1XL, United Kingdom

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A night on the water at the Sunborn Yacht hotel in London

London's floating hotel in royal victoria dock is a unique place to stay.

A stay at the Sunborn Yacht – London’s boat hotel

Spending a night at the Sunborn Yacht hotel in London was a rather pleasant if surreal experience, not least because I saw the hotel first from high up in the sky – not a usual occurrence! This floating hotel is located at Royal Victoria Dock in East London which is just a short walk from the cable car which crosses the Thames from North Greenwich. This means you can easily see the gleaming white yacht which is the Sunborn hotel from 90 metres up in the air, along with the sparkling water and the nearby London City Airport.

Our first glimpse of the Sunborn Yacht hotel London was from the cable car across the Thames

Getting to the Sunborn

We had decided to arrive like tourists, so rather than getting the DLR or Elizabeth Line to Customs House station, which is just a few minutes walk from the Sunborn, we instead caught the river bus with Uber Boat by Thames Clippers from the Embankment to North Greenwich.

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The hour-long cruise sailed past iconic London sights such as Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and HMS Belfast while we enjoyed a civilised drink along with the views, chatting to friendly travellers on the boat, far more pleasant than a tube journey underground.

The Sunborn is located in Royal Victoria Dock in East London

View of the O2 music venue at Greenwich, formerly known as the Millennium Dome

From North Greenwich, home to the O2, we took the cable car – officially called the IFS Cloud Cable Car – over the Thames to Royal Victoria Dock, where the Sunborn Yacht hotel is located. Both journeys were unexpectedly delightful and total novelties to me, a long-time London resident; why should tourists get to do all the fun things?

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Arriving at Sunborn London

From the cable car stop it was just a short walk along the riverside to the Sunborn, which we had already spotted from our lofty vantage point, and it certainly looks impressive from any angle. Rather than being converted from a previous life sailing the Mediterranean, as I had imagined, the Sunborn London was constructed specially for its London mooring, and is the closest hotel to ExCeL , the vast conference centre and exhibition hall which is just a few metres away.

The ExCeL conference and exhibition centre is just a few steps – literally – from the entrance to the Sunborn Yacht hotel London

The entrance to the Sunborn Yacht hotel London

Talking of metres – the Sunborn London has around 10,000m2 of floorspace, which means it feels pretty roomy inside, with 138 bedrooms and suites over five floors, plus a bar, restaurant, conference facilities and several terraces for those sunny days and warm evenings.

Book Sunborn Yacht hotel London on Booking.com

Visit Sunborn Yacht hotel London on TripAdvisor

There is a sister hotel, the five-star Sunborn Gibraltar , which seems to be rather more luxurious, with a swimming pool and casino onboard, but I am told there are plans for the Sunborn London to find another spot in London and for a larger Sunborn to moor up here instead.

The impressive reception lobby at Sunborn Yacht hotel London

That is all some way in the future, though, with plans yet to be finalised, and for now the Sunborn London remains London’s only yacht hotel, and it certainly offers a unique place to spend the night. The entrance is certainly a good first impression, with a lift from the quayside opening out onto an impressive double spiral staircase, all gleaming glass and gold. Check in was quick and efficient, and before too long we were walking up the staircase to the 4th floor where our Yacht Executive Room with River View was located.

Bedrooms at Sunborn Yacht hotel

The 138 bedrooms at Sunborn London  start at Yacht Classic, then go up in size and facilities to Yacht Executive and then to the Suites. Our Yacht Executive, was fairly smart, with a large double bed, sofa, TV (which wasn’t very easy to watch from the bed), coffee table, writing desk and lots of mirrors, lights and plug points.

Our Yacht Executive room at Sunborn London was spacious and well-designed, with a large bed, sofa, desk, bathroom with shower and private balcony

The carpet was a little tired but the small ferry-style bathroom with shower was bright and clean and best of all, we had a small balcony with a view up and down the dock.

The bed was comfy and there were enough lights and powerpoints for all

For sitting outside and soaking up the views though, the best option is the terrace on the third floor at the back of the ship which gives great views down to the cable cab and beyond it, the O2 arena at Greenwich. Staff were efficient and helpful, serving us a beer and Bloody Mary cocktail, but be warned, the prices on the Sunborn are pretty steep – a glass of Prosecco will set you back £9 while a pint of lager is £7.50, cocktails are around £18 and a G&T will cost you £20.

Soaking up the sunshine with a cocktail on the terrace of the Sunborn London

A more sensible option is to check out some of the nearby bars and restaurants on dry land, such as The Fox – popular during ExCeL events – or even get a cheap bottle of fizz from the nearby Tesco and enjoy on your balcony, as paying £50 for two rounds of drinks seems a little excessive, even for central London prices, and we certainly weren’t in central London. There’s also a selection of bar snacks, such as whitebait, £9.50, or larger plates like fish and chips at £22, but we had reserved a table at the Sunborn’s Land’s End restaurant and decided to wait.

Dinner at Sunborn Yacht

Dinner on the Sunborn is served on the fourth floor, in the open-plan Land’s End restaurant, and guests are advised to book as it can get busy. Staff kindly let us switch from our initial table under some over-enthusiastic air-conditioning to a warmer one and it was nice to dine while seeing the views of the water outside.

Sadly, the food didn’t match the venue or its prices, which was a shame considering the unique location. The Sunborn itself doesn’t shy away from making extravagant claims about its restaurant, as its website proclaims: ‘In our beautiful and elegant restaurant, you’ll find an array of striking and memorable flavours, an inspiring range of local and seasonal ingredients, and menus and wine lists specifically curated to take you to new heights of sensory pleasure…To dine on board Sunborn’s luxury superyacht is to go on a voyage into a realm of flavour, aroma, and texture, and to treat yourself to something truly out of the ordinary.’

The Pressed Rabbit and Parma Ham Terrine to start

Sweetcorn chowder

We hadn’t read this blurb before dining but even so, the prices and venue meant that we had been really looking forward to something special. The starters were perfectly adequate, with Pressed Rabbit and Parma Ham Terrine (£15) and my large, warming bowl of Sweetcorn Chowder (£9.50) but the mains weren’t up to expectations; my seared Tuna Steak Nicoise (£34) was very odd, with the tuna having been seemingly brined or treated in some way that it tasted more like gammon, with oddly sliced eggs and an over-powering balsamic dressing, while my partner’s vast Lobster Tagliatelle (£32) was slightly better, but needed more flavour and more lobster. We decided to take one dessert to our room (Vanilla Creme Brûlée, £12) and were surprised to find it was really rather tiny.

My seared Tuna Steak Nicoise

Lobster Tagliatelle

It was a shame as dining on a boat certainly felt very special and the prices certainly hinted that the food would be a cut above the usual fare, but reluctantly I have to say I didn’t feel it matched the venue or the cost. ‘There’s something for everyone in the UK’s most exclusive and one of a kind venue’ says the website, so it does seem like a severe case of over-writing and under-delivering, at least on the evening we were there. The glass of red wine we had with our meal was very nice though and the Pina colada-style cocktail which came in a giant glass pineapple glass was fun and showed a bit of imagination and verve.

Cocktails at dinner were fun, especially the one served in a massive pineapple

Breakfast at Sunborn

Judging by the reviews on Tripadvisor breakfast at Sunborn yacht hotel, the breakfast is a hugely popular part of guests’ stay, but I think they were having an off-day when I visited (or maybe my expectations were too high?). Breakfast is buffet-only, so you help yourself from a variety of cooked options on hot plates, which range from sausages to bacon, scrambled eggs, fried eggs, baked beans and hash browns as well as a selection of cold meats, yoghurt, smoked fish, cereals and bread.

The yogurt was fine but the scrambled eggs were cold (even from the tray freshly brought from the kitchen), the sausages not very tasty and the bacon very patchily cooked, so for a hotel which claims to offer a ‘five-star, luxury experience’ I found it rather lacking – plus the coffee available was only filter coffee and staff were not very pleased with my request for a proper espresso – although they did oblige in the end. It is always tricky for a hotel to manage expectations but as breakfast is a highlight of most hotel stays, it surely isn’t too hard to make sure that food is well cooked and piping hot when served.

The lounge at the Sunborn Yacht hotel London

That said, staying at the Sunborn yacht hotel was certainly a unique London hotel experience and if you’re visiting ExCeL then it is the ideal place for location and convenience, plus sitting on the terrace in the sunshine next to the sparkling water of Royal Victoria Dock was a lovely way to spend the afternoon – I look forward to the arrival of Sunborn’s more luxurious replacement which will no doubt be a great addition to the area, whether you choose to travel by land, sea or air.

Sunborn Yacht hotel London at night

Hotel information and to book Sunborn Yacht hotel London

Sunborn Yacht hotel , Royal Victoria Dock, London E16 1AA, United Kingdom. Phone: +44 20 3714 8111

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Sarah Bridge

Every review is personally researched and written by me, Sarah Bridge, who, when I'm not writing about leisure for a national newspaper, spends my time seeking out the best leisure experiences, from city centre boutique hotels to country house estates, Michelin-starred dining to the newest openings. Some of the links on my reviews are affiliate marketing links, which means if you click through I get a small commission if you end up buying on these sites. This in no way affects the independence of my reviews, but helps with website running costs and I just wanted to let you know so as to be fully transparent.

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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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Luxury London stay on a superyacht

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Departure airports, arrival airports, sunborn london, royal victoria dock.

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4,932 reviews

Property details

Great Overall Ranking

Top 13% in city

Excellent Housekeeping

Top 4% in city

Excellent Views

• Unique getaway : Swift in the wake of its glimmering Gibraltar predecessor, the sleek Sunborn London superyacht boasts cutting-edge architecture and awe-inspiring views for a glamorous escape away from the hustle and bustle. Poised gracefully on Royal Victoria Dock among gleaming high-rise global banks, it sits in a suitably minted location.
• Drink in the views : Canary Wharf’s twinkly multi-coloured tower lights are the perfect urban backdrop to pre-dinner seasonal cocktails and small plates in the Sundown Bar - the ideal spot to kick back after a day of city slicking. Elsewhere, treat yourself to a sumptuous culinary journey at the elegant Lands Ends restaurant.
• Timeless elegance : Cocoon yourself in style, luxury and comfort in your spacious superyacht guestroom. You can expect a timeless design alongside classic craftsmanship, not to mention pristine bathrooms with indulgent Prija toiletries.

Entry requirements

The passport, visa and health requirements (including those related to COVID-19) at the time of booking can be viewed on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website for UK citizens, and on the Department of Foreign Affairs website for IE citizens. It is your responsibility to ensure that you and all members of your party are in possession of all necessary travel and health documents, and in compliance with any other immigration/entry requirements, before you travel.

Location and what's nearby

Royal Victoria Dock, London, E16 1XL

Directions – How to Find Us

It couldn’t be simpler to find us…

PUBLIC TRANSPORT – Closest station Custom House for ExCel

Faster journey times across London with direct links for national travel: Farringdon – 12mins (for Thameslink services), Paddington – 20mins (for Reading, Oxford, and the South West) and Liverpool Street – 10mins (for Stanstead and the east of England) and international travel with direct direct connection from Heathrow – 43mins.

*Elizabeth line operates Monday to Saturday.

The Jubilee Line and the DLR will conveniently take you to  Sunborn London. Alight at Canning Town on the Jubilee Line and change to DLR train for the quick two-stop journey to Custom House for ExCeL. Plan your journey

Please put the post code E16 1AA in your navigation system and it will guide you directly to Sunborn London Yacht Hotel.

Click here to view Google Map »

• Sunborn London reserves 3 parking spaces in front of the yacht for disable badge holders (blue badge), you will be required to let the hotel know in advance of your requirement for parking, you will be required to display a badge during your stay.
• Please be aware that during certain events the access for parking maybe closed.
• The nearest car park is located at the ExCeL Exhibition Centre, which is a 2 min walk away from our hotel. for information please follow the link . More Info

London City Airport (LCY)

• By Car: 10 minutes
• By Public Transportation: 15 minutes

London Heathrow Airport (LHR)

• By Car: 1h 15 min
• By Public Transportation: 43 min (Elizabeth Line)

London Gatwick (LGW)

• By Car: 1 h
• By Public Transportation: 48 min (Elizabeth Line via Farringdon)

London Luton Airport (LLA)

• By Car: 1h 10 min
• By Public Transportation: 34 min (Elizabeth Line via Farringdon)

London Stansted (STN)

• By Car: 40 mins
• By Public Transportation: 54 min (Elizabeth Line via Liverpool st)

Hotel Reservations

For all updates on reservations please register your interest here.

Conference & Event Reservations

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