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Sunborn London

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Sunborn London – The Floating Hotel

Enjoy a stunning city vista along with a cocktail in London’s only luxury floating hotel.

What is the Sunborn Floating Hotel?

A sleek yacht-hotel with a stunning waterside restaurant and bar.

Enjoy fabulous picturesque river views along with cocktails in the Sundown Bar or a first-class dinner in the restaurant.

See website for drinks list and menus.

Opening hours

Sundown Bar 11:00am – 01:00am Monday to Friday 11:00am – 11:00pm Sunday and Public Holidays

Lands End Restaurant Breakfast: 06:30am – 10:30am Monday to Friday 07:00am – 11:00am Weekends and Public Holidays Lunch: 12:00pm – 03:00pm Monday to Friday 12:30pm – 03:30pm Weekends and Public Holidays Dinner: 06:00pm to 10:00pm

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• Reviews of Sunborn London Yacht Hotel

Reviews of Sunborn London Yacht Hotel 4 stars

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

#269 of 1,022 hotels in London

Review score

Based on 5359 hotel reviews

Score breakdown

Cleanliness

Value for money

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Showing 1 – 25

Reviewed: 18 September 2024

Christopher

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

Lift out of operation meant extended waiting times, room was tired, carpet needs replacing, toilet porcelain cracked

Close to excel, large bedroom and clean bed

Stayed in September 2024

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

The wait time for drinks was way too long

Reviewed: 17 September 2024

• • Stayed 3 nights

Excellent location

Stayed in August 2024

Reviewed: 16 September 2024

Queues going in and out of the lifts to get to reception- bit too busy in reception and one room with our friends staying there wasn’t ready until 4.

Location and sitting on deck in the bar area plus an upgrade to the river view was much appreciated

Reviewed: 15 September 2024

• • Family with young children

Great for the OT arena - lovely room and staff. View from the bar was special.

The bed, like the two beds were joined together. No comfortable

The room and the settings

The room was superb and the bed very cosy. The breakfast was awesome.

Reviewed: 13 September 2024

Fab location and price - staff were all lovely

Didn't feel the breakfast utensils were assurred to be clean to touch. Saw someone drop tongs on floor and replaced back to table for others to use.

The bar service was table service and quite slow. The staff were brilliant and friendly but not enough of them for the amount of guests.

Lovely and clean. Great value for money.

Reviewed: 12 September 2024

No ability to open a window

Beautiful, clean, comfortable and so convenient location-wise

Reviewed: 11 September 2024

Smart, comfortable rooms. Pleasant surroundings.

• • Stayed 2 nights

Music level in the restaurant was a bit loud.

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

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

Reviewed: 10 September 2024

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.

Reviewed: 9 September 2024

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

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

The duvet is somewhat thick for summer. Humble breakfast.

Good location

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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. 

CHECK AVAILABILITY

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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Sunborn London Yacht Hotel

rate per night

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.

• Coffee machine and fridge. (in 12 reviews)
• The value for money was exceptional (in 17 reviews)
• Such a surreal and amazing experience. (in 56 reviews)
• and the bar looked total uninviting. (in 61 reviews)
• Also dirty/stained sheets were found in the sofa bed. (in 11 reviews)
• Coffee machine was broken. (in 9 reviews)

Traveller type:

Time of year:, traveller rating:, 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 June and September.
• 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 Sunday 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 £108, while the most expensive was £247.
• 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 1.2 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.

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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Sunborn Gibraltar: what the first five-star superyacht hotel looks like a decade on

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With 300 days of sunshine, Gibraltar is a no-brainer when considering a sunny weekend escape. Strategically located at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea , right next to Spain , this tiny British outpost is brimming with history, nature and diverse culture.

As well as a charming old town and the iconic rock, Gibraltar is also a sought after destination for yachters, thanks largely to its VAT-free status. Back in 2013, Sunborn made headlines when its 465-foot purpose-built yacht became the first five-star superyacht hotel in the world to take permanent residence on the sun-soaked overseas territory. A decade on, with Sunborn London under its belt and others in the pipeline, we went along to see whether the floating hotel concept still has appeal.

Docked in the busy Ocean Village Marina , Sunborn has unparallelled views of the prominent limestone Rock of Gibraltar on one side and bobbing yachts on the other. Most of “Gibs”, as locals call it, is accessible on foot. Grand Casemates Square and the main shopping street are a 10-minute walk away, and the route to the airport, which requires you to cross an actual runway, takes no more than 15 minutes.

Guests enter the hotel through a covered pathway laid with a red carpet. Inside, crystal disco ball chandeliers, bright neon lights and a grand stairway await with a spacious reception area plastered in marble. Bling and glamour travel across the hotel, where shades of beige and white contrast with brown and red in the suites and purple in the restaurants.

Sunborn combines the classic cruise ship design with modern designer hotel vibes. The corridors to the rooms are dark, decked out in deep tones of brown wood; while the common areas are bright and flooded with light. Glass cabinets advertising the region’s speciality gin called Spirit of the Rock and Sunborn’s merchandise dress the area around the elevators.

There are 189 rooms and suites, including six one-bedroom penthouse suites and two apartment suites boasting two rooms. Almost all rooms have a balcony or terrace facing the sea or the Rock. Our suite had a large living space and a bedroom with floor-to-ceiling windows that opened to a wide balcony with sun loungers, a breakfast table and a sofa overlooking the majestic Rock of Gibraltar. The flamboyance carries through to the bathroom, which is clad in marble and glimmering gold mosaic tiles. From lights to curtains, everything here operates at a press of a button.

If you’re in Gibs to relax, perhaps opt for rooms on the ocean side rather than ones facing the marina, as it tends to get too loud and very noisy, especially over the weekends.

Food & drink on Sunborn

Barbary Lounge on the top deck is where the breakfast buffet is laid out first thing in the morning. The place transforms into an all-day eatery presenting a menu that marries flavours and spices from the Mediterranean and North Africa. Moorish design flows through the interiors with light drapey curtains, floor lamps and patterned carpet. Evenings at Barbary are brought to life by live musicians and DJs entertaining you while you tuck into some smoked aubergine and freshly caught fish.

On the first floor, La Sala is a standout. With plush interiors dressed in silver velvet chairs, the restaurant serves tapas-style food with an Asian and Latin twist. The presentation is immaculate, with flavour combinations that will make you want to try the whole menu. I’d normally pick a star dish, but everything from the gyozas to the salmon gravlax cured in beetroot and sake to our churros for dessert was on point. Pair your dinner with punchy cocktails or a bottle of wine.

The hotel has a couple of bars: Aqua and Sapphire. The former is a casual outdoor space by the pool surrounded by sun loungers, perfect for cooling off the hot Med sun. Sapphire has a more formal indoor vibe, ideal for coffee or afternoon tea.

Facilities on Sunborn

Watch the sun slowly disappear behind much tinier yachts from Sunborn’s top-floor deck. On the other side of the viewing platform are the infinity pool and Aqua bar overlooking glass buildings and a vibrant marina where the party continues until early morning.

No holiday is complete without a spa treatment that allows you to switch off and unwind completely – especially after a climb up the Rock. Infinity Spa offers a selection of anti-ageing facial treatments, relaxing massages, wraps and day-long spa rituals using Elemis and Janssen products. Spend a leisurely afternoon getting a couple’s session with champagne in hand.

The liveliest spots in Gibraltar are quite literally at your doorstep when living at Sunborn. On the ground floor of the property is a casino that is home to 15 jackpot machines, electronic and pinball roulette. The venue also hosts regular poker tournaments and has a VIP area for privacy.

Extracurricular

It might not seem large, but Gibraltar has plenty of interesting activities to fill your days and evening, from hiking and diving to wildlife watching and all-night partying.

The main landmark is the Rock of Gibraltar, a 1,398-foot-high limestone monolith formed over millions of years through sedimentation and tectonic processes. Visitors can take a cable car to the top for 360-degree views of Gibraltar, drive up or hike, making a pit stop at St. Michael’s Cave , where a display of impressive stalagmites and stalactites come to life with a light and sound show. It’s also a natural auditorium for music concerts and events.

Despite its urban surroundings, the Rock is home to diverse plant and animal species. One of the most notable inhabitants is the Barbary macaque, Europe’s only wild monkey population. The flower Gibraltar candytuft is native to the upper section of the Rock and is the only place in Europe where it grows in the wild.

Gibraltar is also famous for its duty-free shopping, much of which is based on Main Street just off the bustling square. While there, make your way to the Garrison Library and the Gibraltar Museum . This quaint museum, located in Bomb House Lane, covers everything from history and culture to archaeological finds and excavations dating back to the 1950s.

Away from land, its waters are home to several species of dolphins that come here to feed and reproduce. Visitors don’t have to go far from the coast to see hundreds swimming under the boat, riding the waves and being playful. The common bottlenose dolphin is the most well known and frequently spotted species.

Best for...

Anyone looking for a long weekend getaway in the hustle and bustle of Gibraltar. Party lovers only need to head outside to access some of the best nightclubs in Gibs, and there are plenty of culinary options too, from Indian to Irish. For families, there is the option of heading to the beach or just relaxing on the sun decks.

Booking details

British Airways and easyJet operate regular flights from London Luton, Gatwick and Heathrow.

Rooms at Sunborn Gibraltar start from £185, with all-inclusive options from £299 per couple, per night. To book, visit sunborngibraltar.com

For more on what to see and do in Gibraltar, visit visitgibraltar.gi

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Reservations: +44 (0) 203 714 811

How To Find Us

Sunborn London’s remarkable waterfront setting enables guests to enjoy breathtaking views across the Thames towards the towering spires of Canary Wharf and the celebrated dome of the London O2 Arena.

Public Transport

Closest station Custom House for ExCel

Elizabeth Line Elizabeth Line* Faster journey times across London with direct links for national travel: Farringdon – 12mins (for Thameslink services), Paddington – 20mins (for Reading, Oxford, and the South West) and Liverpool Street – 10mins (for Stanstead and the east of England) and international travel with direct direct connection from Heathrow – 43mins. *Elizabeth line operates Monday to Saturday.

London Underground and DLR (Docklands Light Railway) The Jubilee Line and the DLR will conveniently take you to Sunborn London. Alight at Canning Town on the Jubilee Line and change to DLR train for the quick two-stop journey to Custom House for ExCeL.

Plan your journey >

Please put the post code E16 1AA in your navigation system and it will guide you directly to Sunborn London Yacht Hotel. Click here to view Google Map >

Sunborn London reserves 3 parking spaces in front of the yacht for disable badge holders (blue badge), you will be required to let the hotel know in advance of your requirement for parking, you will be required to display a badge during your stay.

Please be aware that during certain events the access for parking maybe closed. The nearest car park is located at the ExCeL Exhibition Centre, which is a 2 min walk away from our hotel. for information please follow the link. More Info >

Travelling from Airport London

City Airport (LCY) By Car: 10 minutes By Public Transportation: 15 minutes

London Heathrow Airport (LHR)

• By Car: 1h 15 min
• By Public Transportation: 43 min (Elizabeth Line)

London Gatwick (LGW)

• By Public Transportation: 48 min (Elizabeth Line via Farringdon)

London Luton Airport (LLA)

• By Car: 1h 10 min
• By Public Transportation: 34 min (Elizabeth Line via Farringdon)

London Stansted (STN) By Car: 40 mins By Public Transportation: 54 min (Elizabeth Line via Liverpool st)