Good Hotel London – a floating Hotel in East London that truly lives up to its name…
Good Hotel London sparked curiosity among locals when it arrived here in September. The structure made its way across the North Sea to the Royal Docks pulled along by tug boats and will stay here for the next five years. It had originally been built as a Dutch detention centre for illegal immigrants. I spent one night on board to see if the hype lived up to its name.
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The Mission
The mission of the brand is to train long-term unemployed locals in a variety of jobs in the hospitality industry. A training program named, “Good Training”, once completed qualifies participants to a three-month contract at the hotel. From then the hotel progresses on to negotiating contracts with other London hotels on behalf of the participant.
The Rooms
As you can expect from an ex-detention centre the rooms are ‘cosy’. Mine was a double deluxe with dockside view (all rooms have this view) and minimalist furniture in keeping with the rest of the hotel. There is good Wi-Fi in the room and throughout. The soft cotton sheets felt as luxurious as any to be found in a five-star hotel. The down pillows ensured a wonderful night of sleep for me. The space does not allow for wardrobes but there are hangers on the wall for a few items of clothing. The bathroom and shower too are tiny but that shouldn’t come as a surprise. For double rooms which start from £80 a night it’s good value for money.
Dining
Breakfast, included in my stay, was served in the open dining room on the ground floor. Most of the furniture is up-cycled and long tables encourage communal dining. Lights hang low, industrial pipes and vents have been left exposed. It all adds up to a feeling of synchronicity with the dock outside. Daily newspapers, magazines and even ipads are provided. The view of the buoys across the water takes your breath away as you sip coffee with friends or strangers in this very beautiful space.
Every indication in the dining room was that the hotel attracts a range of people; young families, couples, solo and business travellers. The buffet style offering served English and continental breakfasts. There were options of yoghurt, cereal and fruit. Everyone was covered. Unlimited tea, coffee, juice and water were part of the deal.
I didn’t have dinner but will definitely return to experience the kitchen a little more.
Roof Terrace
A little metal staircase on the side of the structure takes you up to the roof. Good Hotel’s terrace is a deal-breaker. The panoramic view across the Thames with the Canary Wharf skyline on one side and the crumbling Millennium Mills on the other with the river stretching as far as you can see changes the game. It is the archetypal embodiment of East London’s reincarnation right here.
Emirates cable cars pass overhead and the Dockland’s Water Sport Centre provides enough action on the water to make people-watching an Olympic sport. The hotel has introduced rooftop yoga for guests and locals which seems a logical thing to do given this very fortunate set of circumstances.
The bar opens from 11am until 9.30pm. It serves breakfast juices and smoothies in the morning and cocktails and snacks in the evening. Prices start from a very reasonable £8. London has seen a wave of roof top bars open around the capital recently. East London in particular has cool underground spots which are yet to be overrun by the masses. The roof top at the Good Hotel London stands out because it achieves the impossible – making you feel at home while making you think that you’re away.
One last thing. Although the hotel sits on water I felt no rocking at any point. The structure is solid. The service throughout my stay from the cleaning lady, who helped me take a great picture, to dining room staff remained impeccable. There were smiles all around. Only winners here.
For up to date rates and information – Good Hotel London
Royal Victoria Dock, Western Gateway, London E16 1FA
