London is a city of neighbourhoods, and visitors pay a premium for hotels in literary Bloomsbury, chic Chelsea, or trendy Knightsbridge. One of the best-kept secrets in London however, is the Four Seasons Hotel, which sits on the bank of the Thames in Canary Wharf.
Anyone who dismisses Canary Wharf as too far from central London, or too business-like hasn’t been to Canary Wharf recently, and is missing out on a fantastic hotel in a trendy and accessible part of London.
Sitting right on the Thames, the Four Seasons Canary Wharf is only 10 minutes away from the Tower of London on the uncrowded Thames Clipper ferry service, and less than 20 minutes from the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. The nearest Tube stop is also a short walk, past the dozens of trendy waterside restaurants and chic shops crowded with young Londoners.
The Four Seasons location in modern Canary Wharf allows for two things that are unparalleled in London hotels; an incredible view and room to breathe.
The Four Seasons Canary Wharf has 142 elegantly-appointed and modern rooms, each with large bay windows that either look out over the river, or over the elegant circle and modern skyline of Canary Wharf. Window seats allow guests to take in the view in leisure, but the real selling point is the size of the rooms, and the bathrooms. The marble bathrooms are the largest in London, each one with a deep soaker tub and separate glass enclosed shower area.
Room rates start at £255 GBP per night to £600 GBP for a one-bedroom suite, complete with living room and dining area. There are also frequent offers to stay two nights, get the third night free, which makes the Four Seasons more affordable.
While the hotel sits on the pedestrian walkway lining the riverbank, the Four Seasons Canary Wharf has a manicured garden hidden behind its magnificent two-story lobby, as well as a large public garden in Westferry Circle across the street.
The hotel also features another rarity among London hotels; a stunning 20-metre infinity-edge swimming pool, which overlooks the Thames through dramatic floor-to-ceiling glass walls. It is chic oasis in this urban city.
Canary Wharf may be one of London’s more overlooked neighbourhoods, but this secret won’t last long, as the city plays host to the 2012 Summer Olympic Games at facilities largely concentrated in this up-and-coming Docklands area.
