When a place rates itself as assuredly (in huge bold letters, no less) as Good Hotel does, it’s natural to feel a little sus. But it’s true — Good Hotel really does make you feel good. Besides the cheery, first-rate service and a night of impeccable sleep, you walk out feeling extra uplifted by virtue of its ‘do good’ DNA.
Originally built as a Danish prison (be prepared for door alarms that serve as a small reminder), the floating hotel docked in London in 2016 after sailing across from Amsterdam. Its founder, Marten Dresden, had come up with the Good Hotel concept four years prior while travelling in Guatemala. Now, each night you spend there pays for a week of school for a child in South America, with profits also going towards hospitality training for long-term unemployed locals.
Rooms come in varying sizes but each one gets views over the calm Royal Victoria Dock. The interiors are soft, earthy and paired back — think low-hanging lights, origami-style lamp shades and charging ports hidden inside bed frames. Five hangers dangle on the wall in lieu of an actual wardrobe, favouring the lighter packers among us.
There’s little in the way of colour besides two teeny hand-crafted worry dolls perched on your pillow (a nod to the hotel’s Guatemalan links) and a gorgeous red sunrise reflecting on the water the next morning.
It’s absolutely worth staying on site for dinner. The kitchen offers a delicious tapas menu made up of locally sourced produce (shoutout to the caramelly, parmesan-clad grilled leeks and the velvety sea bass). The bar compliments it with a selection of fun artisan wines (we knocked back a dangerously drinkable bottle of Spanish orange wine).
Neighbourhood
Most people venture to this side of town for the stuff going on at the O2 or ExCel Centre. You’re right next to the IFS Cloud Cable Cars, so it would be rude to pass up on some cheap 360 views of the city. And if you’re so inclined, you can take a cold dip in the dock where the water is consistently ranked ‘excellent’ based on World Health Organisation guidelines. Or just watch those brave enough while you enjoy a warm and toasty hotel breakfast.
Nearby
- Mudchute Park and Farm: for wholesome vibes among ponies, alpacas and turkeys in one of the city’s biggest farms.
- Padium: for having a go at padel, the Mexican game combining squash and tennis dubbed the ‘next big thing’.
- FOLD: for guests in search of a night of artist-led, grassroots clubbing.
Time Out tip
The hotel’s rooftop bar opens up in the spring/summer months for guests and passers by to enjoy a tipple or three right above the dock’s peaceful waters.