We recently enjoyed a one-night stay at Canopy by Hilton London City, which was our first experience of the Canopy brand in the UK after previously staying at the Canopy by Hilton Paris Eiffel Tower.
The Canopy brand from Hilton is unlike a stay at a traditional Hilton property. It is firmly positioned in the lifestyle boutique category, and we were excited to see whether the first UK Canopy hotel would live up to the excellent experience we had in Paris.
Choosing a family-friendly hotel in London can be surprisingly difficult, but after researching numerous options we decided on this hotel not only because it is relatively new, but also because of its location. As it turned out, we were absolutely delighted with our choice.
Here’s what we thought of our first-ever stay at a Canopy property in the UK.
Location
The hotel is located just a couple of minutes’ walk from Aldgate Underground station, right on the eastern edge of the City of London. I love staying in this part of the city, which is often overlooked by visitors because it’s known primarily as the financial district. In reality, it makes an excellent base for exploring London.
From our bedroom window, we were treated to superb skyline views, including glimpses of the striking Gherkin and Horizon 22. Low cloud frequently rolled in during our stay, giving the city a moody, cinematic feel. With the latest series of The Apprentice currently airing, it felt as though we were right in the heart of London’s corporate powerhouse.
Within easy walking distance you’ll find some of London’s most iconic attractions, including Leadenhall Market, the historic Tower of London, Spitalfields Market and one of my personal favourite shopping destinations in London, Eataly.
It’s also a short stroll to Liverpool Street station, providing easy access to multiple Tube lines, including the fast and modern Elizabeth Line, perfect if you are arriving into London Paddington, as we did.
We’ve stayed in several Hilton properties across London over the years, from Hilton London Bankside and Hilton London Tower Bridge to, most recently, Hampton by Hilton London City. Each offers a different experience of the capital, but Canopy by Hilton London City stands out for its boutique design and central city location.
During our stay we visited shopping hotspots such as Oxford Street and Covent Garden, took in a West End musical, and explored cultural highlights including the National Gallery and the V&A all of which were only ever a short Tube ride away. It’s an incredibly well-connected part of the city.
First Impressions & Check-In
The hotel’s exterior is impossible to miss. Its striking façade features a distinctive ribbon-like pattern made up of 1,900 rotating aluminium fins, immediately making you wonder what lies inside.
Step through the doors and you’re greeted by a bold, opulent open-plan lobby dominated by gold, green and pink tones. The reception area feels more like a stylish lounge than a traditional hotel check-in desk, complete with the brand’s iconic orange bike, relaxed staff uniforms, local artwork and a lively atmosphere.
The hotel also hosts nightly wine hours, and when we stayed there was even a DJ playing in the lobby, which added to the vibrant feel of the space.
I was warmly welcomed by the staff and assisted with check-in. Information about breakfast was provided and I was also thanked for being a Hilton Gold member. We arrived well before the official check-in time, but our room was ready on arrival, allowing us to drop our bags and head straight out to explore.
Off the lobby there are several comfortable seating areas, including a cosy nook with sofas and a fireplace where guests can relax. Even the lifts deserve a mention — their design is inspired by the Holy Trinity Minories Church that once stood on this site.
The hotel clearly draws inspiration from its local surroundings. As you step out of the lift, the hallways are decorated with colourful murals featuring portraits of East London residents.
There was even a small display cabinet beneath the check-in desks showcasing Canopy-branded products.
Interconnecting Family Room
Canopy by Hilton London City has 340 rooms, and we stayed in a connecting family room. This worked perfectly for us, giving everyone their own space while still staying connected, something that’s particularly valuable when travelling with teenagers.
When we opened the doors to our rooms, we were not disappointed. They had a high-end feel, with modern urban décor featuring parquet flooring, dark wood furniture, metallic spotlight lamps and a neutral colour palette accented with splashes of colour and plush, curvy furnishings.
Much like the rest of the hotel, the rooms are very different from what you might expect from a traditional Hilton property. Boutique styling is evident throughout, with quirky decorative touches including small art pieces, vintage-style objects and curated knick-knacks such as thimbles, miniature horse figures, keys and egg cups. It’s unusual, but it adds welcome character.
Each room featured a large flat-screen TV with casting capability, alongside plenty of USB ports and plug sockets by both the beds and the desk. A small desk area in each room also makes it easy to work if needed.
The Canopy by Hilton beds are a design feature in themselves, with the brand’s signature canopy frame positioned over both beds, a real centrepiece of the room and a key part of the Canopy experience.
Not only were the beds stylish, but they were also extremely comfortable, ensuring we all had a great night’s sleep. I was initially concerned about potential traffic noise, but the sound insulation in these rooms is excellent. The only thing we occasionally heard was the faint rumble of the Underground far below.
One of my favourite features of the room was the large windows, which flooded the space with natural light and perfectly framed those impressive London skyline views.
In keeping with the modern design, you won’t find traditional wardrobes here. Instead, there is an open storage unit with a hanging rail and drawers. I actually found this worked better for a short city break, with easy access to suitcases and clothing.
As you would expect from a premium Hilton brand, amenities were excellent and included:
- In-room safe
- Iron and ironing board
- Free Wi-Fi
- Hairdryer
- Robes and slippers
- Espresso machine
- Mini fridge
- Refillable glass water bottle with refill stations on every floor
- Thermostat climate control
Tea lovers will be particularly pleased to find blends from Bird & Blend Tea, one of my personal favourites and a premium touch that stands out from many hotel offerings.
Bathrooms here are incredibly stylish and modern. White tiles with matte black finishes complemented a large walk-in shower with a powerful rainfall showerhead.
Dining
Unlike many Hilton properties, there’s no Executive Lounge at the Canopy, but breakfast is served in the stylish first-floor restaurant, Penny Squares.
A good breakfast is essential when on a city break given the number of steps you rack up exploring London, and the Canopy by Hilton again exceeded expectations.
The buffet was high quality and offered a wide selection of hot and cold options, including fresh breads, pastries, cereals, juices and a range of cooked items. Premium teas from Newby added an extra upscale touch, and everything was beautifully presented.
During our stay the rooftop bar, Florattica, was unfortunately closed. From what we’ve seen, this is one of the hotel’s standout features, offering cocktails with panoramic views across the City of London and St Paul’s Cathedral. It would definitely be worth visiting when open.
Facilities
There’s no swimming pool, but a well-equipped gym is available and a helpful running map for guests who want to keep up their fitness routine.
The hotel also places a strong emphasis on sustainability, with refillable water bottles, minimal single-use plastics and eco-friendly design choices throughout.
Is Canopy by Hilton London City Good for Families?
While the Canopy brand isn’t specifically designed as a family hotel, we found Canopy by Hilton London City surprisingly well suited to families, especially those travelling with older children or teenagers.
Overall
Canopy by Hilton London City offers a refreshing alternative to traditional business hotels in the Square Mile, particularly for families. It successfully blends boutique style, sustainability and a genuine local feel, making it equally appealing for leisure travellers and city-break visitors.
Its biggest strengths are the excellent location, distinctive design, comfortable and spacious family rooms, and relaxed atmosphere. While the lack of a pool or Executive Lounge may matter to some families, the hotel more than compensates in other areas.
If you’re looking for a stylish, modern base in the City, within walking distance of major attractions but away from the crowds of the West End then the Canopy by Hilton London City is a fantastic choice for a London city break.
Ready to Book?
Stays at the Canopy by Hilton London City start from around £150 when booking direct with Hilton. If you have Hilton Honors Reward Points then rooms here can be found from 64,000 points.