Cheval Three Quays
Cheval Three Quays Review: London’s Most Spectacular Riverside Serviced Apartments
Imagine waking up to Tower Bridge glittering over the Thames, The Shard piercing the London skyline, and the Tower of London standing guard just metres from your balcony — all from the comfort of your own private apartment. That’s the daily reality at Cheval Three Quays, and it’s as extraordinary as it sounds.
Situated at 40 Lower Thames Street on the North Bank of the River Thames, Cheval Three Quays is part of the prestigious Cheval Residences portfolio — a collection of luxury serviced apartments across London. But unlike most of its siblings, Three Quays occupies what is arguably the most dramatic riverside address in the capital.
This review is written for anyone seriously considering a stay: couples planning a romantic London escape, families who need more than a cramped hotel room, business travellers on extended assignments, and dog owners who’ve grown tired of accommodation that treats pets like an afterthought. Whoever you are, this guide covers everything you need to make an informed decision.
The headline numbers are impressive. Cheval Three Quays holds a 4.9/5 rating on TripAdvisor from more than 2,900 verified reviews — ranking it #9 of 1,515 speciality lodging options across the entire city. That kind of consistency doesn’t happen by accident. But is it worth the premium price tag? That’s exactly what this review sets out to answer honestly, covering location, room types, views, amenities, service, dining, transport, value, and the genuine pros and cons.
Quick-Reference Facts: Cheval Three Quays at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 40 Lower Thames Street, London EC3R 6AG |
| Nearest Tube | Tower Hill (Circle & District lines) — 300m, ~3-min walk |
| Check-In | 3:00 pm |
| Check-Out | 12:00 noon |
| Price From | ~£282/night (historical baseline — verify current 2024/2025 rates directly) |
| Pet Policy | Dogs welcome |
| Child Policy | Child-friendly |
| TripAdvisor Rating | 4.9/5 from 2,910 reviews |
| TripAdvisor Ranking | #9 of 1,515 speciality lodging in London |
Rates fluctuate by season and availability. Always check the official Cheval Residences website for live pricing before booking.
Location & Setting: Life on the North Bank of the Thames
Where Exactly Is Cheval Three Quays?
The address is 40 Lower Thames Street, London, EC3R 6AG — and the postcode alone tells you something. This is the historic heart of the City of London, right where the ancient port district meets the modern financial quarter. The building sits directly on the Northbank of the River Thames, positioned between the Tower of London to the west and London Bridge to the east.
Tower Hill tube station is just 300 metres away. You’ll be on the Circle and District lines within a three-minute walk of the front door, which makes the rest of London remarkably accessible despite the seemingly peripheral riverside address.
Neighbouring Landmarks: Tower of London, Tower Bridge & The Shard
The neighbours here are, frankly, absurd. The Tower of London — one of the most visited historic sites in the world — is literally adjacent. Tower Bridge is visible from the riverside apartments. The Shard dominates the southern skyline. On a clear day, you can watch river traffic, tourist boats, and the occasional tall ship pass by without leaving your living room.
This isn’t a property that’s ‘near’ famous landmarks in the loosely interpreted, marketing-speak sense. It’s genuinely, measurably, unmistakably next to them.
What’s Within Walking Distance
St Katharine Docks — a beautifully preserved Victorian marina now lined with restaurants and boutiques — is a five-minute stroll east. Borough Market, London’s most celebrated food market, is a manageable walk across Tower Bridge. The City of London’s Square Mile begins essentially at the property’s doorstep, making it an excellent base for business travellers working in the financial district.
For those who enjoy walking, the Thames Path runs directly alongside the building, offering a scenic route west toward the South Bank, Blackfriars, and eventually the West End.
The History Behind the ‘Three Quays’ Name
Worth knowing: the name isn’t just marketing. The site takes its name from three actual 17th-century quays that once operated here — Gallery Quay, Chester Quay, and Brewers Quay. These were working wharves during London’s era as the world’s busiest port. Standing on the balcony of a river-view apartment today, it’s worth pausing to consider that the Thames below has been a working waterway for over two thousand years. That historical weight gives the location a depth that newer riverside developments simply can’t replicate.
Getting There: Transport Links & Accessibility
By Tube and Rail
Tower Hill station — serving the Circle and District lines — is 300 metres from the front entrance. That’s about a three-minute walk. From central London, you’re looking at roughly 10 minutes from Liverpool Street, 20 minutes from King’s Cross, and around 30 minutes from Paddington. For guests arriving from Paddington on First Great Western trains from the west of England, the Paddington-to-Tower Hill tube journey is a direct route on the District line — no changes required.
Fenchurch Street Station, one of London’s smaller but useful rail termini, is approximately seven minutes by road. London Bridge Station — a major hub connecting to Southeastern and Thameslink services — is around eleven minutes by road or a pleasant walk across Tower Bridge.
By Road and From Airports
London City Airport is the closest, at approximately 25 minutes by road — making this an excellent choice for business travellers flying in from European destinations. Heathrow is further, but the Piccadilly line to central London with an onward connection is manageable.
For those driving, the property is well-positioned for access from the M25 via the A2 or A13 corridors. Parking isn’t available on-site, but the NCP Tower Hill car park on Lower Thames Street is within a short walk — typically the most convenient option for guests arriving by car. Daily rates at central London NCP facilities generally run from £25–£45 depending on duration and day; it’s worth checking current pricing on the NCP website before arrival. Other City of London car parks are also within a 10-minute walk. This is worth factoring carefully into your planning if you’re travelling with a family and luggage, as costs accumulate quickly over a multi-night stay.
Arriving by Train from Outside London
If you’re coming from the West Country, South Wales, or the Midlands, the most straightforward route is usually into Paddington, then a direct District line tube to Tower Hill. It’s a clean, single-line journey that even first-time visitors to London can navigate without stress. From the north or northeast, services into King’s Cross or St Pancras connect easily via the Circle line.
Accessibility for Guests with Mobility Requirements
Guests with mobility requirements should contact Cheval Residences directly before booking to confirm lift access, step-free entry from street level, and any adapted apartment configurations. As a modern riverside development, the building is expected to meet current accessibility standards — but specific requirements such as roll-in shower access, wheelchair-friendly corridor widths, or ground-floor allocation should always be verified ahead of arrival rather than assumed. The Cheval Residences reservations team is the most reliable source for up-to-date accessibility information.
Room Types & Apartment Options: What to Expect
Overview of Apartment Categories
Cheval Three Quays comprises 159 apartments in total: 97 serviced apartments and 62 extended-stay apartments. That distinction matters. The serviced apartments cater to shorter stays — city breaks, business trips, and holidays. The extended-stay units are configured for longer occupancies, which is increasingly relevant for corporate relocations, project-based workers, and bleisure travellers who want a proper home base in London for weeks or months at a time.
Apartments divide broadly into two view categories: urban view and river view. The difference in experience between these two is significant — and we’ll address that properly in the views section. For now, the short answer is: always try to book river view.
One-Bedroom Apartments
One-bedroom apartments are the entry point into the property and are genuinely spacious by London standards. A full kitchen, a separate living area with sofas, and a well-appointed bathroom make these far more comfortable than a comparably priced hotel room. Ideal for couples or solo travellers who want the full experience without the footprint of a larger apartment.
Two-Bedroom Apartments and Corner Suites
Two-bedroom apartments are where the property really comes into its own for families and groups. Both bedrooms typically come with ensuite bathrooms — one featuring a bath with overhead shower, the other with a walk-in shower — which eliminates the morning queue problem that plagues hotel stays with children.
Corner suites deserve a special mention. These apartments face two directions — river on one side, Tower of London on the other — giving guests what is arguably the most complete view of any room in the building. If you can stretch the budget, the corner suite upgrade is genuinely worth it.
Penthouses: The Ultimate London Experience
At the top of the building, and the top of the price range, the penthouses are something else entirely. Floor-to-ceiling Kestrel windows maximise panoramic river views. Silk rugs, dramatic chandeliers, and avant-garde appliances give these apartments a distinctly elevated aesthetic — more like a private members’ club than a serviced apartment. For a special occasion — an anniversary, a milestone birthday, a honeymoon — the penthouse tier sets a very high bar.
Serviced vs Extended-Stay Options
The extended-stay format offers a genuinely practical solution for longer London visits. Rates are likely more competitive on a per-night basis for stays of a month or more, and the full kitchen facilities mean residents can cook regularly rather than eating out for every meal — a significant cost saving in one of the world’s most expensive cities.
Best Room to Book at Cheval Three Quays
Not sure which apartment to choose? Here’s a straightforward guide:
- Best overall / best views: River-view corner suite — combines the full Thames panorama with Tower of London views from a dual-aspect apartment. The standout choice in the building.
- Best for couples: One-bedroom river-view apartment — the best balance of views, space, and value for two.
- Best for families: Two-bedroom river-view apartment or corner suite — separate ensuites, spacious living areas, and proximity to child-friendly attractions make this the clear family pick.
- Best for a special occasion: Penthouse — floor-to-ceiling Kestrel windows, silk rugs, chandeliers, and unmatched views. Nothing else at the property comes close.
Whatever your budget, prioritise a river-view apartment over an urban view. The Thames panorama is the defining feature of a stay here — don’t book without it.
The Views: The Real Reason to Stay at Cheval Three Quays
River-View Apartments: What You Actually See
Let’s be direct about this: the views are the property’s single greatest asset. From a river-view apartment, the panorama sweeps across the Thames to take in Tower Bridge to the east, the curved glass of City Hall, The Shard rising above London Bridge, and the illuminated arc of the river itself. At night, the reflections of city lights on the water create the kind of scene that makes people reach for their phones instinctively — though no photograph ever quite captures it.
Corner suites add Tower of London views to the river panorama, giving guests a dual aspect that contextualises the historical and modern city simultaneously. There’s something quietly remarkable about watching ravens circle the Tower of London’s battlements from the warmth of your own living room.
The Balcony Experience
The balconies are large — genuinely large, not the token Juliet balcony that so many ‘luxury’ city apartments offer as a compromise. Morning coffee on the balcony with Tower Bridge in the foreground is, simply put, one of the better ways to start a London day.
A note of honesty here: some guest reviews have flagged that balcony furniture can be sparse or absent in certain apartments. Given the extraordinary outdoor space on offer, this is a genuine missed opportunity. It’s worth contacting the property ahead of your stay to confirm what’s provided, or requesting a unit that’s been updated with outdoor seating.
Binoculars and Floor-to-Ceiling Windows
One of the small but genuinely charming details at Cheval Three Quays: binoculars are provided on tables beside the floor-to-ceiling windows. River traffic, architecture, and the comings and goings of the Thames suddenly become an entertainment in themselves. It’s a thoughtful touch that signals the property understands what makes its location special.
The Kestrel windows in the penthouse units take this further — floor-to-ceiling glass that blurs the line between interior and river view almost completely.
Day vs Night: How the View Changes
The view transforms dramatically after dark. Tower Bridge illuminates in warm gold. The Shard’s LED crown catches the low cloud on misty evenings. The river reflects fragments of the city above it. Guests who’ve stayed here consistently describe the night view as one of the most memorable aspects of their visit — often more striking than the daytime panorama, which is saying something.
Seasonal Highlights
The property’s Thames-side position makes it particularly special at certain times of year. New Year’s Eve is the standout: London’s fireworks display is visible from river-view apartments, making this one of the most sought-after vantage points in the city on the 31st December. Summer evenings on the balcony — long light, river traffic, and a glass of something cold — are equally compelling. And winter brings its own rewards: an illuminated Tower Bridge against a dark sky, with frost on the Thames Path below, is an atmospheric experience that photographs rarely do justice.
Inside the Apartment: Amenities, Interiors & Comfort
Kitchen and Living Area
Every apartment comes with a fully equipped modern kitchen — and ‘fully equipped’ is not marketing shorthand here. Guests have the facilities to cook proper meals: hob, oven, microwave, fridge, and a comprehensive set of cookware and utensils. A Nespresso pod coffee machine sits on the kitchen counter in every unit, which — and this might sound like a small thing — is consistently one of the most appreciated amenities mentioned in guest reviews. Starting the morning with a decent coffee before stepping onto that balcony is a genuinely good routine.
The living areas are spacious enough to feel like home rather than a hotel room. Sofas, beanbags, and full-size dining tables mean there’s room to spread out — to work, to relax, or to simply exist comfortably across multiple days without feeling hemmed in.
Bedroom and Bathroom Facilities
Bedrooms are fitted with blackout curtains — essential in a riverside city apartment where ambient light from the Thames can filter in at night. Hair dryers are provided as standard. In two-bedroom apartments, the dual ensuite configuration (bath and overhead shower in one, walk-in shower in the other) is a practical detail that families and couples travelling with friends will genuinely appreciate.
Bathrooms are stocked with Hermès toiletries. This is a five-star hotel touch in a serviced apartment context — and it’s the kind of detail that signals the property’s overall philosophy: genuine luxury, not the approximation of it.
In-Room Technology and Entertainment
Two flat-screen TVs are standard — one in the kitchen/lounge and one in the bedroom. Wi-Fi is provided throughout. On the question of connection quality: specific speed figures aren’t independently verified in available guest data, but the overwhelming majority of reviews make no complaint about connectivity — generally a good sign. That said, if you’re planning to work remotely during your stay, it’s worth confirming current Wi-Fi specifications directly with Cheval Residences before booking.
For remote workers and bleisure travellers, the apartment format makes Cheval Three Quays significantly more practical than a hotel room. Apartments include a dedicated desk area alongside the separate living space, meaning it’s entirely possible to work productively during the day and switch off into a comfortable home environment in the evening — without the two activities bleeding into each other the way they inevitably do in a single hotel room. If you’re combining a London work trip with leisure time, this is one of the better-suited properties in the city.
Luxury Touches and Welcome Extras
Fluffy white robes and slippers are provided for in-apartment relaxation. On arrival, a welcome basket awaits: biscuits, crisps, milk, yogurts, and coffee — the kind of gesture that takes the edge off a long journey. Families with children will find a particularly thoughtful detail: children’s welcome treat bags, complete with ‘Eat Me’ tags. It’s a small thing, but it’s the sort of touch that makes children feel genuinely welcomed rather than tolerated.
Apartments are cleaned daily — a hotel-grade service that removes one of the traditional drawbacks of self-catering accommodation. The result is the best of both worlds: home-like space and flexibility combined with professional upkeep.
Service & Staff: Does It Live Up to the Luxury Promise?
Check-In Experience and First Impressions
Check-in is at 3pm, check-out at 12 noon — standard for serviced apartments and hotels of this calibre. The arrival experience sets the tone: guests are welcomed by name, the apartment is immaculate, and the welcome basket is in place. It’s the kind of arrival that makes you feel the rate was justified before you’ve even opened the balcony doors.
Concierge and Day-to-Day Staff Helpfulness
This is where Cheval Three Quays earns its reputation. Staff are consistently described in guest reviews as going well beyond the baseline of professional courtesy. Specific examples from verified reviews include staff charging guests’ mobile phones when asked, making proactive restaurant recommendations tailored to guest preferences, and handling special requests — from early check-in arrangements to organising local experiences — with genuine warmth and efficiency.
That said, it’s worth noting that service quality at any property varies by individual and by day. The overwhelming consistency of the positive feedback — across nearly 3,000 reviews — suggests this isn’t luck or isolated incidents, but rather a culture that’s been deliberately built and maintained.
What Guests Say: TripAdvisor Ratings Breakdown
The numbers are striking. Cheval Three Quays holds a 4.9/5 overall rating on TripAdvisor from 2,910 verified reviews — placing it #9 of 1,515 speciality lodging options in London. Across the platform’s six core categories — Value, Rooms, Location, Cleanliness, Service, and Sleep Quality — ratings are uniformly high.
Business travellers and leisure guests both feature prominently in the review pool, suggesting the property performs consistently across different guest types and expectations. The management response rate is also high, which signals active engagement rather than passive reputation management — another marker of a well-run operation.
Family-Friendly & Dog-Friendly: Is Cheval Three Quays Right for You?
Travelling with Children
Cheval Three Quays is officially child-friendly, and the apartment format makes this more than a box-ticking exercise. Families staying in hotel rooms know the particular misery of trying to put children to bed in the same space where adults want to stay awake. Separate bedrooms solve this problem entirely.
Two-bedroom apartments with a twin room and a double room are the natural choice for families with children. The spacious living areas — with sofas and beanbags — give children room to move around without the claustrophobia of a standard hotel room. Daily cleaning means parents don’t spend their holiday managing housekeeping.
The children’s welcome treat bags (with those charming ‘Eat Me’ tags) are a genuinely thoughtful detail. It costs the property relatively little, but it lands well with travelling families — and it’s the kind of thing children remember and parents appreciate.
Family-Friendly Rating: ★★★★★ Two-bedroom apartments, separate ensuites, daily cleaning, children’s welcome treats, and proximity to family attractions make this one of the best family stays in central London.
Bringing Your Dog
Dogs are welcome at Cheval Three Quays — confirmed by the property and well-evidenced in guest reviews. For dog owners, this matters enormously: London has surprisingly few quality accommodation options that genuinely accommodate pets rather than grudgingly permitting them.
The riverside location is particularly good for dogs. The Thames Path offers excellent walking territory, and the surrounding neighbourhood — while urban — has plenty of open space and riverfront access.
Dog-Friendly Rating: ★★★★★ Pets officially welcome. Riverside walking routes directly accessible from the property.
Space and Practicality for Families
Proximity to family-friendly attractions is another practical advantage. The Tower of London is literally next door — one of the most engaging historic sites in the world for children and adults alike. HMS Belfast is walkable via Tower Bridge. Borough Market is an excellent family outing. The South Bank’s cultural attractions — Tate Modern, the Globe Theatre, the Golden Hinde — are all accessible on foot across the river.
Dining & Eating: Food Options At and Around Cheval Three Quays
In-Apartment Dining and Self-Catering
There’s no traditional room service at Cheval Three Quays — but the fully equipped kitchens make self-catering a genuine, practical option rather than a compromise. For extended-stay guests or families travelling with children, the ability to cook meals in a proper kitchen is a significant advantage, both financially and practically.
Delivery apps work well in this postcode. You’re firmly within the delivery radius of virtually every major London restaurant platform, and the address attracts the full range of options from casual to premium.
On-Site Dining Options
At the time of writing, there is no on-site restaurant or bar at Cheval Three Quays. The riverside restaurant that was discussed in earlier years has not opened as a permanent fixture at the property. Guests should not expect on-site dining and should plan accordingly. This is a genuine gap — and it’s worth being honest about it. On a rainy London evening, the absence of a ground-floor bar or restaurant is noticeable. The surrounding area more than compensates, but guests who prioritise the convenience of on-site dining should factor this into their decision.
Best Nearby Restaurants and Cafés
The surrounding area is exceptionally well-served. St Katharine Docks, a five-minute walk east, offers waterside dining with a good range of cuisines and price points. Borough Market — accessible via Tower Bridge — is one of London’s great food destinations, with everything from street food to artisan produce. The City of London has a dense concentration of cafés, sandwich bars, and restaurants catering to the financial district workforce, meaning weekday options are plentiful.
For a special dinner, the riverside restaurants along the South Bank — accessible on foot across Tower Bridge — include some of London’s most memorable dining experiences, with river views to match the ones from your apartment.
Pricing & Value: Is Cheval Three Quays Worth the Cost?
Current Room Rates and What’s Included
Pricing at Cheval Three Quays starts from approximately £282 per suite per night for a one-bedroom urban view apartment, based on a weekly rate of around £1,974.
Important pricing note: These figures represent a historical baseline rate drawn from earlier published sources; they are not guaranteed to reflect current 2024/2025 pricing. Rates at Cheval Three Quays fluctuate significantly by season, availability, and booking lead time — and prices have likely increased since earlier reviews were published. Always verify current rates directly with Cheval Residences via their official website before making any budgeting decisions. River-view and corner suite apartments will command a premium above this baseline, and penthouses represent the top of the range.
Peak periods — summer, Christmas, New Year — will push rates higher. Booking direct through the Cheval Residences website often yields better rates than third-party platforms, and longer stays typically unlock better per-night pricing. Crucially, daily cleaning is included as standard — there are no hidden add-on costs for housekeeping, unlike some serviced apartment operators who charge separately.
How It Compares to London Hotel Alternatives
At this price point, Cheval Three Quays is competing with four- and five-star hotels in central London. The comparison is instructive. A similarly priced room at The Tower Hotel (0.4km away) gives you a hotel room — perhaps 25–30 square metres of space, one television, and a bathroom. At Cheval Three Quays, the same budget buys a full apartment: separate bedroom, living room, dining area, and kitchen, plus the daily cleaning service.
The Tower Hotel has on-site restaurants and a bar, which is a genuine advantage for guests who prioritise convenience. Canopy by Hilton London City offers breakfast inclusion and gym access. These are meaningful differences. But for sheer space, views, and the feeling of actually living in London rather than just passing through, Cheval Three Quays makes a compelling case.
Best Room Types for Value
Honestly, the best value proposition at Cheval Three Quays is the river-view one-bedroom apartment for couples, and the two-bedroom river-view or corner suite for families. The urban view apartments represent a lower price point but sacrifice the property’s primary differentiator — the Thames panorama.
If you’re going to stay here, book the river view. The premium is meaningful but the experience gap is larger still.
Cheval Three Quays Review: Our Verdict on Pros & Cons
Editorial Scorecard
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Location | ★★★★★ |
| Views | ★★★★★ |
| Rooms & Space | ★★★★★ |
| Service | ★★★★★ |
| Value for Money | ★★★★☆ |
| Dining (on-site) | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Family-Friendliness | ★★★★★ |
| Dog-Friendliness | ★★★★★ |
What Cheval Three Quays Does Brilliantly
The list is long, and it’s genuine — not the kind of puffery that appears in press releases.
Location: Unbeatable. The North Bank Thames address, with the Tower of London at your doorstep and Tower Bridge in your eyeline, is one of the most extraordinary settings of any accommodation in London.
Views: The river panoramas — particularly from corner suites and penthouses — are world-class. This is the property’s defining feature and it delivers completely.
Space: Serviced apartments offer significantly more living space than comparably priced hotel rooms. For families, couples, or business travellers on extended stays, this isn’t a minor convenience — it’s a fundamentally different quality of experience.
Amenities: Hermès toiletries, Nespresso machines, robes, slippers, welcome baskets, daily cleaning, flat-screen TVs in multiple rooms — the standard of in-apartment amenities is genuinely five-star.
Service: A 4.9/5 TripAdvisor rating from nearly 3,000 reviews is not an accident. Staff quality and consistency are among the property’s strongest assets.
Pet and family friendly: Both children and dogs are genuinely welcomed here — not as exceptions, but as expected guests.
Transport: 300 metres from a tube station in one of London’s best-connected areas.
Areas for Improvement
Being honest matters here — a review that only praises is a press release, not a guide.
No on-site restaurant or bar: On a wet London evening, the absence of a ground-floor dining option is a real inconvenience. The surrounding area compensates, but it’s not the same as walking downstairs for a drink.
Balcony furniture: Several guest reviews flag sparse or absent outdoor furniture on balconies. Given the extraordinary setting, this is a missed opportunity that the property should address.
No pool or spa: At this price point, some guests will expect wellness facilities. They’re not here.
Premium pricing: The rates are justifiable — but they are premium rates, and budget-conscious travellers will find more affordable options nearby.
Who It’s Best Suited For
Couples seeking a romantic London stay with a genuinely special setting. Families who need space, practicality, and proximity to child-friendly attractions. Business travellers on extended assignments who want a proper home rather than a hotel room. Dog owners who’ve exhausted the limited pool of quality pet-friendly London accommodation. And anyone who wants to experience London from the river — which, once you’ve done it, makes every other perspective feel slightly inadequate.
Cheval Three Quays vs Alternatives: How Does It Compare?
Vs Traditional London Hotels at a Similar Price Point
The Tower Hotel (0.4km away) is the most direct comparison. It’s a four-star hotel with river views, multiple on-site restaurants, a bar, and a gym. What it doesn’t offer is apartment-scale space, a private kitchen, or the intimacy of a self-contained home. For guests who prioritise dining convenience and hotel-format amenities, The Tower is a legitimate alternative. For everyone else, Cheval Three Quays wins on space, views, and the quality of the in-apartment experience.
Canopy by Hilton London City is another nearby option, offering a lifestyle hotel format with breakfast inclusion and gym access. It’s a strong hotel — but it’s still a hotel. The fundamental difference in living space and flexibility is significant, particularly for stays of more than two or three nights.
Vs Other Cheval Residences Properties in London
Cheval Residences operates several properties across London, including Cheval Gloucester Park near Kensington and Cheval Phoenix House in Chelsea. Both are excellent. But Three Quays holds a distinct advantage within the portfolio: the Thames-side setting is simply unmatched. The other properties offer premium serviced apartments in prestigious neighbourhoods; Three Quays offers all of that plus one of the most dramatic waterfront views in the city.
Vs Other Serviced Apartment Options Near the City
The serviced apartment market in the City of London and surrounding areas has grown considerably. Properties like SACO City — Aldgate and Marlin Apartments offer competitive alternatives for business travellers. They’re generally more modestly priced and well-run. But they don’t have Tower Bridge in the window. For guests whose primary motivation is the view and the location, the comparison doesn’t really hold — Cheval Three Quays occupies a category of its own.
Things to Do Nearby: Making the Most of Your Stay
Must-Visit Landmarks Within Walking Distance
Tower of London: The property’s immediate neighbour. One of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites and one of Britain’s most visited attractions — home to the Crown Jewels, the famous ravens, and over a thousand years of history. Allow at least half a day; it rewards slow exploration.
Tower Bridge: Walkable and free to cross. The Tower Bridge Exhibition (accessed from within the bridge structure) offers glass-floor walkways above the Thames and a fascinating history of the bridge’s engineering. Worth the entrance fee.
The Shard: Visible from the apartment windows. The View from The Shard observation deck is a 10-minute journey by tube or a pleasant walk across Tower Bridge and south through Bermondsey.
Shopping and Markets
Borough Market: Arguably London’s finest food market, operating since the 13th century in its current location. The walk via Tower Bridge takes around 20 minutes and is itself a pleasure. Saturday mornings are the busiest and most atmospheric.
St Katharine Docks: Five minutes east on foot. The converted Victorian docks now house independent shops, restaurants, and a working marina. Excellent for a relaxed afternoon.
City of London: The Square Mile begins at the property’s doorstep. The Leadenhall Market — a stunning Victorian covered market — is a 10-minute walk and one of London’s hidden architectural gems.
Day Trips and Wider London Exploration
Southbank and Tate Modern: Cross Tower Bridge on foot and you’re on the South Bank within minutes. Tate Modern, the Globe Theatre, the Golden Hinde, and the Southbank Centre are all within comfortable walking distance.
HMS Belfast: Moored on the South Bank near London Bridge, this Second World War cruiser is a fascinating museum and a particular hit with children.
West End: A short taxi ride, or a longer but very enjoyable riverside walk, puts you in the heart of London’s theatre and shopping district. The Thames Path westward from the property is one of the city’s great urban walks.
Cheval Three Quays delivers something genuinely rare in London’s accommodation market: a combination of world-class location, extraordinary views, apartment-scale space, and hotel-grade service that very few properties at any price point can match.
The riverside setting is extraordinary. The views — particularly from river-view and corner suite apartments — are among the most memorable of any accommodation in the capital. The apartment format offers a ‘live like a local’ quality of experience that hotels, however luxurious, simply cannot replicate. And with a 4.9/5 TripAdvisor rating from nearly 3,000 reviews, the quality and consistency are among the most well-evidenced of any London property.
The minor drawbacks — no on-site restaurant, no pool or spa, occasional reports of sparse balcony furniture — are real, but they’re easily contextualised against the property’s extraordinary strengths. The surrounding neighbourhood compensates generously for the absence of on-site dining. The Thames Path compensates for the absence of a gym.
The premium pricing is justified — but only if you book the river view. An urban view apartment at this address is a good stay. A river-view apartment is an unforgettable one. The difference is worth every additional pound.
For those who decide Cheval Three Quays is the right fit, booking directly through the official Cheval Residences website is recommended for the best available rates — and requesting a river-view apartment is strongly advised for the full experience. Current 2024/2025 pricing should be confirmed at the time of booking, as rates fluctuate and the figures referenced in this guide represent historical baselines rather than guaranteed current tariffs.