The financial heart of the city, Canary Wharf is a magnet for professionals who often hail from far beyond London, many of whom require somewhere to live close by that combines flexible terms with plenty of home comforts.
(Photo: Marlin / Courtesy Booking.com)
For anyone visiting a city for an extended period, serviced apartments have a lot going for them over staying in a hotel. Offering many of the same services and facilities such as housekeeping, concierge, swimming pools and gymnasiums, they also tend to feature additional ‘home-from-home’ conveniences including private kitchens and living areas in each unit. If you’re seeking this kind of living solution in Canary Wharf, we’ve done some research and picked three of the area’s best short-stay serviced apartments below.
Marlin
Overlooking the River Thames, a 10-minute walk from Canary Wharf, Marlin’s upscale apartments range from modern but basic studios through to ultra-stylish two-bedroom penthouses. All of the units come with full fitted kitchens with a refrigerator and microwave, washer/dryers, flat-screen TVs and DVD players, and some also have sofa beds, while the penthouses feature lavish floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies, too. For guests with cars, private on-site parking is also available for a fee. Notable nearby attractions include the 02 Centre and the ExCel Exhibition Centre, both of which are a 10-minute drive, and City Airport is also a similar distance away. From £133 per night.
ARK
(Photo: ARK / Courtesy Booking.com)
Set among office blocks, just a few minutes’ walk from Canary Wharf, ARK joins the growing trend for co-living that taken off in recent times. Self-styled as a haven of community and creativity, the venue’s modern studio apartments cater to guests staying for anything from a single night through to an entire year or longer. All units feature TVs and kitchenettes, as well as dining areas, and tea/coffee-making equipment. Communal amenities available to all guests include a restaurant/bar, a spa, an indoor pool with panoramic city views, a gym, a cinema room, coworking areas, a games room, a kitchen, bike storage, meeting rooms and a library. There are also regular gym classes and residents events, as well as on-site parking for a surcharge. From £133 per night.
Discovery Dock West
(Photo: Discovery Dock West / Courtesy Booking.com)
For a truly high-end option, Discovery Dock West may well fit the bill, offering a range of one and two-bed apartments in the historic docklands of Canary Wharf. Four-piece ensuite bathrooms, private balconies and riverside views come as standard in all units, and in many apartments you can add to that dual-aspect, open-plan living areas. Those on higher floors don’t even need to deal with the inconvenience of stairs, with an elevator in the building and – failing that – concierge who might even give you a piggyback if you ask nicely. Other in-apartment amenities include a TV, fully-equipped kitchen, a dining area and a washer/dryer. Housekeeping services are provided once a week. From £372 per night.