The best hotels in Docklands

When a place rates itself as assuredly (in huge bold letters, no less) as Good Hotel does, it’s natural to feel a little sus. But it’s true: Good Hotel really does make you feel good. Service is cheery and laid-back without being overly casual; the food leaves nothing to complain about and – maybe it’s the luxurious silence of the area or perhaps the proximity to gently lapping water – I don’t know if I’ve ever had a better night’s sleep in the city. Aside from all that, guests can walk out of Good Hotel feeling extra gratified by virtue of its ‘do good’ DNA.

Best of all though, you'll leave feeling pretty great because a night in Good Hotel does not have to hurt your pockets. The compact (dare we say, cosy) 13 square metre ‘Good Rooms’ is the cheapest of the lot. No, there’s no pool or little bottles of prosecco in your cupboard, but Good Hotel has all the core things you could need from a hotel, done really, really well. And why book at a basic chain hotel when here, your money can go towards making a proper positive impact - each night you spend there pays towards a child going to school in South America. They really are good here.

Time Out tip: You’re right next to the IFS Cloud Cable Cars, so it would be rude to pass up on some cheap 360 views of the city.

Address: Royal Victoria Dock, Western Gateway, London E16 1FA

Price per night: From £91

Closest transport: Royal Victoria station (DLR) is a five-minute walk.

Look from west to east along the banks of Royal Victoria Dock, and you’ll observe a real-time history lesson. Fourteen preserved 20th-century cranes signify London’s transition from industrial powerhouse to corporate capital, standing in the shadow of Canary Wharf’s glittering skyscrapers. At the heart of it all floats the Sunborn London Yacht Hotel.

The 420-foot superyacht offers 138 rooms spread across five decks. With plenty of brass features, wooden cladding and anchor-print carpets, you’re not at risk of forgetting you’re on a ship. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. A stay on the Sunborn is a seriously novel experience: tasteful, spacious cabins and a restaurant with great views across to the sparkling Isle of Dogs give the hotel its distinct charm. And while the double curved staircase and giant chandelier in the foyer feel a little dated, the brilliant staff more than make up for it with their friendly, attentive service.

Also, you’re quite literally on a yacht. Sure, it’s a little kitsch here and there, but for a one-time thing – why the hell yacht? (Get it?)

Time Out tip: Eat at the restaurant - for the experience if nothing else!

Address: Royal Victoria Dock, E16 1XL

Price: From £99 per night

Nearest transport: Custom House Station is about a 5- to 6-minute walk away.

There’s a shiny, curved, mermaid-esque exterior to this sexy, not-too-corporate boutique hotel from the group behind the glitzy W chain. Rooms here, right by the ExCeL Centre and Prince Regent DLR, have a minimal, masculine look, with plenty of clean lines and modern furnishings. Handily, check-in is automated: swipe your credit card to receive a key card, which also lets you into the gym and swanky modern pool, complete with sauna and steam room.

Emerging artists also regularly play live at Aloft’s urban-looking W XYZ bar, giving the place a bit more of a cooler vibe than your average business hotel. There’s a relaxed, sociable feel to the communal spaces, too, so you can grab a drink and maybe even make some friends, without having to venture into central London. It’s particularly handy if you’re in town for an event at the ExCeL of course. 

There are plenty of last-minute offers available here, too. Okay, it remains a slightly business-focused chain hotel, but it feels a world away from the usual soulless corporate stay

Address: One Eastern Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock

Price £110 per night

Nearest transport: Prince Regent DLR Station is a three-minute walk

Time Out tip: You can get breakfast, lunch and dinner in the hotel, too.

Offering a luxury-on-a-budget option in Canary Wharf, Tune Hotel offers comfy beds in compact, minimal rooms. If you can bring your own toiletries and towels (they charge extra for those), and learn to live without the kettle and minibar (absent from the rooms) – it’s a brilliant option for anyone who prefers to be out exploring but wants a comfortable crash pad without the frills. There’s also a jukebox in the 24-hour lobby and surely that makes up for things?

Point A Hotel is also slap bang in Canary Wharf, which makes it a handy option for business travellers with meetings in the area. You’re within easy reach of the capital’s major financial firms, offices and conference spaces, while the Jubilee line, DLR and Elizabeth line make getting to the rest of London relatively painless. Also, if you just want to look up at the skyscrapers or try out the new lido, it will be a good choice for you, too. A free breakfast is included.

Address: 21 Hertsmere Road, E14 4AS

Price: From £77 per night

Nearest transport: Canary Wharf is a four-minute walk

Time Out tip: You can also work in the hotel lobby

A classic design and all the luxury touches you could need (concierge, turndown service, bathrobe). Rooms range from deluxe double, with floor-to-ceiling windows and plush beds, to fancy suites with free food (hors d’oeuvres, desserts and late-night snacks), separate living areas and executive lounge access. There’s a fitness centre with a sauna, plus Manhattan Grill and the G&Tea bar for dining and drinking.