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Home / Type of trip / City / Four Seasons Canary Wharf review

Four Seasons Canary Wharf review

November 11, 2015 by Gretta Schifano 22 Comments

Lobby, Four Seasons Canary Wharf. Copyright Gretta Schifano

Lobby, Four Seasons Canary Wharf. Copyright Gretta Schifano

2018 update: This hotel is now the Canary Riverside Plaza, and I haven’t stayed there since this change.

When you’re staying at a hotel do you like the staff to be friendly and chatty or do you prefer them to be more reserved? I much prefer the former because, to me, it feels welcoming.

Four Seasons Canary Wharf

Last Friday night my 17 year-old daughter and I stayed at the Four Seasons hotel in London’s Canary Wharf. We were looking forward to reviewing the hotel because it’s luxurious, it’s in a wonderful riverside location and it has great facilities, including a spa and an infinity pool overlooking the Thames. What I wasn’t expecting from this five-star experience was how welcoming and kind all of the staff that we met at the hotel would be.

Checking in

I checked in on Friday afternoon using the Four Seasons app on my phone. Once my daughter arrived home from school we caught a train to London and then the Jubilee line to Canary Wharf Underground station in the docklands area in the East of the city. It was an easy journey, and it took about ten minutes to walk from the station to the hotel, passing besuited office workers who were enjoying a drink after work in the many bars and restaurants in the area.

Arrival

It was already dark when we arrived at the hotel. Four Seasons Canary Wharf is in a modern building, designed by Phillippe Starck, and has 142 rooms and suites over 10 storeys. We were greeted by a friendly doorman who was expecting us, knew our names and had our room keys ready. He escorted us to the reception desk, where the staff also knew our names already, and we were given a personalised list of suggestions of things to do and places to go while we were staying at the hotel, including the best places to shop and some outdoor activities. My daughter was delighted to be taken to the ‘sweet shop’ in the lobby and presented with a bag of treats (personally I think that adults should be welcomed in this way too!).

Sweet shop at Four Seasons Canary Wharf. Copyright Gretta Schifano

Sweet shop at Four Seasons Canary Wharf. Copyright Gretta Schifano

Our room

We were staying in room 516, an Executive Suite overlooking the Thames. The first thing that struck me about the room was the space – it was huge. The next thing I noticed was that there were fireworks going off across the city – it was the beginning of November and we had a grandstand view of the Bonfire Night celebrations from the huge windows of our suite.

View of Thames from our room at Four Seasons Canary Wharf. Copyright Gretta Schifano

View of Thames from our room at Four Seasons Canary Wharf. Copyright Gretta Schifano

We were happy to find a dish of chocolate and fruit on the dining table to welcome us, as well as some crisps and drinks on a low table by the window.

Executive suite, Four Seasons Canary Wharf. Copyright Gretta Schifano

Executive suite, Four Seasons Canary Wharf. Copyright Gretta Schifano

The suite has a main sitting room, with an en suite cloakroom, and an interconnecting bedroom, with an en suite bathroom. The furnishings are modern and luxurious, there are all of the gadgets and gizmos that you might need (including a Nespresso machine stocked, for me, with decaf coffee: I’d mentioned when I checked in that afternoon that I prefer decaf). We felt at home straight away. There’s free wi-fi throughout the hotel for guests, which made my daughter very happy. Here’s a video that I made of the suite when we arrived:

My favourite part of the room, which I didn’t notice until the next morning, was the leather window seat in the lounge area. It was the perfect spot for contemplating the river and the city beyond.

Dinner at Quadrato

We’d been invited to eat at the hotel restaurant, Quadrato. The hotel was pretty quiet that evening (I was told that it’s much busier during the week, as people stay there on business) and so dinner was served in the bar area rather than in the main restaurant. There were a few couples there as well as a family with a baby. Our waiter, Cataldo, was charming. It turns out that he’s from the same part of Sicily as my husband’s family, and we chatted happily about our visits to the island.

We chose a couple of ‘small bites’ from the winter menu to share as starters: vegetable spring rolls and homemade hummus with pitta bread, which was all very tasty. Next my daughter chose fish and chips, which she enjoyed, while I had vegetarian ramen (a dish with noodles and vegetables), which was good but difficult to eat with cutlery or with chopsticks! The chef then sent us a small dish of spinach and ricotta ravioli which tasted divine. I was pretty full after that but I had some fruit while my daughter opted for a chocolate brownie – I tasted it and it was delicious.

Our dinner at Four Seasons Canary Wharf. Copyright Gretta Schifano

Our dinner at Four Seasons Canary Wharf. Copyright Gretta Schifano

Back at our room I decided to have a bath, and it was so comfortable that I actually fell asleep in there. I then found that my daughter had installed herself in the super king-sized bed rather than in the single bed that had been set up in the lounge area. I didn’t want to sleep in the single bed either, and, as there was plenty of room for both of us, I joined her in the big bed (my husband and son and the dog could probably have fitted in there too).

Swimming pool

Next morning I woke up at 7am and decided that I had to swim in the gorgeous infinity pool which we could see from our windows, right next to the river. Hotel guests can use the facilities at the Virgin Active Health Club next door, including the stunning 20-metre long infinity pool which featured in the film Skyfall – Daniel Craig swam there as James Bond. I had the slow lane to myself as I swam a few lengths of the pool before breakfast, and it was a fabulous feeling swimming along next to the Thames.

Swimming pool at Virgin Active, Canary Wharf. Copyright Gretta Schifano

Swimming pool at Virgin Active, Canary Wharf. Copyright Gretta Schifano

The health club also has a gym, sauna, steam room and hydrotherapy pool which looked very inviting. Children can swim in the pool as long as they’re with an adult – there was a lifeguard on duty when I was there.

Breakfast

Breakfast is served in the airy Quadrato restaurant on the ground floor. I love hotel breakfasts, and this one was of a very good standard. There were pastries, fruit, bread, cold meats and porridge on offer as well as hot dishes prepared by staff in the open kitchen at the side of the restaurant.

Breakfast buffet, Four Seasons Canary Wharf. Copyright Gretta Schifano

Breakfast buffet, Four Seasons Canary Wharf. Copyright Gretta Schifano

There was a selection of daily papers to read and we were served hot and cold drinks at our table. The staff were very attentive and friendly.

Shopping

After breakfast we went to look around the shops in Canary Wharf. Canary Wharf is a modern part of London and has some striking architecture. During the week it hosts thousands of finance workers (including my husband) and offers hundreds of high-end shops, bars and restaurants, mostly inside shopping malls. At the weekends the shopping area is pretty quiet, although there are some fantastic shops there. We popped in to Massimo Dutti, Top Shop, Zara, Moleskine and the most upmarket Boots that I’ve ever seen.

Shopping at Canary Wharf. Copyright Gretta Schifano

Shopping at Canary Wharf. Copyright Gretta Schifano

In the area

We had to check out and set off for home at midday as my daughter was going to a friend’s house that afternoon. If we’d had more time I’d have liked to visit the nearby Museum of London Docklands and go to the Canary Wharf Ice Rink – we’ll just have to go there another time.

Company ethos

Everyone at the hotel was so kind to us that I couldn’t help but wonder if they all knew that I would be writing about them. Then I looked at the Four Seasons directory in our room, and was interested to read a piece by the company’s chairman, Isodore Sharp. He wrote that the single basic principle of Four Seasons is ‘to treat others as you wish to be treated yourself’. Back home I asked my husband about his experience of Four Seasons (he travels a lot for work). He told me that he loves staying at Four Seasons hotels because the staff are always great and make him feel at home.

Verdict

I really enjoyed staying at Four Seasons Canary Wharf and would definitely recommend it. Our suite was great and the views were amazing, best enjoyed from the window seat. I loved swimming in the pool. I was particularly impressed by the friendliness and kindness of the staff. Canary Wharf has fast connections to central London so this would be a good place to base yourself for a few days in the city.

My daughter says: ‘The bed was really comfortable and the pillows were comfy and very squishy. The towels were nice and fluffy. The bath was a good bath. Everything that could be comfy was comfy. The food was nice. I didn’t like the cherry liqueur with my brownie. The staff were really helpful and friendly.’ (On being welcomed with sweets) ‘If you’d just come in from a really long journey then those sweets would really perk you up.’

More on London…

If you’d like to see more of my reviews of places to stay in London you can read about Amba Hotel Marble Arch here, Hilton London Metropole here, Go Native Apartments here, Royal Garden Hotel here, and there are more reviews in the Where to stay category.

If you’d like some inspiration for great things to do in London with kids, I publish a monthly round-up of what’s on offer – you can find my latest London round-up here. Do let me know if there’s anything which you think should be included.

If you’d like a London guide book I recommend the Lonely Planet London Travel Guide and also the London Marco Polo Travel Guide.

Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links, which means that if you clicked through and booked I may receive a small commission. We stayed at the Four Seasons Canary Wharf free of charge for the purposes of this review. All opinions, text , video and images are my own, as ever.

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Related

Categories: City, London, Luxury, Room reports
Tags: Canary Wharf, family-friendly hotel, luxury hotel

About Gretta Schifano

I'm a freelance journalist and blogger specialising in family travel with teenagers, trips when parents manage to travel without their kids, and 50+ travel. I also write about vegetarian travel, parenting teenagers, adoption, SEN, ADHD and anxiety. My work's been published by the Financial Times, Guardian, Independent, National Geographic Traveller, Lonely Planet and others. I've lived and worked in Italy and Spain and am now based in rural south-east England with my husband, adoptive and birth kids and our dog. I previously worked as a social action radio producer for the BBC.

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Comments

  1. Amila@Leisureandme says

    November 28, 2015 at 11:58 pm

    This sounds like an amazing hotel for a comfortable stay.Food looks delicious….
    Amila@Leisureandme recently posted…History Restaurant & Walk Back to 1800s of Sri LankaMy Profile

    Reply
  2. Charly Dove says

    November 23, 2015 at 1:27 pm

    What a fabulous hotel the Four Seasons is Gretta, I love the sound of this place. The pool looks divine as does the sweet shop! Seems to tick all the boxes. I’m just trying to remember when I was last in Canary Wharf and it must have been a while, great spot though 🙂
    Charly Dove recently posted…What’s The Story? | 23rd November 2015My Profile

    Reply
  3. Ickle Pickle says

    November 19, 2015 at 8:19 pm

    This hotel looks amazing – everything sounds perfect – the staff, the room, the food – what more could you ask for! Kaz x
    Ickle Pickle recently posted…Win a set of Toddler Milestone CardsMy Profile

    Reply
  4. Stephen says

    November 15, 2015 at 2:59 pm

    The number of times I have been over to Canary Wharf and I am shocked I did not know this place existed!
    Stephen recently posted…Nivea for Men Cool Kick 48 Hour DeodorantMy Profile

    Reply
  5. Erica Price says

    November 15, 2015 at 9:14 am

    I do like the look of that breakfast buffet – it all looks fresh and good. What fun to have a sweet shop in the hotel too!
    Erica Price recently posted…Week 46 of 2015My Profile

    Reply
  6. Jaime Oliver says

    November 13, 2015 at 4:53 pm

    wow that sweeties shop looks amazing! .. in fact so did the breakfast buffet!
    Jaime Oliver recently posted…Choosing Glasses To Suit My Face ShapeMy Profile

    Reply
  7. Keri-Anne says

    November 13, 2015 at 9:57 am

    My gosh! A sweet shop in the lobby and a pool that looks over the thames!!! How amazing x
    Keri-Anne recently posted…Fairy houses and mushroomsMy Profile

    Reply
  8. oana79 says

    November 12, 2015 at 10:34 pm

    What an amazing room and facilities, I am sure you all had the most fantastic time!xx
    oana79 recently posted…On self-assurance, selling oneself short and other employment mattersMy Profile

    Reply
  9. Lucy Zelazowski says

    November 12, 2015 at 9:59 pm

    I love London Hotels, the Four Season hotels are no exception,I have stayed at a few around the world. What an interesting fact about the infinity pool. The location is great too if you are working around there or attending the O2.
    Lucy Zelazowski recently posted…Whats to watch this Autumn? 2015 great TV! #Panasonic Viera, 4K TVMy Profile

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  10. Cathy (MummyTravels) says

    November 12, 2015 at 7:29 pm

    This sounds wonderful – good service makes such a difference. I tend to overlook chain hotels, partly because I think they’re going to be a bit bland but I think that’s actually quite unfair given what some of them offer.
    Cathy (MummyTravels) recently posted…Three tours you must take in Ljubljana, SloveniaMy Profile

    Reply
    • Gretta Schifano says

      November 12, 2015 at 8:05 pm

      I know what you mean, but I think that it all depends on what the staff are like.

      Reply
  11. Kara says

    November 12, 2015 at 2:56 pm

    It looks like a wonderful place to stay, just look at that view from the pool. Not sure we would escape the sweet shop though
    Kara recently posted…Waking Sleeping BeautyMy Profile

    Reply
  12. Sonia says

    November 12, 2015 at 12:43 pm

    I really want to stay here now, the sweet shop looks fab, I want sweets now x

    Reply
  13. Sonya Cisco says

    November 12, 2015 at 11:43 am

    Looks like an incredible place to stay, and I am with you, friendly staff really help me feel relaxed and at home.
    Sonya Cisco recently posted…Chocolate and Almond BrowniesMy Profile

    Reply
  14. Jen Walshaw (@Mum_TheMadHouse) says

    November 11, 2015 at 11:27 pm

    I love being pampered when we stay in a hotel. I would want to go to the sweet shop too
    Jen Walshaw (@Mum_TheMadHouse) recently posted…Advent Acts of Kindness Free PrintablesMy Profile

    Reply
  15. Foz says

    November 11, 2015 at 9:38 pm

    Sounds like an amazing hotel and loving that sweet shop!

    I prefer the staff to be friendly, reserved makes me feel uncomfortable.
    Foz recently posted…6 Must Do Things in Dubai with ChildrenMy Profile

    Reply
  16. Rachel says

    November 11, 2015 at 9:33 pm

    I had no idea there was a Four Seasons Hotel at Canary Wharf and ive lived here in London for 14 years! I have to say that it does look absolutely stunning and I definitely want to try it out for myself x
    Rachel recently posted…Magazine FreebiesMy Profile

    Reply
  17. Cass@frugalfamily says

    November 11, 2015 at 8:06 pm

    What a lovely hotel although to be fair, I was sold when you told us about the sweet shop x
    Cass@frugalfamily recently posted…Review: Roco Clothing (and a sneak peak at this year’s family Christmas card)….My Profile

    Reply
  18. Orli says

    November 11, 2015 at 5:43 pm

    Sounds like a great hotel and a lovely mother-daughter weekend, which is always fun 🙂 I have never stayed in a 5 stars hotel, and it is definitely on my to-do list for the next year. I really liked your review and the sound of this hotel, so am putting it on my list!
    Orli recently posted…Arctic AdventureMy Profile

    Reply
    • Gretta Schifano says

      November 11, 2015 at 6:54 pm

      Thanks Orli – I’m glad that you like the review!

      Reply
  19. Sarah Ebner says

    November 11, 2015 at 2:52 pm

    I really love the sound of this hotel – from the staff to the incredible looking pool, and, of course, the sweets (I know my daughter would love this). Don’t fall asleep in the bath again though. That could be dangerous….
    Sarah Ebner recently posted…Luxury: flying first-class on British Airways from London to Washington DCMy Profile

    Reply
    • Gretta Schifano says

      November 11, 2015 at 2:53 pm

      I’ve never done that before in my life! It is a great hotel – I’m sure that you would all love it there.

      Reply

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This is a personal blog written and edited by me, Gretta Schifano. Sometimes I’m given products or sent on trips to review, but I always make this clear and give my honest opinion. See my About page for full details.

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