Good Hotel London, Royal Docks

Introduction

Good Hotel London is part of a unique trio of socially-driven hotels, with locations in London, Antigua, and Guatemala City. Moored on the scenic Royal Victoria Dock, the London branch combines sleek minimalist interiors with eco-friendly principles, offering a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. Guests can unwind in stylish rooms, take in breathtaking views from the rooftop terrace, and savour locally sourced dishes at the on-site restaurant. Beyond its contemporary design and waterfront charm, the hotel is dedicated to empowering local communities through training programmes and job opportunities, ensuring that every stay contributes to a meaningful cause. At Good Hotel, comfort meets compassion, creating an experience that inspires across all its locations.

I was kindly invited for a complimentary stay at Good Hotel London to capture, curate content and share my experience. I want to emphasise that this review is completely authentic, reflecting my honest opinions. The hotel had no involvement in shaping the content of this post, ensuring a transparent and genuine account of my stay.

Travel

I travelled to Good Hotel London from Stansted Airport, starting with a National Express coach to Westfield, Stratford. From there, I took the Jubilee Line to Canning Town, where I changed to the DLR, heading towards Royal Victoria Station. Once I arrived, it was less than a 10-minute walk to the hotel. A quick tip: remember to tap out at Royal Victoria Station—I may have forgotten to do so on one occasion!

Arrival and Check-in

Check-in for me was around 1pm, but usually for regular customers its around 3pm. The process is straightforward and hassle-free. Unfortunately, I experienced flight delays and didn’t arrive until about 7 p.m. Along the way, I got quite hungry and decided to grab some food before heading to the hotel. Despite my late arrival, the check-in process was smooth, and I was able to settle in quickly without any issues.

Accommodation

I stayed in Room 279, named Betzy. Each room at Good Hotel London is thoughtfully named after children in the Guatemalan community that the hotel supports. Upon entering my room, I was immediately greeted by a stunning view of the Royal Docks river, framed beautifully by the window. Right by the window was the double bed, perfectly positioned to make the most of the view.

The room’s design is incredibly minimalist, with just the essentials—no unnecessary clutter, creating a calming atmosphere. Near the door, there’s a shelf equipped with a safe, a hair dryer, and all the practical tools you might need for your stay. I also appreciated the complimentary water and chocolate, which didn’t last long before I indulged!

The air conditioning in my room worked perfectly, keeping the temperature comfortable throughout my stay. The ambient lighting was well thought out, with one light over the bed, another by the desk, and the usual ceiling lighting. This provided the flexibility to create either a soft, low-lit atmosphere or a brighter, more energised environment, depending on the mood. Personally, I preferred keeping just one lamp on, which was more than enough for me.

There were plenty of wall sockets throughout the room, though some were European sockets next to UK ones. If you need to plug in more devices, you may need an adapter. I also noticed this in the main area and lounge. It wasn’t much of an issue for me, as I only needed one socket, but it’s something to keep in mind if you have multiple devices to charge.

There was no in-room coffee machine or TV, which, as a coffee lover, I would have appreciated. However, it wasn't a big deal since there's unlimited coffee available downstairs, so I was well taken care of. The lack of a TV was an interesting choice, as it’s designed to encourage guests to leave their rooms and engage with the community in the main area. While you’re not required to participate, it’s a refreshing way to disconnect from technology and socialise, which I thought was a nice and different touch. The room did include a small desk and chair, ideal for getting some work done if needed.

The room featured a large mirror in front of the bed, along with a small wooden stool, maintaining the minimalist aesthetic. The wood accents in the room added a touch of warmth and life to the space, which I really appreciated. Much of the hotel's design leans towards an industrial style, so these wooden elements helped create a nice balance and made the space feel more inviting and cosy.

The bathroom was probably one of the downsides of the room, as it felt a bit too small. While it provided all the essentials—plenty of towels, a large mirror, good water pressure, plenty of toilet rolls, and very hot water—it was a bit tricky to dry off after stepping out of the shower due to the limited space. There wasn't much room to move around or twist and turn, which made it a bit uncomfortable. However, it was spotlessly clean, so that wasn’t an issue. If the bathroom were just a bit larger, it would have been much more comfortable.

The large bed was more than enough for just me; it was spacious, clean, and provided a comfortable sleep. There was plenty of room to stretch out, and the noise at night was virtually non-existent, which really added to the peaceful atmosphere. One downside, however, was having the bed near the window. Despite the thick curtains, there was still a slight draft that hit my face, which, although light, was a bit bothersome. It didn’t disrupt my sleep too much, but it would have been more comfortable without it. The pillows and mattress were firm, which was perfect for me as I prefer a firmer bed. With four pillows, I had more than enough support for a restful night.

While Good Hotel London doesn't have an on-site gym, I’m not sure if there are any fitness facilities nearby—according to Google, there doesn’t seem to be much in the immediate area. So, it’s something to be aware of if you’re planning to work out. However, the hotel does offer fitness classes on-site, so it’s worth checking with reception about the schedules if you're interested. The hotel also provides an on-site laundry room, though I didn’t use this service during my stay, so I can’t speak to its quality or convenience.

Check-Out

Check-out time at Good Hotel London was at 11 a.m., which is standard for most hotels these days. It's always a good idea to keep this in mind when planning your departure.

Price and Score

Overall, my two-night stay at Good Hotel London was fantastic. It offered a unique contrast to other hotels I’ve stayed in—more minimalist and less conventional in some ways—but it perfectly hit the mark when it comes to cleanliness and comfort. The atmosphere is incredibly friendly, thanks to the community-driven environment, with everyone helping each other and always ready for a conversation.

The room was a bit smaller than others I’ve stayed in, but the spacious communal areas more than made up for it. You can easily find a spot to relax, with large tables scattered throughout and plenty of seating options to enjoy some peace and quiet. The ambient lighting added to the calming vibe, making it a very relaxing space overall. There’s even a large swing near the entrance if you want to unwind in a playful way. For drinks, there’s a bar that’s perfect for inviting a friend over for a casual drink or two. The space is peaceful, and you can enjoy a lovely view of the river outside, watching the IFS cable car glide along the horizon.

You can find a night at Good Hotel London for around £119-150. The best part is that the profits from your stay go back to supporting a fantastic cause. Good Hotel operates with a social mission, with all the proceeds being reinvested into community projects and initiatives. This means that your stay not only provides you with a comfortable and enjoyable experience but also contributes to making a positive impact on the lives of others. It's a wonderful way to travel while supporting a meaningful cause. 

I would give this a rating of 3.8/5, I recommend Good Hotel, Royal Docks London.

To learn more about Good Hotel's Story and Mission, Check it out here: https://goodhotel.co/our-story

Disclaimer* All images included in this review are original and captured by me, please do not repurpose without my permission.