Checking In: Canary Riverside Plaza, London
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Elegant, sophisticated and unlike most London hotels, a haven of tranquility, the Canary Riverside Plaza Hotel is a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.
It also boasts an enviable location, on the banks of the River Thames, just minutes from Canary Wharf, tucked between historical wharfs and quays and affording stunning panoramic views of one of the world’s biggest and most exciting cities.
The five-star property is independently operated, free from the shackles of the cookie-cutter ‘big brand’ approach to hospitality.
This is evident across many touch points, from the friendly staff who are professional, yet friendly. They are quite obviously employed for their attitude, personality and attention to detail, executed in a way that is not brand driven, but service driven.
Canary Riverside Plaza Hotel also offers a comprehensive range of facilities, from the Quadrato Restaurant, which delights diners with exquisite modern British fare with a twist, to an outdoor terrace, lobby lounge bar and an extensive range of meeting and events venues.
There’s a fitness centre too, which overlooks The Thames, as well as a spa room, however, all guests have complimentary access to the adjacent Virgin Active Canary Riverside, which is arguably one of the most enticing gyms in the city of London.
Not only is it housed in distinct, design-led and architecturally striking building, overlooking the river, but it is home to the infinity-edge pool that featured in the James Bond movie Skyfall.
If you are a guest at Virgin Active Canary Riverside, you can step into the shoes of Bond, aka actor Daniel Craig, and take a dip or swim for England.
The 20-metre pool is situated in a specially-designed building with floor-to-ceiling walls overlooking the River Thames on one side and the landscaped gardens, as well at the attractive façade of the Canary Riverside Plaza, on the other.
The Skyfall scene was filmed at this pool on 1 December 2011, and is actually supposed to take place on the rooftop of Bond’s (unnamed) hotel in Shanghai. The photo of Bond sitting on the edge of the pool was released in January 2012 and was the first promotional teaser image released for the movie.
The rooms
Canary Riverside Plaza Hotel features 142 rooms and suites spanning eight floors, offering city or river views. Those facing The Thames boast large windows, some with a window bay that includes a seat, allowing guests to watch the comings and goings of this busy waterway, while admiring a city vista where old meets news. From our room on the 7th floor we could look across to the South Bank and famous landmarks such as The Shard. The king-sized bed was comfortable and the desk doubled up as a rather handy dressing table in that part of the adjacent mirror could be detached – useful when applying make-up or drying/styling your hair. The bathroom was spacious, featuring a walk-in Grohe shower, a bathtub and offering L’Occitane toiletries. Overall, the furnishings and fixtures were elegant and understated; easy on the eye, and comfortable.
The wining and dining experience
Guests choosing to dine in at Canary Riverside Plaza Hotel will not by disappointed. It’s a sophisticated but leisurely affair, and the evening should most definitely kick off with an aperitif at the Quadrato Bar Lounge, adjacent to the lobby, or on a warm evening, outside on the terrace, surrounded by lush gardens – a mini oasis if you will. From signature cocktails to Champagnes, the bar is well stocked and there are plenty of tempting choices. The bar staff are friendly, helpful and knowledgeable and will make sure your nibbles are regularly replenished too.
The Quadrato restaurant is warm, inviting and also offers a little theatre given the glass-walled kitchen takes pride of place as a central feature, allowing diners to watch the expert culinary team in action.
British modern dishes dominate the menu, with ingredients locally sourced where possible, as is the current trend, and rightfully so. The cuisine will please even the most discerning palate with dishes cooked to perfection. Favourites on our must-try list including a delicate fresh pea risotto with spring onions and lemon dressing or cured Scottish salmon with pickled vegetables and yogurt to start, followed by roasted rump of succulent lamb, sweetbread, celeriac and curry oil or 28-day dry aged fillet of beef with fresh spinach, fat chips and a rosemary infusion. To top it off, finish with mascarpone mouse, coffee gel and biscuit crumble, or chocolate brownie, clotted cream and cherry sorbet. The three-course meal was quite simply delicious, and the service was attentive without being overbearing.
The verdict
The Canary Riverside Plaza Hotel is a true urban retreat, suitable for leisure and business guests alike. If you’re visiting London on business or for a meeting or event, the property is well located, close to public transport, and one of few London hotels with a Thames-side location, plus the facilities are comprehensive and the service is personable. The hotel is also an ideal base for leisure travellers who want to explore London, but get away from the city hustle and bustle at the end of a busy day. Again, it’s conveniently located, but on-site facilities make for a relaxing and healthy stay. You can dine like a king and then burn it off in the hotel gym or the Virgin Active club, taking in Thames views as you work out. Of course, a stroll along the riverside is also a must. All in all, the Canary Riverside Plaza Hotel is a hidden gem – minutes from Canary Wharf, yet secluded in its residential Westferry Circus location, on the banks of a world-famous river.
BOXOUT
NEED TO KNOW
Location
Westferry Circus, on the banks of The Thames
Minutes from Canary Wharf
Well connected by public transport
Rooms
142 rooms including 14 suites
The Penthouse Suite and Presidential Suite are ideal for families or top executives/VIPs
Dining
Quadrato Restaurant
Quadrato Bar Lounge and outdoor garden terrace
In-room Dining
Wellness
A fitness centre overlooking The Thames
Spa room – treatments range from massages and facials to couples’ experiences
Complimentary access to the Virgin Active Canary Riverside club and its famous infinity-edge ‘James Bond’ pool.
Meetings and events
Two-storey ballroom with natural light
Boardroom
City Meeting Room
River Room
Services
Standard Wi-Fi is complimentary
24-hour laundry/dry-cleaning/pressing
Complimentary overnight shoeshine
Hypoallergenic pillows on request
Express check-in/check-out
One-hour pressing
Valet Parking
Twice-daily housekeeping services
Pets stay for free
Children aged
What’s around?
Canary Wharf
Tower of London
Olympic Stadium
Cutty Sark
Tower Bridge
Tower of London
ExCeL Exhibitions Centre
City of London
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