Review: Shangri-La Luxury Thames River Views + Top Hotels On The River Thames In London

Last Updated on 7 November, 2023

 

 

After a crazy year, a little staycation at Shangri La was in order. So we hunted for hotels on the Thames in London, perhaps a few hotels with a view in London. Gotta love London, the views never get old, especially as the city is currently under rapid development to change the skyline.

 

We wanted hotels along the River Thames and Shangri-la Hotel at the Shard ticked all the boxes needed for a good pampering, a bit of luxury the River Thames view from our room in addition to many of London’s top landmarks in sight.

 

One of few 5 star hotels on the Thames in London, I was keen to explore and experience as much of the hotel as possible.

While you can visit the Shard View deck on the top floor but even better is waking up to London’s luxury views in the city. In a recent post, I shared details of our stay at the Shangri-la Hotel at the Shard.

 

 

This is another installment to share more of what to expect when you indulge in a little ‘self-care’ and treat yourself to what I call a staycation R&R. A stay filled with relaxing massages, curling up to beautiful London views while watching the city people go by. You can find the first installment here.

 

 

A Staycation At Shangri-La At The Shard In London

 

It’s no surprises that I love to travel but there are moments when I want to stay in London but still have a little treat without having to go far and face crazy airport security.

Having finished a 2-year project that saw me driving close to 200 miles each week for nearly two years, having to live in two different apartments over that period, hardly see my family and not see my husband during the week.

This was the perfect escape to it all. Away from home for a little pampering, relaxation, and regrouping, Shangri-la is the perfect place for all that and more. The service is amazing, their attention to detail, impeccable and just so many cool things to do around the area too.

 

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A Room With A Views  – Shangri-la Hotel At The Shard

 

We combined our stay with dining at Aqua Shard which is just stunning. The Shard has several restaurants to choose from but Aqua is one of my favorites.

It has such a great vibe to it, its fairly dark in the evening with music going and the beautiful lights around London twinkling. It justs a beautiful sight and the food is just delicious! Even better is completing the night in the comfortable bed at Shangri-la Hotel.

 

Among few luxury hotels on the River Thames, Shangri-la Hotel at the Shard offer rooms of varying size in addition to varying views too.

We were lucky to be in full view of Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, City of London, Tower of London and St Pauls. They also have apartments which go for a cool £10k a night.

We were in the mood for a bit of luxury but just not on that scale that. If you want to sample this and many of the beautiful hotels in London overlooking the River Thames, I have linked to Shangri La but below have provided a couple of great options for London hotels with River Thames views.

 

 

 

Shangri-La Hotel At The Shard Video Tour

 

 

Thames River View Hotels – Hotels On The Thames  In London

 

If you want your very own stay in one of the hotels in London overlooking the Thames as well as a combination of hotels on the River Thames near London eye you have among the best luxury 5 star hotels along River Thames below.

 

I haven’t included the likes of the beautiful Royal Horseguards or Corinthia Hotel London which are not directly along the times but some of the rooms do over partial river views of the Thames and London Eye.

 

For something totally unique but still on the River Thames, you could also add The Sunborn Yacht Hotel. The Sunborn is a floating hotel on River Thames London. This is among the quirky London hotels I posted above.

 

 

Mondrian London

 

Another on of the few luxury London hotels with river views. Located on the bank of river Thames, the famous Sea Containers houses this modern yet classy hotel.

 

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, The London Dungeon, London Eye, Tate Modern, Borough Market, and SEA LIFE London Aquarium are all within walkable distance.

 

London Blackfriars train station is just 8 minutes’ walk and Waterloo train station a 12-minute commute on foot. This is also among few London hotel with a river view balcony. For more hotels in London with balconies click here.

 

You will love their riverfront restaurant with outdoor sitting arrangement. In addition, the cocktail bar, rooftop bar, aqua spa, and the terrace with beautiful views are bound to make you happy.

 

The décor is eye-catching done by Tom Dixon, an award-winning interior designer. Each room has air conditioning, a flat-screen HD TV, dimmable lights, a minibar, and free WiFi. Your weekends are taken care of by the on-site Curzon offering a range of classic matinees, new releases, and family favorites in an impressive 56-seat cinema.

 

 

Intercontinental London – The 02

 

Situated at Greenwich Peninsula, the hotel is just 5.1 miles from London City Airport and 4 miles from the Excel Arena. Among hotels overlooking River Thames.

 

This is a 5-minute walk will take you to the North Greenwich Tube station, and the Emirates Airline Greenwich is a 10-minute walk but you are also next to one of London’s unique landmarks; The o2 Arena which offers climbing experiences of the dome.

 

The air-conditioned rooms are all en-suite and come with a TV and complimentary toiletries. You are spoilt for a choice with three restaurants and two bars.

 

The Clipper Bar and Eighteen Sky Bar both offer impressive views of Canary Wharf and the River Thames. Free WiFi, parking, family rooms, spa, and wellness center, swimming pool, and Non-smoking rooms are add-ons.

 

A large conference center and additional 19 meeting rooms cater to the guests who are on a working visit. The Arora Ballroom is the largest pillar-free event space in the UK.

 

   

 

St George Wharf

 

This is among hotels near River Thames in central London. If you are looking for a contemporary place to stay in central London, opt for St George Wharf at Lambeth on the banks of the River Thames.

 

Riverfront bars, restaurants, and shops, 24-hour gymnasium are all close by. Vauxhall Rail and Underground Station are just a minute’s walk and offers regular 10-minute Tube commute to Oxford Street on the Victoria Line.

King’s Cross St. Pancras Rail Station on the Victoria Line, is only three stops away.

 

You can choose from a studio, a 1-bedroom or a 2-bedroom apartment that is fully furnished with modern amenities. You can always request for the ones having private balconies with city or river view.

 

The apartments come with TVs and fully fitted kitchen with a microwave and dishwasher. Family rooms, non-smoking rooms, lift, are add-ons. An underground car park and free WiFi are fringe perks for your stay.

 

 

The Tower A Guoman Hotel

 

A hotel in London situated on the River Thames and in prime location too. This hotel stands next to the Tower Bridge shares its one side with the River Thames and the other with St Katherine’s Dock. Its close location to Tower Hill tube station easily connects to the West End and Central London with a 20-minute commute. The station itself is an 8-minute walk from the hotel. St. Katherine’s Pier is a 2 minutes’ walk, which connects the city through River Thames.

 

The rooms are equipped with a TV having Freeview channels and a desk. Foodies can enjoy modern fusion cuisine at the on-site restaurant. You can enjoy drinks at the impressive hotel bar while capturing and absorbing stunning views of the Tower Bridge and the Shard skyscraper. Other goodies include free WiFi, parking, non-smoking rooms, fitness center, and thoughtful facilities for the disabled guests.

 

 

Wilde Aparthotels by Staycity – The Strand

 

Located in central London, this hotel is 8.7 miles from London city airport. A 7-minute walk to Leicester Square Station gives a direct link to Heathrow Airport. Around the hotel, you will find the Royal Opera House, 1300 feet away, Savoy Theatre and Lyceum Theatre to be nearby. Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square are also at a walkable distance.

 

All the rooms are air-conditioned and come with a private bathroom, TV, and a fridge. Some also have a kitchenette with a dishwasher, a microwave, and a toaster. Other facilities include free WiFi, non-smoking rooms, and facilities for disabled guests.

 

 

1 Bedroom Apartment near St Paul’s 

 

Appreciated for its central location, this accommodation is quite popular with on-the-go travelers. Have a look at the approachability. 1 mile from St Paul’s Cathedral, 1.4 miles from Sky Garden, 1.5 miles from Tower of London, 1.6 miles from Borough Market and 1.7 miles from London Bridge. The nearest airport is London City Airport, 8.1 miles away.

 

The apartment is a 1-bedroom set with fully equipped kitchen and a bathroom. Your room has a TV too.

 

 

London Marriott Hotel County Hall

 

London Marriott Hotel County Hall is among few hotels overlooking the Thames and London Eye. Marriott hotel offers fantastic views of Big Ben and the River Thames. Another historic 5 star hotels in London on the Thames, Marriott hotel, located on Westminister Bridge,  boasts a swimming pool and relaxing sauna. Its spacious rooms include luxurious bathrobes and Egyptian cotton sheets. Guests get free Wi-Fi in the public areas.

 

A 5 star hotel near River Thames with elegant rooms at the Marriott London County Hall offers a marble bathroom, slippers, and an LCD TV with satellite channels. Guests can relax in luxury bedding, and some rooms have beautiful river views. Located in central London, the hotel is only a 5 minute walk from Westminster Station and a 10 minute walking distance to Waterloo Station. Buckingham Palace can be reached in less than 20 minutes on foot and both Westminster Abbey and St James Park are a 10-minute walk away.

 

 

Plaza On The River

 

One of the great 5 star hotels overlooking River Thames in London. Luxurious stay and an easy commute are what this hotel situated on the South Bank of the River Thames are known for. Vauxhall Tube and Rail Station are 0.5 miles while Westminster’s attractions, London Eye and Royal Festival Hall are all less than 1-mile walk.

 

A perfect example of luxury hotels in London by the River Thames. The accommodation is a class apart. Services at hand include air-conditioned suites and free WiFi. Rooms with kitchens provide self-catering, a Nespresso coffee maker, dishwasher, as well as washer/dryer. Moreover, you can pre-stock your suite with groceries. A living area with a dining table and plasma TV are offered in some selected units. How about a private chef and a butler at your call? A fitness center and a heated pool complete your holiday stay.

 

 

St George Wharf Apartment

 

If you want a bit of flexibility in your search for hotels near River Thames in London, then add this to your list. These holiday apartments are located on the South Bank of River Thames and across Vauxhall Bridge and Vauxhall Tube Station. London City Airport is 10 miles away, and Victoria Coach Station is only a mile.

 

A modern stay with an open-plan, fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a washer/dryer is a boon. A flat-screen TV in the lounge and spacious bathroom with each bedroom makes for a comfortable stay. Other amenities include 24-hour security and on-site grocery shops, free Wi-Fi.

 

 

Have you experienced any other hotels along the River Thames in London? Have you stayed at Shangri-la hotel at the Shard? Or visited the Shard View?

 

Map Of Hotels On The River Thames