Enjoy The Golden Age Of The Cruise Ship At Sea Containers London And its New Luxury Cabin Suites / By Melanie Kruger

London is awash with excellent hotels, and from traditional old world luxury to modern opulence, options abound. But every so often, you come across one that really stands out, and Sea Containers London, with its unique design, is one of them.

Set within the iconic Sea Containers building on the city’s bustling South Bank, the concept for the hotel was originally dreamt up and brought to life in 1974 by acclaimed American Modernist architect Warren Platner, but despite the original intention for the building, it actually opened its doors in the form of office spaces – in part, due to the economic challenges at the time, and also due to its convenient proximity to the City of London.

But in 2014, following an extensive renovation of its southern wing, it was transformed into a luxury hotel, which at the time, was known as Mondrian London.

Tom Dixon’s Design Research Studio transformed the interiors, and access was opened up to the Thames Path walkway through the hotel’s new Thames-facing bars and restaurant, placing the property in the midst of its frenetic location – and seeing it become a favourite amongst business and leisure travellers to the city alike.

Managed by the Lore Group, Sea Containers is one of its most sought-after independent hotels

It wasn’t until 2019 that the hotel was renamed Sea Containers, under the umbrella of the Lore Group – a collection of thoughtful hotels in London. The group’s designer and creative director, Jacu Strauss, breathed new life into the interiors in a way that paid homage to the building’s history – and since then, it has gone on to become one of the most iconic hotels in the capital.

Home to 354 stunning guest rooms and suites in total, many of which enjoy spectacular views over the River Thames, the hotel has recently unveiled four brand new ‘Cabin Suites’ – each with its own unique identity and designed to transport guests back to one of the golden eras of cruising.

Having last stayed at the hotel back in 2022, I was keen to go back and see them for myself, so I checked in for a weekend to experience them first-hand.

The hotel

Sea Containers London exudes a fun and contemporary vibe, with an arty feel throughout

In-keeping with its name and heritage, a luxurious nautical theme is evident throughout the hotel, with a dramatic, hand-crafted copper hull dominating the entrance and the lobby to offer a unique and impactful welcome.

Reminiscent of an opulent 1920s cruise liner, opulence is the order of the day – and situated right on the River Thames, between the famous Oxo Tower and Blackfriars Bridge, it’s conveniently located for a day out exploring the city.

There’s no denying that Sea Containers London exudes a fun and contemporary vibe, with an arty feel throughout.

Clever references to the building’s maritime history are everywhere, with other stand-out features including a replica of the Queen Mary beside the concierge desk and a sculpture of bright blue, twisted pipes depicting the inner workings of a vessel also taking pride of place in the lobby.

A place where glamour meets brutalism, the hotel is a popular spot for glossy, high-end magazine shoots and jet-setting celebrities, and it isn’t difficult to see why.

The Cabin Suites

The new suites are an extension of the overarching narrative of the hotel with design reminiscent of a 1920s transatlantic cruise liner and the glamour these journeys represented. Image credit: James McDonald

The new suites are an extension of the overarching narrative of the hotel with design reminiscent of a 1920s transatlantic cruise liner and the glamour these journeys represented.

The Edwardian Cabin Suite, Art Deco Cabin Suite, Mid-Century Cabin Suite and Dynasty Cabin Suite all became available to book in April, and demand for them, so I’m told, has been impressive.

Featuring period-appropriate vintage and antique furnishings sourced by Strauss, in partnership with pre-loved market place Vinterior, each suite exudes depth and character – and reflects the hotel group’s ongoing efforts to close the loop on hospitality furniture by reusing items already in circulation.

I stayed in the Art Deco Suite, which felt light and airy with its white walls and large window offering an impressive view down over the Thames.

In celebration of the roaring 20s and 30s, it featured statement vintage pieces such as a beautiful 1930s art deco sofa and armchair set – hence the name of the suite – a dining table and chairs, and a restored floor lamp with two built-in tables.

Artwork in ornate gold framed adorned the walls, with pops of colour adding a sense of fun to the sophisticated and otherwise monochromatic palette.

Beyond the theatrical living space, a plush king-sized bed with a Burl wood deco headboard and Naturalmat organic mattress, made by hand in Devon, stood at the heart of the bedroom, with a set of Swedish walnut bedside tables either side.

Timeless and theatrical, the Art Deco Cabin Suite is a bold homage to refined 1920s design. Image credit: James McDonald

The white-and-grey marble bathroom was a particular highlight; the free-standing nickel bathtub was nothing short of opulent and perfect for a long, relaxing soak after a busy day out and about in the capital. But for those with little time to spare, the spacious rainfall shower felt just as decadent.

For getting ready to go out, the separate powder room was a nice touch and added extra functionality to this unique and charismatic space – which, spread over 506 sq ft, had more than enough room to make yourself at home.

Beyond the Art Deco Cabin Suite, the Edwardian Cabin Suite captures the feeling of an early 1900s cabin, the period in which luxury cruise journeys originally boomed.

In the bedroom, there’s an antique Edwardian mahogany leather top kidney-shaped desk, alongside an antique Edwardian upholstered walnut armchair and a floor lamp with an in-built marble table adorning the living area.

Then, there’s the Mid-Century Cabin Suite, which represents the late 1950s – 1960s era, during which ship design evolved and features including wood panelling and chrome accents became popular.

Brought to life through a Danish powder blue sofa and armchair set that acts as the focal point of the living space, other highlights include a set of Italian mid-century wall lights adorning the walls, alongside a Ludwig Mies Van De Roche chrome leather chair – a true icon of mid-century design.

And finally, there’s the Dynasty Cabin Suite, which offers guests a glimpse into the less than subtle glamour and opulence of the 1980s.

The expressive, luxurious nature of this period is captured in a Maralunga Sofa by Vico Magistretti, alongside a Cursava Muebles lucite and glass coffee table and an antique ceramic floor lamp to name a few.

The Edwardian Cabin Suite captures the feeling of an early 1900s cabin, the period in which luxury cruise journeys originally boomed. Image credit: James McDonald

All four Cabin Suites feature a selection of books inspired by its era and curated by Phaidon, including Mapplethorpe Flora: The Complete Flowers by Robert Mapplethorpe, The Japanese Garden by Sophie Walker, Atlas of Mid-Century Modern Masterpieces by Dominic Bradbury, Factory: Andy Warhol by Stephen Shore and many more.

The hotel’s multi-award-winning bar Lyaness has created bottled cocktails inspired by the four eras, exclusively available to guests staying in the new suites – which is a lovely touch that makes booking a weekend stay here feel all the more special.

On that note, should you order a cocktail on room service, it’ll be shaken up for you right there in your room, adding a theatrical feel that makes every round of drinks feel like an event.

If you fancy a long, slow morning in your suite, then be sure to order from the breakfast room service menu.

Featuring a la carte favourites like Benedict, Eggs Royale, an omelette – or just eggs cooked to your personal liking, you can also choose from a range of pastries, cereals and fruit. The buttermilk pancake stack is a must if you have a sweet tooth.

But for the most indulgent experience, opt for the Champagne breakfast, which comprises a glass of Laurent Perrier Cuvée Brut followed by a bowl of seasonal berries and whipped cream, your choice of one a la carte breakfast item and freshly-baked morning pastries and toast served with jam and local butter. It’s a thoroughly decadent way to start the day, and the perfect choice on a Saturday or Sunday.

Food and drink

The Sea Containers Restaurant is a buzzy space with an unchallenging but satisfying, broadly American all-day menu. Image credit: James McDonald

The Sea Containers Restaurant is a large, buzzy space enjoying fantastic river views and serving up a simple yet tasty American-inspired menu throughout the day and night.

Think nibbles, small plates and sharing flatbreads.

Start with the oysters and lemon, the seabass ceviche or the moreish four cheese croquettes with jalapeño mayonnaise, then move onto the Porthilly mussels in a white wine sauce with charred bread and butter or the Surrey farm rib-eye with watercress and green pepper sauce. Or, choose from a tasty selection of sandwiches and salads – and be sure to save some room for a sweet treat afterwards.

12th Knot is Sea Containers London’s stylish rooftop bar, and offers sweeping views across the South Bank. Experimental cocktail bar Lyaness, meanwhile, is an experience in itself, led by acclaimed bartender and mixologist Ryan Chetiyawardana and making for another highlight of a stay here.

Presenting a unique twist on the traditional cocktail menu by basing its creations on just five ingredients, the approach adds an element of fun and playfulness to the evening – or lunchtime, if that’s your thing.

Oyster honey, blood curaçao, green sauce liqueur, malt and grass amazake and fruit furikake are each expressed in three different ways in award-winning ‘Mr Lyan’s cocktail line-up, showing just how versatile this capsule collection of ingredients can be.

12th Knot is Sea Containers London’s stylish rooftop bar, and offers sweeping views across the South Bank. Image credit: Jonathan Sharp Photography

It’s not just cocktails that Lyaness does well, though, and this reimagined ground-floor space, which was formerly known as Dandelyan serves up a simple yet tasty menu of light bites to enjoy alongside your chosen tipple – from ‘Bar Bites’ like the nocera olives and Cambrook spiced nuts, to small plates including English coastal oysters, hand-picked crab, salt beef croquettes and blistered padron peppers.

Throughout the summer, the bar is set to play host to a series of sought-after weekend events – including a soirée powered by Champagne Laurent-Perrier on Saturday, 21st June that will see a line-up of DJs take to the decks and live acts bringing the sound of summer straight to the rooftop.

To do

A multi-sensory sanctuary below the waterline, the Agua is a spa playground, with distinct social hubs and treatment rooms offering personalised treatments and authentic experiences.

Guests at Sea Containers London will find no shortage of things to do without even leaving the premises – including a 56-seat marine-inspired cinema which screens new releases at the weekends – and with four meeting rooms and free Wi-Fi throughout, business travellers are also well catered to.

The Agua Spa, meanwhile, offers up a range of decadent treatments – from massages and facials to beauty rituals – while those looking to keep up with their fitness regimes can head to the high-tech gym, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Thanks to its privileged riverside location in the heart of the capital, just eight minutes on foot from the Blackfriars tube and ten minutes from Waterloo Station, the hotel is well connected to many of the city’s most frequented districts, with the Tate Modern and Globe Theatre both within a ten-minute stroll and St. Paul’s Cathedral also located nearby.

For foodies, a meander to Borough Market and its number of excellent surrounding restaurants is an easy jaunt, with numerous high-end and fine dining restaurants also scattered across London if you’re looking for a little more luxury.

In a nutshell

With breath-taking river views and an exciting food and drink lineup, plus a range of modern and luxurious amenities, Sea Containers London has long ticked all the right boxes for those seeking a lavish stay in London.

Now, the new Cabin Suites have added a new layer of luxury to this already iconic spot, turning it into what is arguably now the best five-star hotel located on the Thames – and with an exciting calendar of events ahead, it’s the place to be this summer if you’re planning a weekend break in the city.

Factbox

The Cabin Suites start from £765 per night.

Address: 20 Upper Ground, London SE1 9PD
Phone: 020 3747 1000
Website: seacontainerslondon.com