Why We Chose Sea Containers London
We stayed at Sea Containers London in December, just before Christmas. London was busy, festive, and full-on, so choosing the right base mattered. We wanted somewhere central but not chaotic, well connected without being swallowed by crowds, and comfortable enough to feel like a retreat at the end of the day. Sea Containers London ticked those boxes straight away. Its South Bank location puts you close to everything, yet slightly removed from the noise you get around Leicester Square or Oxford Circus. Do we consider Sea Containers London as the best hotel on the South Bank? That’s exactly what we wanted to find out — and here’s how it stacked up during our stay.
First Impressions
Check-in set the tone. We arrived earlier than the official check-in time and everything went smoothly. The staff were relaxed, friendly, welcoming, and efficient, which is exactly what you want after travelling into central London. As we were celebrating a birthday, we were given complimentary vouchers for cocktails at the rooftop bar – a thoughtful touch that felt genuine rather than scripted.
The lobby itself is calm and polished, with a design-led feel that doesn’t try too hard. One of the first things that catches your eye is the royal blue anchor-shaped art piece in the entrance hall – bold, nautical, and very on-brand for the hotel. That’s followed by the reception area, where the copper-toned ceiling and curved copper desk create a warm, slightly dramatic contrast to the otherwise calm, modern space. It feels grown-up, not flashy. For a hotel of this size, it immediately felt lush, special and still well managed.
💡 Travel Gentlemen Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask for early check-in or late check out politely.
Location – Why the South Bank Works So Well
If you’re searching for the best hotels on the South Bank London, Sea Containers is a strong contender purely on location. You’re right by the Thames, with easy access to walks along the river and some of London’s most enjoyable neighbourhoods.
We walked to the OXO Tower, wandered through Borough Market, and crossed into Covent Garden and Soho without ever needing a taxi. It’s also extremely well connected, with both Southwark Underground Station and Blackfriars Underground Station within easy walking distance.
For couples who want to explore London on foot, this is a very easy base.
Rooms & Comfort
Our room felt calm and well considered. The bed was genuinely comfortable and, despite being in central London, the room stayed surprisingly quiet at night. That sense of peace was one of the highlights of the stay. After busy December days out, coming back to a quiet room made a real difference.
The room stayed warm throughout our stay without us needing to think about heating, which was appreciated given the time of year. The minibar was well stocked and more than sufficient for late-night snacks or a quiet drink back in the room. Carpets were spotlessly clean, and there was a small corner seating area that worked perfectly for reading or winding down with a drink.
Storage was practical, lighting was good, and everything worked as it should. Bathroom toiletries were fine too. Overall, it’s not a room designed to impress with gimmicks. It’s designed to function well, feel comfortable, and let you properly switch off, which we valued.
💡 Travel Gentlemen Tip: Ask for a room on the 5th floor if possible. It’s quieter, and depending on orientation, you’ll get a clear view of 20 Fenchurch Street (the Walkie Talkie) across the skyline.
Design & Atmosphere
Sea Containers leans heavily into design, but it mostly gets the balance right. Public areas feel stylish without being intimidating, with Tom Dixon lamps and sculptural light features adding a polished, contemporary edge. The hotel attracts a mixed crowd – couples, business travellers, and people clearly in London for a weekend break.
The branding is clear, and the hotel knows its identity. Confident, modern, and well located, without trying to be something it’s not.
Dining, Bar & Drinks
The highlight here should be the rooftop bar, especially when you hear about the views — and to be fair, the outlook over the London skyline and the River Thames is still hard to beat. While the setting is impressive, the atmosphere in the 12th Knot bar during our visit felt slightly underwhelming. The vibe was quieter than expected and service was on the slower side. It wasn’t bad, just not as sharp as the rest of the hotel experience.
That said, the complimentary cocktails were appreciated, and it’s still a pleasant spot for a drink if you’re already in the building. We didn’t eat at the ground-floor restaurant during our stay, but it always appeared busy whenever we passed through, which is usually a good sign. For food, we preferred heading out — the surrounding area offers far more choice and better value.
💡 Travel Gentlemen Tip: Head up to the rooftop bar earlier in the evening if you want the best seats by the windows. Those overlooking the Thames fill up quickly, and arriving early makes a big difference to the overall experience.
Facilities & Services
One thing we really liked was how open the hotel felt. The staff were happy to let us wander, see and use the facilities, including the gym, spa, and the on-site Curzon Cinema. That kind of openness makes a hotel feel welcoming rather than restrictive.
Wi-Fi, however, was hit and miss. It worked fine at times, but connection strength wasn’t consistent throughout the hotel. Fine for general browsing, but not ideal if you’re planning to work remotely.
💡 Travel Gentlemen Tip: Remember to check schedule of spa treatments and viewing times at weekends at the Curzon Cinema.
Check-In, Check-Out & Opening Times
Sea Containers London operates 24 hours a day, which keeps things flexible. Official check-in starts at 3:00 PM, but our early arrival was handled without fuss. Check-out is at 12:00 PM. Staff were helpful throughout, relaxed but professional, and happy to answer questions or assist when needed.
Our Experience – What Really Stood Out
What stood out most was the balance. Sea Containers London manages to feel calm despite its central location. Being able to step out into the energy of South Bank and then come back to a quiet, comfortable hotel was refreshing. What surprised us most was how calm the hotel felt, especially considering it was mid-December. The lobby and corridors stayed quiet and composed, which made coming back in the evenings genuinely relaxing. In December, when London can feel relentless, that mattered.
It was the smaller details that stayed with us. Simple things like drinking water refill stations in the corridors were genuinely appreciated, especially after long days out. Staff were consistently friendly and helpful whenever we passed them in the hotel, without being intrusive. The use of key cards for lifts added to a general sense of security throughout the building, which made the whole stay feel well managed and reassuring.
Another highlight for us was having the Curzon Cinema inside the hotel. Comfortable velvet seating, subtle lighting, and a relaxed atmosphere made it easy to switch off and enjoy a film without leaving the building.
Overall, it’s not a hotel that overwhelms you with luxury, but it does deliver a solid, dependable experience in a very strong location.
What Could Be Improved
Staying here is undeniably on the pricey side, largely because of the location. The rooftop bar could benefit from sharper service and a stronger atmosphere, and Wi-Fi reliability could be improved. These aren’t deal-breakers, but they’re worth knowing before booking.
Who Will Enjoy Staying Here
Sea Containers London suits couples who want to explore the South Bank on foot and make the most of London’s riverside setting. If you enjoy walking, Thames views, cultural spots, food markets, and being able to move around the city easily, it works extremely well as a base. Morning runs along the River Thames are popular and easy to join in on, and the whole area feels active without being overwhelming.
You’re also well placed for drinks outside the hotel. An example of this is Albie, located within Hoxton Southwark. It is close by and good for classic and bespoke cocktails. Sea Containers London is less suited to anyone expecting nightlife or a party vibe on-site, or a resort-style stay. It’s about location, comfort, and having London right on your doorstep rather than being entertained within the hotel itself.
Price & Value
As part of our Sea Containers London review, we focus on whether a stay genuinely feels worth the money. In all honesty, this is not a budget option. Pricing reflects the location, design, and convenience, with December rates sitting firmly at the higher end. For a standard room, you’re paying for where you are rather than extra space or luxury features. For us, it made sense for a short stay and a special occasion, but it’s worth factoring into your plans.
💡 Travel Gentlemen Tip: Check for offers particularly on seasonal stays (winter, half-term or full weekend).
About Sea Containers London
Sea Containers London sits directly on the River Thames on the South Bank, housed in the former Sea Containers House – a landmark riverside building originally constructed in the late 1970s as the headquarters for the Sea Containers shipping company. The building later became part of London’s media and creative scene before being reimagined as a hotel, opening in its current form in 2014.
Its location is one of its strongest assets. You’re positioned between Blackfriars and Waterloo, with easy access to Southwark, Bankside, and the wider South Bank cultural strip. From here, it’s a straightforward walk to Borough Market, Tate Modern, the OXO Tower, and along the Thames in either direction.
The hotel’s riverside setting gives many of its public spaces and rooms open views across the Thames, something that’s increasingly rare for central London hotels.
Website/Instagram
www.seacontainerslondon.com/ @seacontainersldn
Address
20 Upper Ground, London SE1 9PD
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sea Containers London worth it?
Yes, if location and comfort matter to you. You’re paying for convenience and calm in central London. It is one the best hotels on the South Bank London.
Is it a good hotel for couples?
Very much so. It’s walkable, well connected, and peaceful at night.
Is the Wi-Fi reliable?
It works, but it’s inconsistent. Fine for light use, not ideal for work.
Is it noisy at night?
Surprisingly no. Our room was quiet throughout the stay.
Would we stay here again?
Yes, especially for a short city break focused on the South Bank.
In Summary
Sea Containers London offers a calm, well-run stay in one of the city’s most walkable areas. Service is friendly, the location is excellent, and the hotel feels like a solid base rather than a scene. If you’re planning a London break focused on the South Bank, it deserves a place on your shortlist. Without a doubt, it as one of the best hotels on the South Bank London.
