Britannia International Hotel

Britannia International sits on an impressive street in Canary Wharf and is dwarfed by towering skyscrapers similarly clad entirely in glass. The exterior is particularly impressive at night when the glass frontage catches the light reflected in the water and glitters. This is London’s financial district and as a result, design in the area tends to be ultra-modern. Despite its contemporary look, though, the Royal Britannia is a lot less cutting-edge inside than one would expect, bordering on shabby in many spots. Red carpets, large chandeliers, and gold handrails are a nod to the hotel’s more upmarket past, but the reality is the carpets are fraying and the furniture needs updating. The lobby is expansive, with large windows creating an airy feel, but the battered leather sofas cheapen the look. Overhead, original cornices help to steer things back on track and add some character. The large lobby turns into more of a lounge, with different levels and staircases coming off it, as a result, it’s a hive of activity. Elsewhere, the pool calls to mind the same dilapidated mansion vibe, with plastic white chairs surrounding it, grimy tiles, and peeling paintwork. Things aren’t much better in the Italian and Indian restaurants, or the equally old-fashioned main dining room. This hotel offers cheap rates -- especially for a Canary Wharf property -- but the extra charges for the pool and internet can feel stingy.

Sitting pretty on the water's edge, Royal Britannia isn’t the most centrally located hotel, but that’s reflected in the reasonable rates. It takes just under 10 minutes to walk to Canary Wharf Underground Station, which is next to Jubilee Park. From here, guests can pick up the Jubilee Line to reach Central London. There are a good number of restaurants and bars in the area, which are usually frequented by corporate types from the neighboring offices. Billingsgate Market, a famous fish market, is worth a visit for foodies for the fresh seafood served at the cafe. It takes seven minutes to reach on the bus. A lot of guests choose to stay here because they’re going to a concert or event at The O2, which is easy to reach by train in just under 15 minutes. London’s iconic sights are farther afield, with Big Ben taking 20 minutes to reach via the Jubilee Line. It's a journey of around 20 minutes to the City of London from Heron Quays DLR Station, which is a seven-minute walk away. Other sights require a longer 30-minute train journey, like Buckingham Palace and Oxford Street. The closest airport is London City Airport, which takes just under 30 minutes to get to by train. It takes roughly 80 minutes to reach both Gatwick and Heathrow Airports via train. 

The 530 rooms are in urgent need of an update, with guests frequently complaining about everything from the decor to cleanliness. It’s a shame, because the hallways leading to the rooms are nice -- if only rooms had followed this take on retro style. Instead, interiors consist of worn pale blue carpets, matching blue curtains with orange detailing, and chunky dark wood furniture that clearly hasn’t been replaced in some time. The mostly simple design scheme gets a lift from the addition of a chandelier-style lighting, which is an attractive-enough touch. All rooms have at least an armchair, while Suites and Family Rooms have extra seating. Beds don't score the highest marks from previous guests. 

Amenities include TVs, two 20-minute sessions of Wi-Fi (unlimited access comes with fees), tea-and-coffee-making facilities, telephones, desks, and mirrors, but no safes. Some rooms lack windows (but have air-conditioning), while those with windows have no air-conditioning. Certain units have marble effect bathrooms that are modern and fresh, with a sophisticated gray color palette, though others still have dated bathrooms. Hairdryers and basic toiletries are provided. The best options are the Penthouse Suites or Executive Doubles, these are spacious and on upper floors, with views of the Thames and London’s skyline. 

There’s a long list of features at Britannia International, including three restaurants, a gym, and pool. Unfortunately, its quantity over quality, as guests complain these areas are poorly maintained and need renovating. Jenny’s Carvery has a great setting above the old Jamaican Sugar Docks, looking out over the water. A daily continental buffet breakfast is served here as well as classic dishes in the evenings. Along with the carvery, there’s the Overstuffed Pizzeria, which makes an attempt at Italian trattoria vibes, with black-and-white tiled floors and attractive white seating. Finally, Spice Restaurant serves up Indian cuisine, including well-liked options at breakfast. The food is generally well received. The hotel also has a sports bar, Friday’s Pub, and a waterside bar, the Conservatory Bar. 

As well as a plethora of dining options, there’s a fully-equipped gym, swimming pool, whirlpool, steam room, and sauna. The gym is a decent size and has a good range of equipment, which is ideal for a hotel of this size. The pool is less successful, with peeling paintwork and plastic chairs -- overall it’s very shabby and in desperate need of upgrading. Keep in mind that you'll need pay fees to access the pool.

Wi-Fi is free in public areas, but guests are limited to two 20-minute sessions a day in the room, which feels ungenerous for a hotel in business-centric Canary Wharf.