It isn’t very often that I encountered a hotel that makes me go “wow”. Most hotels have a typical look and feel to them that you don’t really expect to be blown away by the facilities and decor. This place goes a long way towards breaking the mould and re-defining the image of how a hotel should look. It is pretty wonderful.
It had been over a year since I had visit Canary Wharf, and I had forgotten what a unique place it is. It doesn’t feel remotely like you are in London. At all. You are surrounded by skyscrapers. It is clean and tidy absolutely everywhere. Everything looks new and the grass in the park look like carpet – pure lush green. It is also very secure, with security staff seen everywhere and police officers keeping a watch. In many ways it feels much like a mini Manhattan minus the traffic.
At the hotel, you are greeted with an explosion of colours and modern sophisticated designs in every room you walk into. Each room has a different feel and ambience whether it’s the lobby, meeting rooms, lounging areas, cafe or the restaurant. The hotel’s interiors also pays tribute to the Docklands’ proud history with the materials combining natural woods, gold, copper and greys to produce the overall theme.
The views jaw-droppingly gorgeous. They are really quite stunning all around – much like The Shard, only better as you have more viewing angles and a lot more space to walk around to do a bit of sightseeing. London landmarks such as The Gherkin, The Shard, Tower Bridge and the London Eye are quite easily visible without needing binoculars or telescopes. You not only get the pleasure to enjoy this from your room but also from the bar and restaurant Bōkan. The rooftop terrace at Bōkan is a glorious experience, with views that are even more spectacular and will leave you wanting to spend several hours lounging around with a glass of cocktail in hand.
There is also a beautiful coffee shop on the ground floor called Canary Coffee which easily out-charms any Starbucks I have ever been to. Its interior was created by Philip Watts and features drawings of little birds. Very cosy and stylish.
One of the best hotels I have ever stayed in. Loved every minute of my stay.
