Sea Containers London | Thames-side Rooftop Bar from $278

Name: SEA CONTAINERS LONDON, London
Address: 20 Upper Ground, London, Greater London, SE1 9PD
Price range: US$319+
Rating: 8.9

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Sea Containers London Hotel Exterior photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

20 Upper Ground, London, SE1 9PD

Close to Tate Modern

Great

8.9

9.3

/10

4.7

4.3

Loved by Sea Containers London guests

Riverfront lounge area

Comfortable rooms

Friendly staff

Excellent breakfast

Close transport links

"The location was amazing with view of the river and london's skyline."

Christel from United Kingdom

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"Loved the food at the restaurants and the nightime entertainment."

Giselle from United States

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"She works at Sea Container Hotel South Bank."

Malaz I from United Kingdom

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Sea Containers London - A riverside 5-star hotel with surrealist-inspired design, award-winning dining, and a subterranean spa

Sea Containers London occupies a striking riverside location in Southwark, featuring surrealist art pieces mirroring works by Salvador Dalí and René Magritte. The 5-star hotel offers 359 rooms and suites with river or city views, marble bathrooms with rainfall showers, and bespoke furnishings by designer Tom Dixon. Guests dine at Sea Containers Restaurant, serving seasonal British-American dishes, or Lyaness, an award-winning cocktail bar. The subterranean agua Spa provides treatments using organic ingredients like rosemary and marigold, complete with steam rooms and rain showers. Blackfriars Station is an 8-minute walk away, placing Tate Modern and Shakespeare's Globe within 500 meters.

Pros

The rooftop bar 12th Knot offers panoramic Thames views and a curated champagne list.

Private dining rooms feature original maritime design elements and Tom Dixon furnishings.

Family rooms include kid-friendly amenities like Explorer Passport activity sets.

The Ship Shape Suite includes a Peloton bike and recovery-focused sleep technology.

Direct access to South Bank cultural venues like the Hayward Gallery.

Cons

Breakfast buffet features standard full English options without standout dishes.

No outdoor pool despite the maritime-inspired design theme.

Must-do experiences

Savor the famous fish and chips at Poppies in Spitalfields.
Visit the vibrant Borough Market for gourmet street food.
Stroll along the Southbank and enjoy live street performances.
Explore the quirky Leadenhall Market, a hidden gem in the City.
Catch a view of the city from the Sky Garden, it's free!

Location: Perfect

9.5/10Review score

Hotel on map

Guest Emotional Experience

Explorers, Not TouristsRiverside discovery

“We especially loved being able to walk out of the hotel and onto the riverwalk and experience its bustling summer marketstalls.”

Ashley from United States

Perfect for Finding FriendsBarista connection

“The staffs are amazing especially Catrina the cafe barista- she made the best hot chocolate I've ever had in my life and that's a high bar to reach .”

Malaz I from United Kingdom

Safe HavenTranquil escape

“Luxury at a budget friendly pricing, spacious, yet quiet.”

Trimaine from United States

Select your room type

Find detailed information on rooms, amenities, and exclusive deals for your ideal beach holiday

Riverview Balcony Suite
2 persons
65 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details
Superior
2 persons
29 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Superior Double Double
2 persons
29 sq. feet
2 Double beds
Air conditioning
Heating
room details

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Prices and availability

View real-time room availability and secure the best rate for your travel dates

August 2026 - August 2027

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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Enjoy modern comforts, from ocean-view suites to family-friendly options with breakfast included

Facilities: Perfect

9.1/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
VIP check-in/ -out
Express check-in/ -out
Pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Locker room
Lift
Coffee shop
Smoke detectors
Electric vehicle charging station
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Fitness centre

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Room service
Housekeeping
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Welcome drink

Dining

In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Snack bar
Bar/ Lounge area
Outdoor dining area
Special diet menus

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities

Children

Cots
Children's buffet

Facilities for people with disabilities

Toilet for disabled
Bathroom for disabled

Spa & Leisure

Entertainment
Spa & wellness centre
Steam room
Body scrub
Facial
Treatment room
Body wraps
Back massage
Head massage
Full body massage
Foot massage

Room features

Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-bar
Sitting area
Patio
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Dining table
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

Sea Containers London offers an array of dining options that celebrate British cuisine with a contemporary twist. Guests can bask in scenic river views while indulging in locally sourced flavors, complemented by a vibrant atmosphere that invites both relaxation and delight.

Sea Containers
British
Ambiance
A welcoming setting featuring outdoor seating along the river walk, ideal for soaking in the sights of London's skyline.
Key Offerings
Signature offerings include picnic-style delicacies such as chipotle lobster rolls, grilled cilantro prawns, and smoked BBQ jackfruit sliders topped with Guinness ice cream.
Reservation
Recommended
Monday to Sunday, 12:00 - 21:30
Lyaness
Innovative Cocktails and Small Plates
Ambiance
Stylishly designed with a modern flair, this bar exudes a vibrant energy and offers scenic window seating, making it a perfect spot for socializing.
Key Offerings
Previously known as Dandelyan, Lyaness boasts an innovative drink menu and an array of delightful small plates that elevate the bar experience.
Reservation
Recommended
Open until late; specific hours vary.

Location

20 Upper Ground, London, SE1 9PD

Explore London

Local Highlights

Tate Modern

8 minutes' walk

A modern art gallery housed in a former power station, renowned for its expansive collection and striking architecture.

Borough Market

17 minutes' walk

Vibrant food market featuring artisanal products, street food, and local delicacies in a historic setting.

Shakespeare's Globe

9 minutes' walk

Reconstructed Elizabethan theater offering performances of Shakespeare's works and informative guided tours.

South Bank

10 minutes' walk

A cultural hub with riverside walkways, offering stunning views of the Thames, street performers, and art installations.

River Thames Kayaking

10 minutes' walk

Thrilling kayaking experiences on the Thames available seasonally, offering a unique perspective of London's skyline.

Yoga at Southbank Centre

10 minutes' walk

Relaxing yoga classes held in a serene environment, suitable for all levels, available throughout the week.

Cycle along the Thames

10 minutes' walk

A scenic route perfect for biking enthusiasts, with rental services available nearby to explore London's riverside.

OXO Tower Restaurant

3 minutes' walk

Offers modern British cuisine with panoramic views of the Thames, ideal for romantic dinners.

Art Yard Bar & Kitchen

2 minutes' walk

Chic eatery serving seasonal dishes made from local ingredients, with a relaxed atmosphere and vibrant décor.

Sea Containers Restaurant

3 minutes' walk

Stylish riverside dining with a focus on fresh, sustainable cuisine, bringing a unique dining experience to the hotel.

The Old Vic Theatre

15 minutes' walk

Historic theater showcasing a variety of performances from classic plays to contemporary productions.

The Shard

15 minutes' walk

London's tallest building featuring a sky deck with breathtaking views and fine dining options at its summit.

How to get around?

City Centre
London 18 min · 5000 ft
Airports
London City (LCY) 20 min · 8.2 mi
London Heathrow (LHR) 44 min · 18.2 mi
Train
Blackfriars Railway Station 6 min · 1700 ft
Underground
Blackfriars Underground Station 6 min · 1700 ft

Want to get the best booking rate?

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:59

Check-out

until 12 pm

Guest Parking

Private parking is possible on site at true.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Breakfast

The hotel Sea Containers London serves a full breakfast for free.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Languages

English, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, Swedish, Danish, Czech, Hungarian, Romanian, Chinese, Polish, Russian, Turkish, Arabic, Bulgarian, Croatian, Lithuanian, Latvian, Slovak, Serbian

Number of floors:

Number of rooms:

354

Former name

Mondrian London

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Sea Containers London from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Guests consistently praise the hotel's fantastic location on the South Bank, making attractions like the Tate Modern and the Globe easily accessible. Many rooms offer great city views, with the Riverview suites and balcony upgrades proving particularly popular, featuring comfortable beds and amazing showers. The modern design and cleanliness are often highlighted, though some guests have mentioned unexpected service charges on their bills. You can enjoy amazing food and find many eateries and pubs in the area.

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Review score

Based on 3936 verified reviews

8.9 /10

Great

90 %

Recommend

Location

9.5/10

Comfort

9.4/10

Value for money

8.2/10

Free WiFi

8.8/10

Pros

Comfortable beds

Convenient location

Soundproof rooms

Quiet A/C

Hotel decor

Cons

Poor communication

Discretionary service charges

harper from canada

Couple

river view deluxe

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 04, 2025

9/10

romantic escape

design features fabulous bed lovely pillows

the design features in the room were great. the fabulous bed ensured restful nights. lovely pillows added to the feeling of being pampered and cared for.

0 Helpful

Emma from United Kingdom

Family with children

Studio

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed: September 06, 2025

7/10

rooftop bar friendly staff breakfast options low coffee quality

The rooftop bar was a great experience. The staff there were very friendly and helpful. The location is perfect. The hotel design is of note.

The breakfast options were the same each morning. The coffee was of low quality and the bread was like a sliced sponge.

0 Helpful

Samuel from United Kingdom

Single

Studio

3 nights in June 2025

Reviewed: July 14, 2025

9.3/10

Solid Stay

south bank access comfortable bed spacious shower prompt room service

I liked the decor. The location allowed quick access to the South Bank attractions. My room had a comfortable bed. I found the shower to be spacious. The room service was prompt, I liked that. The staff was helpful when I needed directions. The minibar selection had good choices.

The gym was small, it got crowded during peak hours. I think more equipment is needed for a hotel of this size.

Dining

9/10

Breakfast offered a wide selection of pastries, fruits, and hot dishes. I saw that Lyaness bar featured skilled bartenders, they prepared creative cocktails. The rooftop restaurant, 12th Knot, had excellent cocktail options.

Facilities

9/10

The spa included a sauna, a steam room, and treatment rooms. The gym contained three treadmills and two stationary bikes. I noticed the hotel provides concierge services.

Location

10/10

The area offers many restaurants and shops. Public transportation is easily accessible. The hotel's location is near the river, this provided nice walking routes.

Rooms

9/10

My room included a work desk and a seating area. The bathroom had two separate sinks and a rainfall shower. Blackout curtains helped ensure a restful sleep.

0 Helpful

Daniel from United Kingdom

Single

Studio

3 nights in June 2025

Reviewed: July 01, 2025

7/10

Generally Satisfactory Stay

quiet air conditioning spacious room convenient location poor communication added service charge unreceived response

The room was spacious. It had quiet air conditioning. The location proved convenient. It was within walking distance of many attractions.

I noticed a service charge was quietly added to the final bill. The communication ahead of our stay was poor. I contacted the hotel with queries weeks before our stay and I did not receive a response.

0 Helpful

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Questions of the users

About Sea Containers London

Are there options for gluten-free or dairy-free breakfast items available?

10 January 2024

Dietary requirements can be accommodated. Please inform the staff when ordering or if any menu clarifications are needed.

Is there an iron available in the guest rooms?

25 February 2024

All guest rooms are equipped with an iron and ironing board, conveniently located in the wardrobe.

Is access to the spa included with the room booking?

17 March 2024

Complimentary access to the spa is available for all guests. For treatments or massages, please check with Agua Spa regarding availability and pricing.

Is breakfast provided as part of the room rate?

15 April 2024

Breakfast is included in select room packages. Make sure to check the package details while booking.

Are baby cots available free of charge?

12 May 2024

Baby cots can be provided at no additional cost. Just inform the hotel prior to your arrival to ensure it's arranged for you.

Can dogs be accommodated in all areas of the hotel?

20 June 2024

Dogs are welcome in guest rooms, the lobby, and the Den area, but are not permitted in food and drink outlets like bars and restaurants.

What is the age policy regarding guests?

5 July 2024

Only guests aged 18 and above are welcomed. This policy is in place to ensure a safe environment for all.

Is it possible to check into the room earlier than the standard time?

13 August 2024

Early check-in requests can be made, subject to availability upon arrival. If your room isn't ready, baggage can be securely stored.

Are there any special amenities for honeymoon guests?

29 September 2024

While there are no specific honeymoon packages, any special requests can be accommodated by contacting the Guest Services team for assistance.

What dining options are available at the hotel?

11 October 2024

The hotel features multiple dynamic dining venues, including the Sea Containers Restaurant, which focuses on fresh, seasonal dishes, and Lyaness, known for unique cocktails.