The Gantry London, Curio Collection By Hilton

First Impressions

Walking into The Gantry London, Curio Collection By Hilton, you immediately get that modern industrial vibe — all exposed steel and glass that somehow feels warm rather than cold. I mean, the name gives it away, right? They’ve actually incorporated the old Royal Docks heritage into the design, and it works beautifully. The lobby has this soaring ceiling with original crane-inspired architecture that reminds you exactly where you are in London’s history.

Location & Neighborhood

Here’s what I love about staying in London‘s Royal Docks — you’re not fighting crowds on Oxford Street, but you’re still incredibly well-connected. The hotel sits right next to Royal Victoria DLR station, which honestly makes getting into central London ridiculously easy. You know what’s brilliant? You can walk to the ExCeL exhibition center in about five minutes, making this spot perfect if you’re here for events or conferences. Plus, the Thames Cable Car is practically on your doorstep if you fancy those river views.

The Room Experience

The room I stayed in had floor-to-ceiling windows that made the space feel much larger than it actually was. The design keeps that industrial theme going — think dark wood, metal accents, and these clever maritime touches that don’t feel forced. What impressed me most was the attention to detail; the lighting actually works for both working and relaxing, which is rarer than it should be in hotels.

Dining & Amenities

The Bokan restaurant on the 37th and 38th floors is where this four-star hotel really shows off. I’ll be honest, the views across London from up there are pretty spectacular — you can see the Thames snaking through the city and spot landmarks you’d normally queue hours to visit. The food’s solid modern British with a few international touches, nothing groundbreaking but well-executed. There’s also a decent fitness center that’s actually equipped properly, not just a couple of sad treadmills in a basement.

Why Guests Love It

What sets The Gantry London apart is that it feels like a proper London hotel that happens to be outside Zone 1, rather than some corporate box that could be anywhere. The staff genuinely seem to know the area well — they’ll point you toward the Saturday food markets at Canary Wharf or suggest the best walking route along the Thames Path. It’s also refreshingly quiet compared to central London hotels, so you actually get a decent night’s sleep. The parking situation is sorted if you’re driving, which is a massive plus in this city where hotel parking usually costs more than the room itself.

Hotels in London dot historic Covent Garden, royal squares, and creative quarters brimming with artisan markets.