Standing as a 39-storey tower designed by BUJ Architects, this hotel offers a vertical perspective on London's commercial hub. The experience centers on panoramic city views, particularly from the 26 designer suites and the Bokan restaurant and bar, which occupies the building's top three levels. With 313 total rooms, the layout caters to travelers looking to be situated directly within the Canary Wharf district. Its location provides access to local entertainment options and connections to sites including the O2 Arena and Greenwich Park.
What each source says
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Excellent Leisure Facilities The hotel provides a nice indoor pool, sauna, and gym, which many guests found to be a valuable added benefit for unwinding after a day of sightseeing or business.
- Exceptional Location Perfectly situated in Canary Wharf, the hotel is within walking distance of key transport links like the Jubilee, Elizabeth, and DLR lines, making it incredibly convenient for reaching central London or the O2 Arena.
- Helpful and Professional Staff The service team consistently receives praise for being welcoming, attentive, and proactive in resolving guest issues, with many reviewers highlighting specific individuals who went above and beyond to make stays memorable.
- Modern and Spacious Rooms Guests frequently compliment the rooms for being clean, contemporary, and generous in size, often noting the comfortable beds and high-quality toiletries that contribute to a relaxing environment.
- Spectacular Views Many guests rave about the breathtaking panoramic views of the London skyline and Thames, especially from the upper-floor rooms and the highly recommended rooftop bar and restaurant.
Criticised
- Bathroom Privacy and Design The unique bathroom design, featuring glass partitions or transparency buttons, often lacks privacy for friends or families traveling together, and some shower screens are reported to leak water onto the floor.
- Breakfast Crowds and Service While the breakfast quality is often praised, guests frequently complain about chaotic service, long queues for seating, and inconsistent replenishment of food items during peak morning hours.
- Maintenance and Cleanliness Concerns Despite overall positive marks for cleanliness, multiple reviewers pointed out worn-out decor, stains on carpets or upholstery, and plumbing issues like leaking shower screens or slow drainage.
- Slow Elevator Wait Times High-rise guests often express frustration with the elevator service, reporting long wait times or limited availability, which can cause significant delays when moving between the lobby, rooms, and upper-level amenities.
- Unreliable Air Conditioning Numerous guests reported significant issues with the HVAC system, noting it was ineffective during warmer weather, leaving rooms uncomfortably hot with no effective alternative for cooling down.
The longer read
The Novotel London Canary Wharf stands out for its modern design and truly exceptional location. For travelers visiting for business in the financial district or those heading to the O2 Arena, this hotel offers convenient proximity to transport hubs like the DLR, Jubilee, and Elizabeth lines. The building is renowned for its stunning panoramic views, particularly from the 38th-floor rooftop bar and restaurant, which serves as a major draw for guests. Many visitors find the atmosphere relaxing, and the hotel provides a calm retreat from the typical bustle of London. It is particularly well-suited for travelers who prioritize proximity to transit and shopping, as grocery stores and restaurants are within easy walking distance.
Inside, guests generally report clean, spacious rooms that are equipped with comfortable beds and premium Rituals toiletries. The hotel’s wellness facilities, including an indoor pool and sauna, are popular, though they can sometimes feel small or busy. However, travelers should be aware of specific design choices that divide opinion. The glass bathroom walls, while modern, offer little privacy, which can be an awkward feature for friends or colleagues sharing a room. Additionally, some guests note inconsistencies in maintenance, such as worn carpets or occasional plumbing issues. While most rooms are well-regarded, some guests mention that certain layouts feel sparse, and standard room amenities like robes or tea and coffee supplies are occasionally missed by housekeeping.
The most frequent and significant complaint across multiple guest experiences is the air conditioning system. Many reviewers—particularly those staying during warmer months—report that the AC is often ineffective, restricted, or broken, leading to uncomfortably hot rooms with no openable windows. This is a recurring issue that prospective guests should consider carefully, especially in summer. Furthermore, while the breakfast is frequently described as high-quality, the logistics can be a pain point. Guests report long queues, difficulty finding seating, and slow service during peak morning hours. This, combined with slow lift times and inconsistent housekeeping—such as missing towels or restocking items—suggests that while the hardware of the hotel is impressive, the operational management during high-capacity times can struggle.
Service is generally highlighted as a strength, with many guests praising the reception and bar staff for being exceptionally attentive, professional, and helpful with special requests. While there are isolated reports of unfriendly interactions, the prevailing sentiment is that the staff genuinely try to accommodate guests, often offering room upgrades or quick resolutions to issues. Ultimately, this hotel is a strong choice for those prioritizing location, views, and modern aesthetics. However, visitors should weigh these benefits against the potential for high-temperature rooms during heatwaves and the likelihood of crowded breakfast services, adjusting their expectations for a stay that is physically stunning but occasionally operationally imperfect.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +442035300500
- Website
- novotel.com/gb/hotel-9057-novotel-london-canary-wharf-opening-november-2016/index.shtml
- Check in
- 15:00 · out 12:00
Facilities
- 24 Hours
- Accepts Credit Cards
- Accessible
- Activities
- Air Conditioning
- Allergy Free Room
- Bar
- Cafe
- Concierge
- Convenience Store
- Dining Area
- Electric Kettle
- Family Rooms
- Garden
- Gym
- Hair Dryer
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.4 against a median of 4.5 across the 22 venues we hold for Canary Wharf, and the most-reviewed of them.
Booking
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What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.