Sea Containers Is London’s Five-Star Secret Weapon On The River Thames

Photo Credit: Sea Containers London
I’ve stayed in hundreds upon hundreds of hotels in my lifetime, and as such, it’s very hard to be absolutely delighted by a property without picking it apart. Sea Containers London is one of those rare properties.

Photo Credit: Sea Containers London

It’s impressive from the moment you arrive, completely different from traditional luxury hotels, with a design reminiscent of a 1920s transatlantic cruise liner, with contemporary features and cutting-edge modern design by Tom Dixon, award-winning food and drink outlets, and an electric energy. Think: where glamour meets brutalism, a literal anchor on the River Thames.

The location couldn’t be better unless you’re someone (who, like myself) prefers to stick to posh Mayfair. But the South Bank was a welcome change, and the hotel’s proximity to The London Eye and The Tate Modern gave me some new spots to revisit. Plus, there’s an intimate, 56-seat screening room that will satisfy both the film buff and the design lover.

Photo Credit: Sea Containers London

From the moment you arrive, there’s a feeling of fun. There’s a giant copper hull in the lobby, apparently a replica of the 19th-century clipper the Cutty Sark, which has “crashed” into the hotel. There’s also a giant board where new phrases or words are spelled out electronically every 20 minutes, I’d find myself stopping to see what my meditation would be, even if it was something as banal as “Good night.” To me, it felt like art through words — which are, as a writer, a preferred medium.

Photo Credit: Sea Containers London

The rooms are cozy in the best way, and all have views of the River Thames. I would go to bed each evening feeling like I was rocking on a ship, though of course, as a brick and mortar hotel, that wasn’t the case. But it was soothing nevertheless.

A stay of choice: the Ship Shape Suite, which features a marble en-suite bathroom, complete with a rainfall shower and freestanding bath, as well as an additional bathroom leading from the living room. It’s for the fitness fanatic, where one can work out in completely privacy via a VAHA interactive fitness class mirror, Peloton bike, NOHrD strength training equipment, and Peloton core training accessories. The suite also features a mini-bar stocked with energy boosting and gut friendly options and an air purifier.

My favorite though, hands-down, was the Riverview Balcony  Suite.  Positioned above the Thames with unparalleled views of London from the wall-to-wall windows and fully furnished private balcony, I felt like I was floating on the river. This open-plan layout features a spacious bedroom and living area, with custom-designed furnishings, a luxuriously oversized marble bathroom including a free-standing bath and rainfall shower, and additional features like D.S. & Durga products, adaptable plug sockets, and dimmable lighting.

Photo Credit: Sea Containers London

The spa feels like one you might find on a cruise liner (and that’s the intention). With its focus on spirituality, well-being, and the mind-body connection integrated into all treatments and programmes, agua London is a multi-sensory sanctuary below the waterline that offers personalized treatments inclusive of cryo body treatments, prebiotic facials, and aromatherapy treatments.  The vibe here is entirely holistic, transformational and integrative health experiences enhanced with medical-grade protocols.

Photo Credit: Sea Containers London

Dining outlets include the Sea Containers Restaurant, a charming, submarine-inspired space with views of The Thames beyond serving up American-British-inspired fare and one of the few bottomless brunches in London (with options of Della Vite Sparkling Rosé, Della Vite Zero, Bloody Marys, or Laurent Perrier La Cuvée), 12th Knot, a rooftop party spot (come summer, that is).

Photo Credit: James MacDonald

But I’ve saved the best for last in Lyaness. Sea Containers London has the distinction of being the home of this World’s 50 Best Bar placeholder courtesy of the enigmatic Mr. Lyan (aka Ryan Chetiyawardana) and his team that specializes in cutting edge creativity and cocktails.

Perched directly on the South Bank with epic views of the Thames, Lyaness also feels like an extremely glamorous cruise ship bar thanks to a design by Jacu Strauss and Lore Design team, a beautiful electric blue space with ocean vibes.

Each cocktail tells a story in a progressive, forward-thinking, yet whimsical way. I was blown away by the Vampire Fizz — a fluffy tequila fizz that balances zestiness, nuttiness and tropical flavors via Don Julio blanco, enriched Chica, persimmon, Empirical plum, lemon, and soda — that taught me a lesson. The story: Meso-American colonists  ignored indigenous knowledge and nutritional insight surrounding local crops. As a result, many developed pellagra – and subsequently a pale, demented demeanor and an aversion to sunlight – and gave birth to the many myths and legends surrounding vampires.

I also fell for the Diamante Swizzle, a mix of Fords Gin, Tattie Gold, apricot, and Champagne that pays homage to the potato. Yes, you read that right. Potatoes were seen as valueless (and poisonous) despite being nutritious, until a grower performed one heck of a PR stunt, and by ‘protecting’ the crops with armed guards, made them seem like a luxurious resource.

Who doesn’t love that kind of story — and the kind of brain that would tell it through cocktails? It was truly the final straw (in a good way) to set this hotel experience apart from the rest.

Photo Credit: James McDonald

Sea Containers London is located at  20 Upper Ground, London SE1 9PD, United Kingdom