Right on the banks of the Wharf in a brilliant waterfront location, London Marriott Hotel Canary Wharf delivers the kind of polished, city-break stay that works equally well for business travellers and weekend explorers.
Step inside and the first impression is slick and inviting. The gleaming lobby features shiny polished floors, rich woods and comfortable seating areas, while a mezzanine level overlooks the space below, adding a sense of openness and quiet sophistication.
Our room on the third floor, room 309, was immaculate, dressed in muted calming colours with expansive glass windows looking straight out onto the water. Featuring a giant wall-mounted TV, a leather and fabric chaise longue (perfect for cosy evenings curled up with a book) and an inviting bed with the plumpest pillows you could wish for, we felt right at home as soon as we’d unpacked our suitcases. Plenty of wardrobe space kept everything organised, while the neutral palette was punctuated by statement blue glass bedside lamps that added a splash of personality.
Bathrooms here are equally well thought out, with excellent lighting and a shower over bath setup. Tea and coffee making facilities are provided, along with a swivel chair and desk should you need to catch up on work – fitting given this is one of London’s most prominent business districts.
Service throughout our stay was excellent. Tom checked us in smoothly, while Aaron from concierge was incredibly friendly and even made sure the Newcastle United F.C. match was showing in the bar for us later that evening!
Location-wise, it’s hard to beat. Canary Wharf Station and West India Quay are just a few minutes’ walk away – in fact we could see West India Quay from our window, yet the room remained impressively quiet. From here we hopped on the Docklands Light Railway and were at Westfield Stratford City within 20 minutes door to door. It’s also a convenient base if you’re visiting the hugely popular ABBA Voyage.
Guests staying in executive rooms also have access to the Executive Lounge on the M Floor, which is a calming space to relax or work. During our visit, Kasia (quite possibly the nicest woman in hospitality!) looked after guests with complimentary beer and wine alongside mini Caesar salads, chicken tenders, quinoa salad, meats and an impressive range of cheeses.
Downstairs, Manhattan Bar & Grill offers something many hotel restaurants struggle to achieve: genuine atmosphere. The space is slick, lively and feels like a destination in its own right.
Dinner started strongly with warm bread served with butter I’m still thinking about! Rich, savoury and almost reminiscent of salted caramel popcorn thanks to its meaty depth of flavour, we slathered it on while browsing the menu. Chicken gyozas followed, delicately soft with a well-seasoned minced filling, served with a mint yoghurt dip that was perfect for dunking. The gigantic Monodon tempura prawns were another highlight, crisp and golden with a sweet chilli aioli that made them especially moreish.
For the main course I chose the 200g prime fillet steak (£35), cooked beautifully and served with red wine sauce and proper triple-cooked chips. My mum opted for the seabass, and seafood lovers will also appreciate the Billingsgate Catch of the Day – sourced from nearby Billingsgate Market. A side of Applewood gratin was super indulgent with that rich earthy flavour of the cheese.
Cocktails bookended the evening nicely – a lychee martini to start, and a classic espresso martini to finish, serving as a delicious digestif.
Elsewhere in the hotel you’ll find the elegant G&Tea Lounge for craft cocktails, a 24-hour fitness centre and sauna, as well as multiple meeting rooms for corporate guests.
After a peaceful night’s sleep and a good hearty breakfast back in the Manhattan Bar & Grill, we checked out and had the pleasure of chatting to Elvis – head of concierge and the longest serving member of the team who’s been working at Marriott London Canary Wharf for 14 years!
It’s a long time since I’ve stayed in a hotel where every single member of staff goes above and beyond. The service really is excellent, the location so convenient and the food, genuinely outstanding for a hotel restaurant.
London Marriott Canary Wharf quietly ticks all the boxes. It’s a clever hotel, striking the right balance between the needs of the traveller and the professional. Book your stay here.