Discover the best boat hotels in London with this handy guide. Here’s our pick of the best.
With the Thames running through London, along with a plethora of canals and marinas in the city, having a break on a boat hotel (or boatel?) is easier than you think.
From mega millionaire yachts to boutique barges, this is your one-stop shop for finding the best floating hotels in London.
Best London Boat Hotels: At a Glance
| Best Boat Hotels in London – Top Picks | Hotel |
| Best Overall London Boat Hotel | Tulana Taggs |
| Best Luxury London Boat Hotel | Sunborn Hotel |
| Best Budget-Friendly London Boat Hotel | Altido Boathouse |
| Best Stylish London Boat Hotel | Good Hotel |
Best Boat Hotels in London
Good Hotel
££
The Good Hotel sits in the Royal Victoria Dock area of London’s Docklands. We love that this is a hotel with a social conscience – the not-for-profit basis of the hotel sees all profits reinvested to help underprivileged people, from sending children to school to offering adults the chance to retrain in hospitality.
Rooms at this hotel are designed to maximise space in the most stylish of ways. Utilising Dutch design, the ensuite bathrooms have outstanding rain showers and locally-sourced toiletries.
And best of all? Each night you stay, a disadvantaged child can go to school for a week.
Sunborn London Yacht Hotel
£££
Moored in Royal Victoria Dock, in the heart of East London’s affluent Docklands area, the Sunborn Hotel is a minute’s walk from ExCeL London. This superyacht is highly luxurious, with crystal chandeliers, an opulent lobby, stunning dining areas and much more.
There is a sun deck where you can take drinks and sit back to soak up the rays, with the bar selling a terrific selection of beers, wines and spirits. Meanwhile, their breakfast buffet comes highly rated.
The best part of the Sunborn Yacht is unquestionably the accommodation. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, air conditioning and an excellent power shower, while some rooms even boast stunning views across the Royal Docks.
The Boathouse
££
The Boathouse is a wood-panelled houseboat moored in the Paddington Basin, where the Regent’s Canal meets the Grand Union. Not too far from Little Venice, and with all the charming waterside bars, restaurants and beauty of the Paddington Basin, this is one of London’s premier floating holiday accommodations.
Although we’d recommend this boat for romantic breaks, there’s space for up to four people. Guests can use the whole boat, including a gorgeous bathroom with a bath and shower space.
The living quarters are super comfortable, and the kitchen is well-equipped. Best of all, the rooftop deck from which you can marvel at a beautiful London sunset for those summer months.
St Katharine Docks 2Boats
££
St Katharine Docks in Wapping is home to Sea Dancer, a yacht that sleeps four and includes a microwave, hot drink-making tools and a fridge for the whole self-catering waterborne experience.
On the boat is a work desk, a stove, flat-screen TV and even an outdoor dining area, step foot on land and you’ll be greeted by plenty of bars, restaurants and cafes to choose from.
Absolute Pleasure Yacht
£££
Moored in West India Quay, the Absolute Pleasure Yacht gives guests a taste of the millionaire yacht-living lifestyle at a fraction of the price. Although it’s primarily a function space that hosts corporate and private parties, you can also hire the yacht for a break, which includes everything you’d expect from a top-draw London hotel.
Ten luxury bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms, flat-screen TVs and luxe linen. Bottled water, toiletries and bathrobes are all included, while the yacht is moored close to a range of stunning bars, restaurants and a cool pop-up food market on Thursdays and Fridays.
Boutique Barges
££
Boutique Barges have three narrow boats moored on the Thames, offering holidaymakers and visitors to London an authentic riverside experience.
Barbara is a stunning boat with a log-fired stove and bathroom complete with a shower, as well as a small double master bedroom, and is situated in Central London.
Meanwhile, Big Boat is more comprehensive but shorter than Barbara and comes with a raised master double bed that we love, making it the perfect accommodation for a romantic couple’s break. Outside is space for a fire pit and a couple of deckchairs, ideal for watching the sun go down with a glass of bubbly.
Finally, Velvet Morning is another narrow boat that has been gorgeously designed and is moored in Central London. We’d say this was our favourite, thanks to the crisp and stylish decor.
Tulana Taggs
££
This floating holiday home is one of our favourites. Mainly because it offers something a little bit different to the others we’ve mentioned.
Situated in the inner lagoon of Taggs Island near Hampton Court Palace and Bushy Park is a stunning oasis of calm where you can leave the stresses and strains of the 21st Century behind you.
Cross the bridge onto Taggs Island and enjoy this stunning floating home amongst the reeds of the lagoon. Tulana Taggs combines gorgeous Art Deco and period furnishings with the mod cons of a Sky Glass Smart TV, a four-poster Super King bed, a freestanding nickel bath and for a little extra, a Swedish wood-fired hot tub – just a stunning floating holiday home experience.
Practical Tips to Consider Before Booking Your London Yacht Hotel
- These boat hotels are dotted around London, many of which have limited parking. Check before you book whether you need to travel to the boat via public transport or whether you can park at the hotel.
- If you’re staying on a houseboat, check the house rules before you visit to ensure you know what is expected of you as guests.
