Review: I spent a night on board a superyacht in the Royal Victoria Docks

When you think of locations for superyachts you imagine the Caribbean or the Mediterranean.

But what if I said you could have this unique experience just metres away from London’s ExCel exhibition centre in east London?

The Sunborn London is the UK’s only superyacht hotel and is moored in the Royal Victoria Dock.

The deluxe hotel has 138 yacht bedrooms and suites onboard as well as a restaurant, bar, outdoor terrace and event space across five floors.

Having never stayed on a yacht of any description before this was a welcome treat for a Tuesday evening.

Firstly getting onto the yacht was a confusing mission but I eventually came across an unassuming lift outside which took me up to reception.

I was warmly greeted by staff in the grand lobby which features a double curved staircase with a grand chandelier in the centre.

The interiors of the Sunborn are quaint with shiny brass fittings and mirrors, cream panelling and stained oak.

I stayed in one of the yacht bedrooms on the fourth floor which was surprisingly spacious, plush and very comfortable.

My room looked out on views of London’s beautiful skyline, which feels perfect for a romantic getaway or in my case a midweek solo adventure.

As part of my stay I enjoyed a delightful meal in the Land’s End restaurant which offers Docklands views and a varied Mediterranean menu with Asian influences.

For starters I had the tart royale with taleggio and walnuts which was light, crispy and soft in texture.

For the main course I opted for the lobster tagliatelle, which was served in a rich sauce with generous morsels of fleshy lobster.

The serving was so generous I was unable to finish it but still had some room for dessert.

I chose the poached and roasted pineapple served with vegan coconut ice cream which was deliciously light and tasted like a pina colada. 

What better way to end a delicious meal than retiring for the night in a luxurious cabin, instead of having to face a long Tube journey home.

I had a very peaceful night's sleep in the cabin and was thrilled to wake up to beautiful views overlooking the water the next morning.

For me the best part of the hotel experience is the breakfast and what a treat to enjoy a buffet on board before trotting off to work.

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay on board the Sunborn London and left feeling relaxed and revitalised and well looked after. 

A night on the Sunborn starts from £129 based on two sharing a Yacht Classic Room.

The nearest station is Custom House with links to the DLR and Elizabeth line.