Sunborn to open new, low-carbon, floating hotel

Sunborn International is moving forward with the construction of a new, purpose-built floating hotel at Royal Victoria Dock. A popular and well-known local landmark, Sunborn has operated a yacht hotel at Royal Docks since 2003 and the new hotel will continue that legacy in same location, by the main entrance of Excel London.

Featuring 225 guest rooms over six floors, the new vessel will be a low-carbon hotel, built using sustainable, energy efficient materials, with an innovative new design and floating biodiversity areas, as well as smart glazing, ultra efficient insulation and heat exchange systems, eliminating the need for fossil fuel energy sources.

Constructed offsite and avoiding disruption at the location, the new Sunborn London will offer several new hospitality venues open to both guests and the public. This will include a roof top bar, hotel spa, event venues and an impressive two-level lobby bar and à la carte restaurant, with extensive outdoor terrace areas by the water and stunning views of Canary Wharf and the Docklands skyline.

Sunborn currently employs over 100 staff at its London hotel, and the new development is expected to create a further 20 to 30 full-time roles, with a focus on local recruitment. Following the opening of the new hotel, the existing 138-room yacht hotel will be refurbished and relocated to a new location outside the UK.

The new floating hotel is currently under construction, with the planned opening in 2026.

Hans Niemi, CEO of Sunborn International, said: “We have a long history and very positive experience operating a hotel at Royal Docks and are looking forward to completing construction and opening our new London hotel.

“We also have an important environmental goal – to build the world’s most environmentally friendly floating hotel. This is now within our reach, as a result of new innovation and partnerships we have developed in recent years.”

Karen Thomson, UK Director at Sunborn International, said: “The new London yacht hotel is a key part of the company’s long-term vision, made possible by the success of the current hotel, which has performed exceptionally well.”

“We have a wonderful hotel location at Royal Victoria Dock, and I must also credit our excellent hotel team, local suppliers and partners. We are all looking forward to the opening of new London yacht hotel – it will be a proud moment for the company, which we hope supports the continued success of the Royal Docks.”

Sunborn International

Sunborn International is an innovative developer, owner and operator of high-quality yacht hotels and other floating real estate with global operations. Yacht hotels and floating real estate offer an opportunity to utilise unused water space in city harbours and prestigious waterfront locations.

Sunborn International currently owns two yacht hotels located in London and Gibraltar, which combine exclusive accommodation, restaurant services, conference and event venues. Sunborn International is an industry pioneer, with extensive experience in shipbuilding and vessel design as well as developing waterfront areas and harbours and tackling permitting processes in various countries. The company is actively expanding into new markets, with yacht hotel development projects in London, Vancouver and around the world.

Further information: www.sbih.group