‘I stayed at the East London hotel 20 minutes from City Airport perfect for a city break’

Canary Wharf used to feel soulless, but the vibe in Wood Wharf certainly isn’t that

London can feel like many cities existing side by side. At times, some places feel all too similar, while others can feel drastically different.

No such area encapsulates that exact feeling more than modern-day Canary Wharf. It is a city in itself, and in recent years it has seemed to shed the sterile nature I always felt it had, growing up in London. The sights of workers neatly lined up waiting for the tube at rush hour always looked like people heading to a production line.

Nowadays, though, Canary Wharf seems to have more life. More residential buildings, stunning places to eat and drink, spectacular views, and, to top it off, great places to stay. That is why when I got the opportunity to stay at the TRIBE hotel in Wood Wharf, Canary Wharf, it felt like a no-brainer.

I didn’t know what to expect, but it definitely blew me away. Location-wise, it has everything. Perfectly located next to Canary Wharf, you have access to the DLR, Jubilee, and Elizabeth lines; a perfect place to stay if flying in from City Airport or looking for a place in the city that is still close to everything. Yet Tribe somehow managed to blend the upscale fixtures you’d expect from a 4* hotel with the casual, relaxed atmosphere of a co-working space.

The lobby

As you walk in, you are greeted by warm lighting, a barista station and an open lobby area. People are working on their laptops, meetings are being conducted, and travellers are checking in with hefty suitcases. It brings everyone here together, and I think that is part of the charm.

Immediately greeted by staff with a smile, they cracked jokes, explained how things work here and offered to hold my bag behind the desk while I enjoyed the evening events. The staff were all friendly, constantly checking in on us during the event and the day after. A friendly nature was certainly the aim of the game, and the TRIBE staff delivered exactly that.

TRIBE prides itself on its connection to music, more importantly, vinyl. TRIBE Vinyl Club is run from the hotels, where guests can listen to records in a mini-space, fully immersing themselves in exceptional sound and classic records. Whether you’re exploring iconic classics or discovering rare gems from their curated collections, the superior audio technology and inviting design create an immersive environment where music transports you. I am someone who has been collecting vinyl for the last few years, so I really enjoyed this touch – it was certainly the first time I had experienced something like this in a hotel.

On this evening, they were releasing their own vinyl, “New Grounds”, curated with Radio Nova. The limited LP is a sonic journey inspired by movement and connection, spanning genres and generations, bringing together established and emerging artists.

The room

The room was a decent size, the bed was comfortable, and it also featured classy touches like a radio and lamp fixtures that made it feel unique. It wasn’t anything to blow your head off, but I did have a good sleep, especially with the air con, considering the heat we have been experiencing in London. The shower offers a rainfall experience if you want to feel extra fancy.

The distinct lack of noise was an added bonus and made a change from the hecticness of typical London streets. I didn’t hear one siren all night, and in London, that is a plus. The view of the high rises in Canary Wharf could be an eyesore for some, but I enjoyed looking out onto the water and the never-ending height of the buildings on either side of me.

The overall experience

When I came down for breakfast, I walked into a space that felt more like walking into a coworking space than a hotel lobby. People were helping themselves to the self-service buffet while on the phone for meetings, laptops were spread out on tables, and weary travellers were enjoying their meals; it was a bit of everything in a warm, trendy atmosphere. TRIBE balances the blend between travellers and work into one; it feels as if there is life in the walls, and the ambience and relaxation I felt from the evening event had continued into breakfast.

There is also Californian cuisine at their on-site restaurant, or you can pick up fresh food and coffee at the 24/7 Grab & Go counter. It is also located next to many great restaurants and bars that make staying at the hotel an enjoyable experience.

I took it upon myself to listen to the classic Fugees record ‘The Score’, and the listening experience was fantastic. The sound was so crisp, with every beat and string audible. I sat back, relaxed and let the music take me. Again, not something you’d expect from a hotel.

As I left, I accepted that TRIBE might be one of the nicest hotels I’ve ever stayed at. It combined the relaxed nature of a working space, especially given how many Londoners work from home, with the exceptional detail and hospitality of a top-class hotel. Throw in the fact that it is by the water, TRIBE is a place to consider staying at.