You’ve seen the photos of the Canary Wharf skyline, all glass and steel reflecting off the water. Nestled right in the thick of it is the International Hotel London UK, a massive glass monolith that’s been a staple of the Docklands since before the area was even "cool." Honestly, the place is polarizing. If you scroll through TripAdvisor, you’ll see people praising the views like they’ve found a cheat code for the city, while others complain that the carpets look like they haven’t been changed since the 1980s.
Both are kinda right.
But here is the thing: if you’re looking for a bed in one of the most expensive financial districts in the world without spending £400 a night, this is basically your only play. It is a Britannia Hotel property, which carries a certain reputation in the UK. People call it "faded grandeur," but that’s just a polite way of saying it’s a bit rough around the edges. Still, there’s something fascinating about a hotel this big—over 500 rooms—sitting on the edge of the water in a neighborhood that has grown up around it.
What You Actually Get at the International Hotel London UK
When you walk into the lobby, it feels like stepping back into a different era of corporate travel. It’s huge. It’s busy. You’ll see suit-and-tie types rubbing shoulders with budget tourists who just realized how far this is from Buckingham Palace.
The rooms vary wildly. If you book an "Executive" room, you’re usually getting something that’s been refreshed recently. If you go for the cheapest option, you might end up in one of the "Windowless Inner Rooms." Yes, those exist. They’re basically bunkers. For a solo traveler who just needs a place to crash after a long day of meetings or sightseeing, it’s fine. For a romantic getaway? Maybe not.
But the "Executive" rooms with a dock view? That is where the International Hotel London UK actually wins. You get floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the water toward the O2 Arena or the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf. At night, when the lights hit the ripples in the Thames, you forget that the bathroom tiles are a bit mismatched.
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Location: The Real Reason People Stay Here
Let's talk logistics. If you’re staying here, you aren't in the West End. You’re in E14.
- The DLR (Docklands Light Railway): The Canary Wharf DLR station is a short walk away. It’s an elevated train, which is way more fun than the Tube because you actually get to see the city.
- The Elizabeth Line: This changed everything for this hotel. You can now get from Canary Wharf to Central London in about 15 minutes. It’s fast, clean, and efficient.
- The Thames Clippers: Want to feel like a James Bond villain? Take the Uber Boat from the nearby pier. It costs more than the train, but it’s the best way to see the London Eye and Big Ben.
The Food Situation (Or, Where to Actually Eat)
The hotel has on-site restaurants, like Jenny's and the OverWater Restaurant. They do a massive buffet breakfast. It’s a bit of a chaotic scene in the morning—think heaps of hash browns and hundreds of people trying to find the coffee machine. It’s functional. It fills a hole.
However, you’re in Canary Wharf. You should probably leave the hotel to eat.
Directly across the bridge is a subterranean world of high-end dining and fast-casual spots. You have Dishoom for incredible bacon naans, The Breakfast Club for something more traditional, and Hawksmoor for a steak that will make you want to move to London permanently. The contrast is sharp. You sleep in a budget-friendly hotel and walk five minutes to eat at some of the best restaurants in the city. It’s a weirdly effective travel hack.
Dealing With the "Britannia" Factor
Look, we have to be honest about Britannia Hotels. They’ve been voted the worst hotel chain in the UK by Which? magazine multiple years in a row. They specialize in buying grand, historic, or massive buildings and running them on a shoestring budget.
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At the International Hotel London UK, this manifests as slow elevators and the occasional flickering light in the hallway. Some people find it charming in a "liminal space" kind of way. Others find it frustrating. If you go in expecting a five-star Hilton experience, you’re going to be disappointed. If you go in expecting a dry bed, a hot shower, and a killer view for half the price of the Marriott next door, you’ll be happy.
Navigating the Surrounding Area Like a Local
Most tourists stay in the hotel and head straight for the train station. Don't do that.
The area immediately surrounding the hotel, known as the Isle of Dogs, has some hidden gems. Walk south toward Mudchute Park and Farm. It is a literal farm in the middle of the city where you can see cows and sheep with skyscrapers in the background. It’s bizarre and wonderful.
Or, walk over to The Gun, a historic pub on the river. It’s supposedly where Lord Nelson used to meet Lady Hamilton for secret trysts. The food is excellent, and the terrace looks right at the O2. It feels worlds away from the corporate vibe of the hotel.
Safety and Accessibility
The Docklands is one of the safest-feeling parts of London. It’s heavily patrolled by private security and is very well-lit. For solo travelers, especially women, the walk from the station to the International Hotel London UK feels much more secure at 11 PM than many parts of Central London.
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The hotel itself is accessible, with ramps and elevators, though as mentioned, those elevators can be a test of your patience during peak checkout times.
Pricing Reality Check
London hotel prices have spiraled. In 2024 and 2025, we’ve seen average nightly rates in the West End jump past £250 for basic rooms. The International Hotel London UK frequently dips below £100 if you book at the right time.
Is it worth the trade-off?
If you are a business traveler with a strict per diem, or a family trying to see London on a budget, absolutely. You save enough on the room to afford the "London prices" for everything else—like £7 pints and £20 museum tickets.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
Don't just show up and hope for the best. Follow these steps to make sure your stay doesn't end up as a one-star review:
- Request a High Floor: The street noise isn't bad, but the higher you go, the better the view. A dock-side room on the 10th floor or above is a different experience entirely compared to a lower-floor room facing the road.
- Join the Rewards Club: Even if you never stay at a Britannia again, joining their "Grand Rewards" program can sometimes shave another 10% off the price or get you a late checkout.
- Check the WiFi Situation: Historically, Britannia charges for WiFi in the rooms. It’s annoying. Most people just use their phone hotspots or head to the lobby where it's usually free. Check the current policy when you check in so you don't get a surprise on your bill.
- Use the Kettle: Every room has one. British hotel culture revolves around the in-room tea setup. Even if the room feels old, a hot cup of tea while looking at the Thames is a vibe.
- Walk to Canary Wharf Pier: Instead of the Tube, take the boat at least once. It’s the most cinematic way to enter the city and the pier is only about a 10-minute walk from the hotel lobby.
- Avoid the Breakfast Rush: If you paid for the buffet, go early—like, 7:00 AM early. By 9:00 AM, it can feel like a fever dream of tourists and lukewarm beans.
Staying at the International Hotel London UK is about managing expectations. It is a massive, aging vessel of a building that offers a specific kind of value. It isn't trendy. It isn't "boutique." But it is a piece of Docklands history that lets you stay in the heart of the future without paying future-prices.
Pick up a cheap Oyster card at the airport, ask for a room with a view, and spend your saved money on a great dinner in the Wharf. That is how you win at London travel.