ARK Canary Wharf, E14

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

The location itself is convenient, with good transport connections and easy access to central London. However, the area can feel very busy and noisy, and the overall experience depends heavily on the quality of the accommodation itself.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

The reception staff have always been polite, friendly, and professional. However, the response to serious room-related issues and requests for flexibility has been disappointing. Several problems were reported, but some were not properly resolved. For example, issues such as noise from the fuse box, mattress quality, and room differences were dismissed as being standard, despite later moving to another room where these problems did not exist. When we raised concerns about the temperature making the room extremely difficult to live in, we requested a reasonable solution, such as changing to a shorter membership period or finding a replacement tenant. Unfortunately, no flexible solution was offered.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

I wish I had known that this was a membership agreement rather than a standard tenancy agreement, and that there would be very limited flexibility once signed. I would also have wanted to know more about room conditions, especially temperature control during hot weather. The room became extremely hot at night, making it impossible to sleep comfortably for months. I would strongly recommend future residents carefully check the contract terms, understand the exit conditions, and view the exact room before committing.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Love absolutely everything about Ark, the community events, sunday brunch and what not. Only bad thing I would say is temporary residents/hotel guests, I wish long stay guests had more separation from the short term guests because it can be disturbing at times.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Yes they are mostly quick with resolving any problems that I may have

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

I wish I knew more about the long stay residency and short stay. How the building is also a hotel

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

The good aspects about living in my area are safety and shops to buy food, however, it feels a bit far from the tube.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Yes, within 24h. They were really helpful, I hope this continues being that way as for now, no improvements are needed.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

I wish I’d known short stays would be staying there.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

The area is very convenient and modern, with a great selection of shops, cafes, and restaurants nearby, especially around Canary Wharf. There are also nice open spaces for walks, including riverside paths and parks. Transport links are excellent, with easy access to the DLR, Jubilee line, and buses, making it simple to get to central London. The area feels safe, clean, and well-maintained. The only downside could be that it’s quite busy during weekdays and a bit expensive, but overall it’s a great place to live.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

The building management has generally been responsive and helpful when issues were raised. Most requests are handled through a clear system, and the team usually follows up within a reasonable time. Smaller issues tend to be resolved quickly, while more complex ones can take a bit longer, but communication is usually maintained. Overall, the experience has been positive.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

I wish I had known how social and busy the building can be, especially during events or peak times. It’s great for meeting people, but if you prefer a very quiet environment, it might take some getting used to. Also, the rooms are quite compact, so smart storage solutions really help. On the positive side, the facilities and location make up for it, and it’s a great place for a more active and social lifestyle.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

The range of amenities surrounding the complex is very good. Three well known supermarkets close by. Very good access to the DLR train line.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

This is a let down. I was put into a unit which was not 1. Clean and 2. Signed off by the general manager. There are issues with my unit which have still not been fixed after three weeks.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

I had not fully appreciated how central the complex was to train stations and general facilities