Disclaimer: I was invited to stay at the Radisson Blu, London Canary Wharf East as a part of a gifted press trip whereby our accommodation, food and spa treatments were complimentary. I was not paid for this collaboration and all opinions, photos and comments are my own.
After getting married a month ago — and therefore gaining half my time back — I’ve been happily rekindling my love affair with London.
Spontaneous pub nights, checking out the latest viral pizza spot and most recently, taking my bestie for a much-needed dose of R&R at Radisson Blu’s Canary Wharf hotel.
Radisson Blu has a handful of 4* hotels across London, each offering a comfortable stay within easy reach of the West End, shopping hotspots and restaurant-packed neighbourhoods. But this time, I wanted something a little calmer — a breather from the buzz.
Enter Radisson Blu, London Canary Wharf East. This 4-star luxury spa hotel has everything you need for a chilled out stay – and we well and truly made the most of it.
Location
Set right on the Thames with views of the O2, this hotel makes a perfect base after a concert. We spotted more than a few glittery ABBA Voyage attendees drifting through reception during our stay.
It’s also super convenient for London City Airport, the ExCel Centre, and just a 15-minute stroll from Canary Wharf’s main shopping and dining scene. So you get the best of London’s modern east side without the central crowds.
I actually worked in Canary Wharf pre-pandemic, spending many an evening in the likes of Big Easy, BrewDog and what’s now Market Halls Cargo. But the area’s levelled up since then. Think Dishoom, Blacklock (personal fave), Roe and Hawksmoor, all within easy reach of the hotel.
The Wharf is also one of London’s cleanest, greenest business districts — not to mention home to the best-stocked Waitrose in the city. Before checking in, we caught the Wimbledon women’s final on the big screen in Canada Square, with strawberries, crisps and a cheeky cup of Pimms in hand. A very wholesome start.
Accommodation
After a swift check in, we headed the 7th floor and into our One Bedroom Suite — complete with the sofa bed set up so we could each have our own space.
The design is simple and functional, but the suite itself felt airy and spacious. Big plus: the bed. It was such a cosy night’s sleep and a treat to be able to get under the duvet in an air conditioned room amidst a heatwave.
The bathroom was also huge, with a bath, separate shower, bidet and even a little in-wall TV by the tub.
We only had a glimpse of the Thames from our view, but the floor to ceiling windows are a nice touch to brighten up the space. So many city hotels are lacking in light, but this isn’t one of them.
East River Spa
One of the key things that drew me to the Radisson Blu Canary Wharf East was it’s spa facilities.
A sauna, steam room and fully equipped gym are free for all guests to use. As well as a quiet relaxation room with heated beds overlooking the Thames. I spent a peaceful hour there post-breakfast reading my book, without bumping into a single other guest.
I also had the chance to try a treatment and opted for a 60-minute full-body massage. While the spa had shorter hours that day (closing at 6pm instead of 8pm), the treatment itself was brilliant — personalised pressure, a thorough chat beforehand, and a really calming atmosphere. Just what I needed.
Dining facilities
For dinner, we met my husband (still getting used to saying that) at the hotel’s restaurant, Scoff & Banter. It was nice and quiet for a Saturday night, which made a change from shouting over background noise in central London.
The menu is a comforting mix of favourite dishes including pizzas, curries and British cuisine. Plus a great list of cocktails and wines.
We started with some sharing bread over a bottle of rosé before tucking in to the house burger, steak and salmon. The mains were solid – but the desserts were seriously good. Tangy passion fruit cheesecake, warm apple tart and a proper gooey chocolate fondant. All washed down with a round of Old Fashioneds.
Breakfast
Scoff & Banter is also host to the hotel’s breakfast buffet. Now this was a meal I really got behind. Aside from your usual pastries, cereals and cooked breakfast pots, the restaurant also offers a made-to-order à la carte menu — included in the price, which is a rare and lovely touch.
We loved the pancakes and syrup drenched French toast as a sweet end to our plates of creamy scrambled eggs and crispy hash browns.
Final thoughts
I left Radisson Blu feeling properly recharged. The hotel strikes a great balance between being peaceful and well-connected, with just the right amount of luxury. Whether you’re heading to the O2, flying in from City Airport or simply fancy a staycation with spa perks, this place delivers.
A big thank you to Radisson Blu for our stay!
Radisson Blu Hotel, London Canary Wharf East
5 Fairmont Ave, London E14 9JB
Check in: 3pm
Check out: 11am
Check out more accommodation reviews as well as my guides to London’s top restaurants and things to do.
