Introduction
Staying at Sea Containers London is a bit like stepping aboard a glamorous cruise liner without ever leaving the South Bank. Designed by Tom Dixon and brimming with bold metallic finishes, this is a hotel that leans hard into theme and manages to pull it off. The boaty nods are littered throughout the hotel: staff wear striped t-shirts, there portholed shaped windows and the curved edges throughout the building give the whole place the feel of a submarine.
Why stay at Sea Containers London?
Sea Containers has many winning qualities—its sweeping panoramic views of the South Bank, its riverside setting, and its close proximity to the London Eye, Tate Modern and the National Theatre. But once you’ve stepped inside the hotel’s stylish, metallic interiors, all designed by Tom Dixon, it’s easy to feel like you’re far away from London’s busy streets.
Taking his inspiration from 1920s transatlantic cruise liners, Dixon has glossed the walls in rich copper tones, while the lobby is dramatically shaped like a ship’s hull. The boaty theme doesn’t stop there either; in the toilets, the mirrors are sculpted into portholes, and the curved edges throughout the building give the whole place the feel of a submarine.
I mean that in the best way. Sea Containers’ otherworldly vibe is part of its charm.
What are the rooms like at Sea Containers London?
The hotel has 359 rooms, and about a third of them have views over the Thames. Each is kitted out with a mini-fridge, coffee machine, hair dryer and steamer—everything you might need for a comfortable stay. With dimmable lights, big flat-screen TVs and queen-sized, almost sickeningly comfortable beds, it would be quite easy to lock the door and simply rest your stay away.
The bigger, voguish suites come with stand-alone bathtubs, marble bathrooms and large, plush sofas to sprawl on. Even the smaller rooms are fitted with rain showers. The mini fridges are well stocked with pre-mixed cocktails and snacks, and WIFI is available, free of charge, in every room. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a hotel this fashionable in such a prime central location.
It is a bargain too: prices start from under £200 a night. So, if you want a river-view balcony suite for half the expected price, Sea Containers has got you sorted. The rooms, all decorated in grey and pink, are bound to send your heart racing.
Which are the best restaurants and bars at Sea Containers London?
The top-floor 12th Knot bar is a highlight. It has dark, mystical lighting that adds a dash of glamour, big plush sofas to sink into, and a blingy gold bar where flawless cocktails are mixed. My Negroni was perfection and I’d highly recommend taking your drink out onto the stunning roof terrace to soak up the views.
Downstairs, the Sea Containers restaurant serves excellent food in a relaxed setting. For lunch, I feasted on a light and lemony sea bass chowder with maple-glazed carrots - both were cooked to a heavenly standard. Even the standard fries had a gloriously crispy edge and exploded with salty flavour. On hotter days, you can bag a table right on the river and people watch the afternoon away.
What is the service like at Sea Containers London?
Service throughout my stay was warm, confident and slick. The staff at reception and in the restaurant answered any questions we had with a smile. Up in the 12th Knot bar, things were a little more hurried, but we visited on a busy Friday evening, where drinks were flowing fast.
What are the facilities like at Sea Containers London?
Sea Containers doesn’t just look good—it delivers on facilities too. There’s a calming, low-lit spa offering a range of treatments and a glamour lounge that offers a selection of manicures, as well as a gym if you’re feeling active.
But the real surprise is the hotel’s own Curzon cinema. It’s a proper, intimate screening room with plush seats and a curated programme of films. If you're looking to escape the bustle of the South Bank—or just enjoy a glass of wine while watching a blockbuster—it’s ideal.
What’s the area like around Sea Containers London?
You’re quite literally in the heart of central London. Stroll five minutes from the hotel and you’ll hit the South Bank, where you’ll find a packed programme of events at the Southbank Centre, plus a buzzy food market during the day.
Nearby, there’s the National Theatre and Shakespeare’s Globe, both excellent for catching a play. Walk a little further and you’ll reach Borough Market, London’s oldest food market, overflowing with gourmet treats and top-notch street food. (Go during the weekday daytime to avoid the crowds.)
Of course, you needn’t leave the hotel at all to take in the best of London — some of the rooms and the rooftop terrace offer photo-worthy views over the Thames.
Why you should book a stay at Sea Containers London
From its dramatic interiors to its riverside cocktails and knockout location, Sea Containers is a hotel that truly is making waves. It’s stylish without being stuffy, themed without being gimmicky, and offers a level of comfort that’s hard to fault.
Remember not to skip a trip to the Curzon Cinema; film listings are released in advance, so you can plan your movie night without leaving the hotel.
