Inside migrant hotel in one of London's poshest postcode with chandeliers and whirlpools

A four-star hotel in one of London’s poshest postcodes, with sweeping views of the capital’s iconic skyline and chandeliers, is to be used to house asylum seekers. Despite being a budget hotel, Canary Wharf’s Britannia International Hotel is not so shabby, with upgraded rooms including whirlpool pools and private balconies.

In a prime location, just three miles from the Tower of London, the hotel’s spacious en-suite bedrooms also come with a TV, free Wi-Fi, as well as tea and coffee-making facilities. Situated on the water’s edge in Canary Wharf, the hotel has two en-suite restaurants: Jenny’s Restaurant and the Overstuffed Pizzeria, as well as two en-suite bars. Britannia has been voted the UK’s worst hotel chain for the past 11 years running in polling run by Which? – is one of the main providers of accommodation for the Government’s growing number of asylum seekers.

The UK chain has registered profits of nearly £40 million in 2023 thanks to its involvement in housing asylum seekers, according to a 2024 investigation by Byline Times.

Despite its dodgy reputation, its Canary Wharf location has a spacious lobby with chandeliers and a spiral staircase and offers its guests complimentary toiletries.

Last year, Express reporter Meika Smiles visited the hotel for £77 a night and was pleasantly surprised by her “freshly decorated room,” which was “lovely and clean” and had a “lovely bathroom.”

She said: “The best bit of all which I’m quite astonished at is this unbelievable balcony. It overlooks the water and all of the skyscrapers at Canary Wharf.”

She added: “The bed was comfy, the sheets brilliant white and there was tea and coffee and all of the things that you’d expect from a hotel stay.

"Who knew that Brittannia had its own toiletries? A nice bonus. There were also a couple of Valentine’s choccies on offer. It’s the little things.”

Canary Wharf’s Britannia International Hotel comes with mixed reviews with a 3.2 score on TripAdvisor.

One glowing 5* review said: “We had an amazing weekend stay in Britannia Int Hotel. I can't give enough credit to Ivet at reception who went above and beyond to make sure we are given the best room with a river view and explained how everything works in detail. She was exceptional.”

Another five star review read: “I recently had the pleasure of staying at the Britannia International Hotel Canary Wharf in London, and I must say, it was an unforgettable experience. Actually it was my second time staying there during my holidays in the UK. Located in the vibrant Canary Wharf area, the hotel offers the perfect blend of luxury, and comfort.

A third called it a “lovely hotel” that was great “value for money”.

However, the four-star hotel does have its fair share of rather alarming reviews.

A one-star review read: “I was very disappointed with my stay at this hotel. The cleanliness was far below expectations. The carpets were stained, the bathroom had noticeable grime, and there was dust on several surfaces, suggesting the room hadn't been thoroughly cleaned in some time.

"Even the bedding didn't feel fresh, which made for an uncomfortable night’s sleep.”

Slating the hotel, one disgruntled customer said it's “not fit for purpose”.

The review said: “Avoid - the room smells of decay and I couldn't breathe properly. When I walked into the room, the window was open, yet the room still smelt of a mix of mould, dust and decay.

"I could hardly breathe, after being in the room for just 30 minutes and had to check out . I asked for a refund, though I booked through Expedia, this hotel is not fit for purpose.”

Tensions flared at the hotel last night after it was revealed that the government intends to use it as temporary accommodation for asylum seekers, according to Tower Hamlets Council.

Staff could be seen today unloading mattresses at the hotel flanked by private security with metal gates surrounding the Britannia following last night’s protests.

Confirming the Britannia would be used to house migrants, Tower Hamlets Council said: "We are aware of the Government's decision to use the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf to provide temporary accommodation for asylum seekers. It is important that the Government ensures that there is a full package of support for those staying at the hotel.

"We are working with the Home Office and partners to make sure that all necessary safety and safeguarding arrangements are in place."

The Home Office has told The Express that the only update they can provide at present is that there are "currently" no asylum seekers at the Britannia Hotel.

When asked if there were plans to house people there in the future, a spokesperson said they "can't confirm that", and repeated that "at the moment, there are no asylum seekers residing there".