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Vertus Edit review: Aparthotel is smart, funky Canary Wharf offer

Split across two buildings in Wood Wharf, the venue delivers carefully thought-through, design-led facilities whatever your length of stay in London

The view from Jon's room at Vertus Edit - image by Jon Massey
The view from Jon’s room at Vertus Edit – image by Jon Massey

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The launch of an aparthotel in Canary Wharf is a smart move.

Those wishing to live on the estate long-term already had two options – they can buy a property from Canary Wharf Group or rent one through it’s subsidiary Vertus.

Short-term visitors can, of course, stay in Water Street at Tribe. But now Wood Wharf also offers something in between.

Vertus Edit, which celebrated its official launch this month, houses 378 studios of varying sizes split across two buildings in West Lane, overlooking Union Square for short or extended stays.

That could be for one night or six months and every inch of its design embraces that level of flexibility.

In contrast to trad hotel rooms, guests get fully equipped kitchens and access to communal rooftop spaces as well as more intimate lounge and terrace areas.


Please clean my room – a wooden sign for the door at Vertus Edit - image by Jon Massey
Please clean my room – a wooden sign for the door at Vertus Edit – image by Jon Massey

comfort at Vertus Edit

This is a place laser-focused on the comfort of its inhabitants whether they’re just passing through or living in Wood Wharf for a while – perhaps visiting family or working locally.

On my stay, we’re allocated a “Cosy” studio for a single night.

While this is the second smallest on offer, its 257sq ft feels palatial in comparison to many hotel rooms with an expansive bathroom and shower.

The strip of kitchen running from the door to the bedroom includes an oven, a toaster, a kettle, a proper four-burner hob and a real fridge – enough to cook a complex meal. 

In-room, what Vertus delivers best is functional luxury.

Aside from the colourful East London Printmakers artworks, the aesthetic is plain, even minimal. But what is provided in spades is quality.

The furniture and appliances have a solidity, a dependability about them, which promises reliability – a kind of subtle reassurance to aid a good night’s sleep in the supportive cloud of the bed.


Rooms at the aparthotel are decorated in a cosy, minimal style - image by Vertus
Rooms at the aparthotel are decorated in a cosy, minimal style – image by Vertus

a clean, green stay

Sustainability is here too.

My room features toiletries supplied in refillable metallic dispensers from Kankan.

Nothing feels throwaway. 

Chief among Vertus Edit’s attractions is its location.

About five minute’s walk from the eastern exit of the Jubilee line station, it’s within easy reach of the whole of Canary Wharf and much of central London thanks to the area’s transport links.

But a close second is definitely the facilities on offer.

While the rooms are relatively neutral in their design, the lounges, co-working spaces, meeting rooms and private dining space pop with personality.

There are rich colours, exotic wallpapers and even a neon ice lolly installation (it’s art).

Its facilities for guests to do their own laundry, an honesty market pantry system for ingredients, snacks and drinks plus a gym for workouts really cement Vertus Edit’s proposition for practicality.

It may not feature some of the trappings of a traditional hotel (although staff are always on hand), but the clear depth of its communal spaces marks it out as something special.

Then, of course, there are all the benefits of being moments from Canary Wharf’s increasingly vibrant offering.

And with more to come in Wood Wharf, stays will only get better. 

The spaces are decorated with art by East London Printmakers - image by Vertus
The spaces are decorated with art by East London Printmakers – image by Vertus

key details: Vertus Edit

Rates at Vertus Edit vary depending on the date and length of stay, but those booking can currently get 15% off using code HELLOEDIT in celebration of the aparthotel’s launch.

Find out more about the aparthotel here

Read more: Brother Marcus opens its doors in Canary Wharf

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