sunborn yacht hotel membership

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.

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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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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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Reviews of Sunborn London Yacht Hotel 4 stars

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

#266 of 1,024 hotels in London

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Based on 5360 hotel reviews

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Showing 1 – 25

Reviewed: 11 September 2024

• • Business trip
• • Solo traveller
• • Classic King room with Dockview
• • Stayed 1 night
• • Submitted via mobile

Smart, comfortable rooms. Pleasant surroundings.

Stayed in September 2024

• • Stayed 2 nights

Music level in the restaurant was a bit loud.

Location: on a yacht; close to LCA, close to underground stations.

• • Leisure trip
• • Classic King Room with River View

The location next to river thames...views were amazing

Reviewed: 10 September 2024

• • Couple

Limited options for vegans. Staff happily provided oat milk for tea and coffee in the room but biscuits provided were not vegan and breakfast options limited. No plant based yoghurt available either. One vegan option meal available and no vegan dessert in the bar. Limited option in restaurant too

Loved the venue, location and staff were amazing.

The staff was very welcoming arrived early put our luggage in storage carried on our day. Bed very comfortable and plenty of space in our room. Plenty of choice for Breakfast.

Service in the restaurant was poor and seemed disorganised for breakfast with only one staff member on the floor. We had a lovely afternoon tea the day before, but service was the only letdown.

The location was excellent, and it was a special occasion so we were given a room upgrade which was excellent. Staff were friendly and accommodating. Afternoon Tea was excellent and I would highly recommend.

Stayed in August 2024

Reviewed: 9 September 2024

• • Family with young children

Breakfast was lovely but the tea/coffee area was rather wet and messy. The saucers need to be with the cup and no teaspoons. There was also mouldy bread in the toast area.

The smartness and helpful staff

Reviewed: 5 September 2024

Breakfast. (Not organised, was not informed of the setup, just handed a reserved sign and left to work everything out myself) The couple in front of us however were asked if they had been before ,said no and then escorted to a table and informed of what to do and where everything was. Breakfast was help yourself buffet style. Asked for scrambled egg without pepper and was told that ther unable to do that, but could make me an omelette instead. Did not like as not properly cooked. (Raw in the middle) Youg staff waiting tables were friendly, however the gentleman running the restaurant I found rude. (All customers should be treated equally)

Nice size room for my granddaughter and myself. Although only one bed, which could have been made into two. Riverside view. Small fridge in the room.

Water in the shower doesn't match this beautiful yatch water is cold so we were bit cold while showering,the room was supposed to come with a bathrobe & slippers there was none so I let it slide it was only 1 night we were from another hotel so it was ok

This yacht hotel is everything u wish for on a holiday, their staff very helpful & friendly, we came in early they kept our luggage safely, their food ( dinner absolutely delicious, expensive yes but u pay more for good stuff right 😊

Reviewed: 4 September 2024

Christopher

Limited bars and restaurants around the area Drinks in the bar a bit above local prices £8.50 a pint but nice to sit out on deck on a warm evening

Great location lovely views 5 mins from DLR Elizabeth line and o2 cable cars lovely clean ship with big well furnished rooms lovely breakfast buffet

Reviewed: 3 September 2024

• • Executive King Room with Dockview

The breakfast was poor/ cold and chewy. left with a bad taste in the mouth

Martin in the bar and reception staff were outstanding . Location is amazing and the ship is clean

• • Classic Family Room
• • Stayed 3 nights

The duvet is somewhat thick for summer. Humble breakfast.

Good location

Reviewed: 2 September 2024

Reviewed: 31 August 2024

• • Group

A fair way from London City centre

Nice location, a different experience.

Reviewed: 30 August 2024

Bar staff. Too slow

Reviewed: 29 August 2024

Rooms are slightly dated but still beautiful

Felt very luxurious and different. Had a great time

Would have liked a bath.

Lovely rooms, staff very friendly and helpful. Very clean and bed very comfortable.

Beds had two mattress toppers on them which moved in the night, bar staff to slow and breakfast staff very rude

Rooms very clean, reception staff friendly

The only thing I would say is the room smelt stale when we arrived. I found it was the cushions and throw. A spray of fabric freshener woukd solve it. Sheets were clean.

I like this hotel. I sleep well here. Bar nice. Bathroom is lovely and warm.

Reviewed: 28 August 2024

The accommodation is just like in the pictures. Friendly staff, clean room and environment. The breakfast was plentiful and delicious. Public transport is also a few minutes' walk away. Attractions are easily accessible from there.

Reviewed: 27 August 2024

Our room was quite noisy with banging of the external door and gangplank which woke us up. We had a meal in the bar - incredibly small portions and incredibly high price - dish of the day was wrongly described! Suggest to go to other local restaurants in close proximity.

Lovely luxurious yacht in great location for Excel Cente, O2 and cable car - easy access via Elizabeth Line

The aircon didn’t work in our room and given the type of hotel it was, being a yacht we didn’t have a window. This might not have been as bad for others but it was a warm night and I’m heavily pregnant so I really struggled to sleep due to overheating. The doors also slam shut and we were woken several times from the sound of other rooms bathroom doors slamming shut during the night/ early morning

The hotel was so unique, we found it fascinating!

Reviewed: 26 August 2024

Price of dtnks

Room lovely

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Hotel Review: Sunborn Yacht Hotel, Gibraltar

This 5 star rated accommodation is close to the old town of gibraltar, and its sun deck affords great views of the famous rock..

Moored in the vibrant Ocean Marina is the imposing Sunborn Yacht Hotel looking bright and resplendent in the heady Gibraltarian sunshine.

Though it looks like it could set sail off at any moment, the ship doesn’t actually have an engine. It’s a purpose-built luxury hotel that has all the makings of a top-notch cruise ship.

On arrival, a team member meets and greets you, helps with luggage, and walks with you along the elegant walkway to the ship’s entrance. The reception looks grandiose with its dazzling blue ball chandelier, marble floors and a sweeping marbled staircase. A flute of Prosecco is offered to welcome you aboard to sip during the check-in procedure. It’s all very civilized.

Sunborn Yacht Hotel has a superb location on the waterfront and as Gibraltar is just three miles (5 km) long and just over half a mile (1.2 km) wide everything is close by. A day trip into Spain is possible as the border with La Linea is within walking distance from everywhere.

In effect, Gibraltar is a little piece of Britain on the Med and this hotel offers a luxurious stay in one of the country’s funkiest spots near nightlife, bars and restaurants.

The young and young at heart couples – romance sizzles by the small poolside – as well as families.

Accommodation

The air-conditioned rooms are both spacious and stylish with parquet flooring and curtains that automatically swish open when you enter the keycard to activate the electricity and closes when you leave. Nifty.

There’s a TV, generous wardrobe space, a gorgeous ensuite with a very pleasing rainfall shower and aromatic Molton Brown toiletries. Amenities include a kettle, hairdryer, bathrobes and slippers and a mini-bar for those impulsive in-room tipples.

The view over the marina and the moored yachts bobbing on their lees is lovely. And, incredibly, the airport runway. It was shocking how close those planes looked when taking off, and very exciting too.

View over the marina from room Sunborn Yacht Delux room 337

Food and Drink

Breakfast is served in the Barbary restaurant and has a small buffet with fruits, pastries, boiled and scrambled eggs, and an option to have freshly made omelettes. You could also go for a full English with hash browns, sausage and beans.

There’s Prosecco on offer if you want to liven it all up.

Dinner and lunch at the Barbery offers a fusion of food from the Barbery coast and Mediterranean cuisine but also fish and chips, which incidentally seems to be a staple in Gibraltar.

La Sala is where all the fun is at the weekend. Fine dining and evening dancing to live music or a DJ.

During the day the Aqua bar is open and fuels the party atmosphere around the pool.

Sunborn Yacht has a small pool on the top deck served by a well-stocked bar. It’s not really the kind of pool to swim your daily lengths but enough to cool off in or just to dangle your feet over the edge with a cocktail. Getting a sunbed can be tricky as they get nabbed quite quickly by the clever clogs who claim theirs with the international language of placing their towel on one first thing. However, there are deck chairs too and with music playing (not blaring), it’s a really pleasant vibe overall.

A small gym is on hand to keep you ticking over with your fitness and the Infinity spa with treatment rooms for facials, wraps massage, makeup, nails and hair that’s actually not too expensive.

There is free and fast Wi-Fi throughout the ship including poolside

Doubles start from £223 per night. 

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What’s nearby.

Gibraltar is small country and easy to explore on foot. There’s the shopping of course but the most famous activity is meeting the monkeys on the rock. While you are up there it would be a shame to miss St Michael’s Cave, with its stalagmites and stalactites drenched in light. The light show is magnificent and depicts the creation of Gibraltar as it emerges from the sea.

Military tunnels have also been preserved with recreations to show how they saved Gibraltar from devastation during World War II.

Gibraltar has three beaches at Eastern Bay, Sandy Bay and Catalan Bay. The latter, with its pastel-coloured homes as the backdrop, is the prettiest.

Read more – Why Gibraltar Rocks

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The World’s first 5 star floating Yacht Hotel

Gibraltar Rocks Package

2 nights in a Superyacht Deluxe Room. Discover Gibraltar’s Top Attractions with Gibraltar Pass

The experience package

Room and breakfast in a deluxe room Dinner for 2 Dolphin tour for 2 pax

Christmas Package

Gibraltar: the beautiful mediterranean gem.

With 300 days of sunshine, wonderfully diverse natural landscape and first-class (VAT free) shopping, GBP currency, dining and entertainment options, Gibraltar has much to offer its visitors.

Latest news

We want to invite you for a tour with us around Sunborn Gibraltar

Sunborn Gibraltar has achieved Silver in the Green Meetings Certification Program

We are very proud to share that we have taken our Meetings facilities to the next level of adhering to more sustainable standards! Sunborn Gibraltar

Father’s Day Brunch at BARBARY Restaurant

Celebrate Father’s Day at Sunborn top deck BARBARY Restaurant with extensive Brunch Buffet on 16th of June! Enjoy Happy Hour during your meal, live music

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Sunborn Yacht - Review of Sunborn London

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Sunborn Yacht

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Booked the Sunborn as we were attending an exhibition at the ExCel it is around 100 meters to the exhibition centre . Apart from a faulty lift first impressions were very good , on arrival we were informed we had been upgraded to a superior room with a balcony . The welcome was warm and friendly and the staff very helpful. The room was large and more than adequate for a night’s stay and boasted some extra kit such as Lavazza coffee maker and fridge. On returning from a meal out we decided to have a drink in the bar which was very relaxing and comfortable, the staff once again were welcoming and friendly. We noticed that it was possible to take our drinks on the rear deck with imposing views of the O2 and the city of London . Our # 1 impression of the Sunborn was how relaxing, peaceful and quiet it was . Next morning check out was completed with no fuss and we organised our bags to be looked after whilst we visited the exhibition. We would certainly recommend the Sunborn for anyone wanting novel accommodation with peace and quiet if you are staying at that end of London.

Dear Tim, Thank you for sharing your feedback about your recent experience! We are pleased that our location met your needs and are delighted that you had an enjoyable and comfortable stay with all your expectations met and, in some cases, exceeded. Your mention of our team's attentive service is truly appreciated and inspires us to constantly improve our performance. We hope that we have the pleasure of seeing you again in the future. Kind regards, Atif Shaikh, Assistant Front Office Manager

Booked this for an overnight stay whilst visiting the Excel exhibition centre and loved every minute. Arrived early and were able to leave our bags so we could come back and check in in the afternoon, the staff were super helpful and efficient. When we returned check in was swift and the rooms were clean and tidy as you’d expect plus we had a balcony to sit out on, have a glass of wine and watch the world go by. Area has a variety of bars and restaurants and has the funky dockland vibe. The hotel bar has a rear deck overlooking the dock and away to Canary Wharf which is quite magical, it’s position A for cocktails! In all we spent 26 hours in London on our whirlwind trip but all agreed it felt as if we had had a long weekend away such was the buzz of staying on the yacht hotel…fab. Get it booked, you won’t regret it.

Dear Guest, Thank you for such a positive review! We are delighted that you enjoyed our "vibe location" and felt very well cared for during your time here. Our team will appreciate your kind comments which we will be sure to pass on to them. Thank you for mentioning our bar with the magical views with the city lights to Canary Wharf and its brightness which is a real position for a cocktail! We look forward to the pleasure of seeing you again on a future visit. Kindest regards, Atif Shaikh, Assistant Front Office Manager

This is a cool place that we decided to do for something a bit different. Staying on a luxury Yacht is very cool. Checkin was easy and staff helpful. Room was big if a tad dated - but that adds to the Yacht look and feel. Shower room was a good size but no extractor fan so it gets super steamy and doesn’t clear. Air con was good. General facilities - good coffee machine, kettle, iron/ironing board were all on point. The experience didn’t disappoint!

Dear Guest, Thank you for reporting so positively about your time at The Sunborn Yacht Hotel, enabling us to be an ideal starting point for visiting London. We are pleased that you appreciated the overall atmosphere of our "cool Yacht", and our amenities were to your convenience. Our team members are always at hand to provide our guests with an excellent service. We all certainly hope that we have the pleasure of welcoming you back again in future. Cool regards! The Guest Experience Team The Sunborn London

Loved the stay with the balcony river view. I had chosen a birthday surprise package for my wife which was well organized by the hotel. Cake and decorations where amazing. The dinner at the restaurant was awesome. Breakfast was average. Definitely recommend.

Dear Shyam, Thank you for this lovely review. We are happy to know your recent stay with us was a lovely experience. Thank you very much for all the detailed information you have given for which we are very grateful, as it not only encourages us to continue to uphold our high standards but will also be very useful for our future guests. We always aim to provide a truly memorable experiences. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future. Best regards, The Guest Experience Team The Sunborn London

The hotel was great, nice room and balcony overlooking Royal Victoria Dock. We had a three course dinner and breakfast included in our package. The food was absolutely lovely and the service couldn't have been better. All of the staff were very attentive, you couldn't have wished for more! Unfortunately for us, we only stayed for one night having taken over three hours to drive up from Gloucestershire so didn't have time to travel into central London. We didn't think much of the location unless you were going to the Excel exhibition centre which was literally on the doorstep, or should I say down the gangplank! Thoroughly enjoyed our stay though.

• Sleep Quality

Dear Guest, Thank you for sharing this lovely review about your personal experience at the Sunborn Yacht Hotel London. We really love it! It is very rewarding to receive a review of complete satisfaction from a guest and we are delighted to have met all your expectations of the highest standards of comfort, efficiency and a warm welcome. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future. Best regards, The Guest Experience Team The Sunborn London

From VKO airport in Moscow to city center

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Day route from airport:.

This route will take you to Red Square in Moscow city center during day operation times.

Night route from airport:

This route will take you to Red Square in Moscow city center during night.

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Got a burning question? Search our list of the most commonly asked, or see the bottom of the page for what to do if your question isn’t answered.

On this page, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions by our guests.

Where is the hotel located?

The hotel is located at Royal Victoria Docks, near the ExCel Centre.

Our postcode address is: Royal Victoria Dock, London, E16 1AA

What is the nearest train station?

The closest is Custom House Excel, which is a short 2 min walk from the yacht. Custom House is served by DLR train and the brand new Elizabeth Line.

How far is the hotel from Central London?

With the opening of the Elizabeth Line you can reach central London in 25 minutes (depending on the time of the day).

When can I check in to the hotel?

You can check in from 15:00. If you arrive earlier, you can store your baggage in the hotel’s baggage area until your room is ready. If the room has been cleaned and is ready before 15:00, you may have access to the room earlier.

When do I have to check out of the hotel?

The room is yours until 11:00 on your day of departure. If you wish to check out later than 11:00, please contact reception. Please be aware of our additional charge for late check-out.

Which debit/credit cards can I use?

You can pay with the same cards that are accepted at reception; Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Diners.

Pre-authorisation on check in

A £40.00 per day pre-authorisation will be taken on your credit / debit card or GBP 100 in cash upon check in for extra charges that you may have during your stay. This pre-authorisation is being released in 2-3 working days for credit cards and in up to 10 working days for debit cards depending on your bank’s policy.

What is pre-authorisation?

A pre-authorisation is a temporary hold of a specific amount of the available balance on a credit or debit card that is provided. The pre-authorisation is not a charge and no funds have been debited from your account.

What should I do if I have not received my receipt by e-mail?

If you have not received a receipt for your stay via e-mail, you must contact the hotel by e-mail or telephone. Contact information for the hotel can be found on the hotel website.

How old do I have to be to book a room?

All bookings must be made by guests of 18 years or over.

RESTAURANT AND BAR

What is the opening time for the Lands End Restaurant?

Monday to Friday – 7:00hrs to 10:00hrs

Saturday & Sunday – 8:00hrs to 11:00hrs

Afternoon Tea

Monday to Sunday – 12:30hrs to 16:30hrs

Monday to Sunday – 17:00hrs to 22:00hrs

Last orders at 21:30hrs

What is the opening time for the Sundown Bar?

Monday to Thursday : 12.00 – 23.00

Friday and Sunday: 12.00 – 00.00

Room service opening times:

We offer room service for the times below. Please be advised that there is an additional tray charge applied to all room service orders.

Lunch & Dinner

Monday to Sunday – 12:00hrs to 22:00hrs

Sunday to Thursday – 12:00hrs to 23:00hrs

Last orders at 22:30hrs

Friday & Saturday – 12:00hrs to 24:00hrs

Last orders at 23:30hrs

PARKING            

Does the hotel have a car park?

The hotel does not have a car park. Only a few blue badge holder spaces. you are required to let hotel know before arrival, Blue badge holder spaces are limited, and they are on a first come first serve basis.

Can I park outside the hotel?

Only blue badge holders can park outside, in the designated bays, in they are available.

Where is the nearest car park?

The nearest car park is located at the ExCeL Exhibition Centre, which is a 2 min walk away from our hotel. Parking costs £25 in the Orange car park, located underneath the venue, for up to 24 hours. Parking is for cars only. More Info

Facilities that are available in the hotel

We have Sundown Bar and Land End Restaurant available for you to enjoy with some amazing views of the O2 and Canary Wharf Skyline.

Facilities that are not available in the hotel

Our sister yacht in Gibraltar has a swimming pool and the casino available on board, unfortunately we do not have these facilities available in London.

Hotel Reservations

For all updates on reservations please register your interest here.

Conference & Event Reservations

We’re now taking conference and event reservations.

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