sunborn yacht london reviews

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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 Yacht Hotel

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Photos of Sunborn London Yacht Hotel

About Sunborn London Yacht Hotel

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

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

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

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

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

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

Latest deals for Sunborn London Yacht Hotel

Amenities at sunborn london yacht hotel.

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

Services and conveniences

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

Media and entertainment

Pool and spa

Accessibility and suitability

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

Family friendly

• Babysitting or child care

Parking and transportation

Health and safety

• Daily housekeeping

Reviews of Sunborn London Yacht Hotel

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

Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

• Great stay very nice helpful staff. (in 19 reviews)
• It’s great place to stay. (in 51 reviews)
• Location and staff great stay. (in 293 reviews)
• and the bar looked total uninviting. (in 61 reviews)
• The air conditioning wasn’t working (in 14 reviews)
• Bar service was very very slow (in 52 reviews)

What's nearby

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

Essential information about Sunborn London Yacht Hotel

When to book a room at Sunborn London Yacht Hotel

Top tips for your stay at sunborn london yacht hotel.

• If you’re after a cheap room at Sunborn London Yacht Hotel, then you should consider staying during the low season. The cheapest deals can generally be found in July and August.
• Prices can also vary depending on which day of the week you stay. For the best room deals at Sunborn London Yacht Hotel, plan to stay on a Monday or Tuesday. The most expensive day is usually Friday.
• The cheapest price a room at Sunborn London Yacht Hotel was booked for on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks was £104, while the most expensive was £258.
• How long should you stay at Sunborn London Yacht Hotel? KAYAK users usually book their rooms here for 1 day.

FAQs when booking at Sunborn London Yacht Hotel

How can i reach the sunborn london from heathrow airport.

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

Why should I eat on board the Sunborn London?

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

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

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

Can I organize my wedding at the Sunborn London?

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

Are there any activities held on board the Sunborn London?

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

Where is Sunborn London Yacht Hotel located?

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

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

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

Does Sunborn London Yacht Hotel offer free Wi-Fi?

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

How far is Sunborn London Yacht Hotel from the airport?

Sunborn London Yacht Hotel is 1.3 miles from London City.

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

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

Nearby hotels and places to stay

Most recommended, good to know.

Sunborn London Yacht Hotel

Guest Reviews

Services & amenities.

Executive Room with River View

Classic Family Room

Classic Room (Dockview)

Junior Suite With With Dock View

Classic Room With River View

Executive Room with Dock View

Executive Family Room

Junior Suite With River View

Executive Suite With Dockview

Executive Suite With River View

Guest reviews (79).

• Cleanliness 4.6
• Amenities 4.3
• Location 4.6
• Service 4.4

Property Policies

Front desk hours: 24/7

Property Description

• Number of Rooms: 138

Frequently Asked Questions

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Sunborn London Yacht Hotel

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

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

Sustainability certification

Categories:, see what guests loved the most:.

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, 8.4

• 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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Does Sunborn London Yacht Hotel have a restaurant on site?

• Lands End Restaurant

What is there to do at Sunborn London Yacht Hotel?

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

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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• Sunborn Yacht Hotel London

Guest Rooms

Imagine a luxury room on a glamorous yacht hotel in the very heart of London’s Docklands. A stay aboard Sunborn London presents visitors with the opportunity to enjoy a unique experience: the privacy and exclusivity of an ocean-going yacht combined with the quality and comfort of a top-class hotel.

Yacht Suites

Reserve a Yacht Executive Suite or Yacht Junior Suite aboard Sunborn London and step into a world of luxury. With extensive living space inside and out, and panoramic city vistas, it’s the ideal setting for an unforgettable stay in this prime London location. Our four suites also include a complimentary mini bar with the items below.

Guest Services

Expect a prompt, round-the-clock response to every request, and impressive attention to detail – from private cocktail parties to personalised floral displays.

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

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