a&o London Docklands Riverside

Set on the river in Docklands, this hostel has a dockside feel and a free ferry across to Canary Wharf. Some rooms have wide water or city views, and a few have balconies or windows that open, which helps when a room runs warm. Room size varies, but there are spacious doubles and family setups with more than one room and bathroom. The better-kept rooms can feel clean and comfortable, though other rooms feel worn, dark, or in need of refresh. Basic extras are thin, and kettles, tea and coffee, remotes, and similar comforts are often missing. The weak spot is operations. Check-in can be slow, lines can run long, and the desk may feel short-staffed or unhelpful. Air conditioning is a major gamble, with repeated hot-room problems, broken units, and awkward room changes. Breakfast is basic, and shared areas can get noisy, messy, and crowded.