Sea Containers, South Bank, London

Views from the hotel take in St Paul's Cathedral to one side and the London Eye to the other. Walk along the river and you'll find Royal Festival Hall and the National Theatre 15 minutes' walk in one direction, while the Globe, Golden Hinde and Borough market can all be reached within 30 minutes in the opposite direction.

The hotel rises from the river on the west side of Blackfriars bridge. Blackfriars, Southwark and Waterloo stations are all close by.

By car: around 1 hour 45 minutes from Oxford, 2 hours from Brighton and 4 hours from Manchester. On-site parking costs £50 per day.

By train: Southwark tube station is an 8-minute walk. Waterloo and Blackfriars stations are a 10-minute walk. Book trains to London.

The hotel is styled like a 1920s cruise liner, with brass and copper fixtures set off against velvet upholstery in rich colours. You'll see this nautical theme displayed throughout with brass porthole mirrors and a copper wall shaped like a ship's hull. Even the check-in staff wear striped T-shirts.

Staff love their jobs and the service is enthusiastic and friendly. Facilities include an intimate Curzon cinema screening the latest releases (you can order from the room-service menu and dine while watching the film) a gym and an Agua spa that makes its own products inspired by the British hedgerow.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Terrace
• Gym
• Spa
• Cinema
• On-site parking
• Free Wi-Fi

As the hotel is modelled on a cruise ship, you could say the rooms resemble cabins. Hot pink and grey are the main colours used, and while rooms may be minimalist, nothing detracts from the fabulous views. Marble bathrooms have rainfall showers (some have free-standing tubs).

Room types: Standard, Superior, Riverview Deluxe, Studio, Loft Suite, Riverview Suite, Riverview Balcony Suite, Riverview apartment

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, coffee-making facilities, TV, free Wi-Fi

Enjoy elaborately curated cocktails in Lyaness and American-British food in the restaurant. At 12th Knot, kick back, sink a whiskey or two and watch the city lights below. We loved the sea bass ceviche tacos.

The restaurant: bistro restaurant All-day dining, open daily. Mains from £24.

Lyaness: cocktails and sharing plates. Open daily.

12th Knot: rooftop bar and terrace. Cocktails, wines and small plates. Open Tue-Sat.