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Where to Stay Near London City Airport: 13 Best Hotels in Canary Wharf & Docklands

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Where to Stay Near London City Airport: 13 Best Hotels in Canary Wharf & Docklands

Find the best airport hotels in Canary Wharf & Docklands. Compare options near London City Airport with transport links, amenities & booking tips.

Where to Stay Near London City Airport: 13 Best Hotels in Canary Wharf & Docklands

Canary Wharf and Docklands sit within 5-7 km of London City Airport, making this district one of the most strategically positioned areas for travellers flying in and out of the city's business-focused airport. Unlike Heathrow-adjacent options, hotels here combine genuine urban convenience - direct DLR connections, Jubilee Line access, and Thames Clipper services - with proximity to the financial district and major venues like the O2 Arena and ExCel Exhibition Centre. This guide covers 13 hotels across the district to help you match your stay to your actual travel needs.

What It's Like Staying in Canary Wharf and Docklands

Canary Wharf operates on a distinct rhythm: weekday mornings are dense with commuters flowing through the Underground and DLR, while evenings bring a lively restaurant and bar scene around West India Quay and Jubilee Place. By weekend, the financial core quietens significantly, making it one of the calmer central London areas to stay - a genuine contrast to the noise of the West End. The Docklands waterfront, especially around South Quay and Westferry Road, offers walkable stretches along the Thames with far fewer crowds than the tourist-heavy Zone 1 hotels.

Staying here works well if your trip revolves around London City Airport, the ExCel Centre, or business in the E14 corridor. Travellers focused on sightseeing in Westminster or Shoreditch will spend around 30 minutes in transit to reach those areas, which is a real consideration for shorter stays.

Pros:

  • Direct DLR link to London City Airport in under 15 minutes from most Docklands hotels
  • Noticeably quieter than Zone 1 hotel districts, especially on weekends
  • Waterfront walking access along the Thames and dockside paths without tourist congestion

Cons:

  • Reaching central attractions like the British Museum or Covent Garden requires at least one transfer
  • The area feels noticeably emptier on Sunday evenings, limiting dining and social options
  • Hotel pricing can spike sharply during ExCel or O2 Arena event weeks

Why Choose Airport Hotels in Canary Wharf and Docklands

Hotels positioned as airport-convenient in Canary Wharf and Docklands serve a specific practical function: they reduce pre-flight stress without requiring guests to stay in an airport transit hotel with no urban value. London City Airport sits around 6 km east of Canary Wharf, reachable by DLR in roughly 20 minutes from most properties in this zone - no Tube transfers, no Central London pricing. This category includes everything from compact budget rooms to full-service 4-star and 5-star properties with pools, restaurants and parking, giving travellers genuine range.

Compared to hotels near Heathrow or Gatwick, Canary Wharf airport hotels retain strong walkable surroundings - waterfront dining, the Museum of London Docklands, and the Canary Wharf shopping complex. Room sizes here tend to run larger than equivalent Zone 1 hotels, particularly in the serviced apartment segment. Nightly rates average around 20% lower than comparable hotels in the City of London, though this gap narrows during financial conferences or DLR disruptions.

Pros:

  • DLR to London City Airport operates every few minutes with no interchange required
  • Serviced apartment options offer full kitchens - rare at this price point near any London airport
  • Thames Clipper services provide an alternative river route into central London

Cons:

  • No airside hotel option exists - a transfer is always required, however short
  • Late-night DLR services stop earlier than the Tube, which matters for very late arrivals
  • Parking costs at hotels here can be high despite being outside Zone 1

Practical Booking & Area Strategy

For the tightest London City Airport access, prioritise hotels within walking distance of Blackwall DLR or along the West India Quay corridor - West India Quay DLR station connects to the airport without interchange, and hotels like the London Marriott on Hertsmere Road sit just 200 metres from it. Properties along South Quay and Westferry Road offer Thames views and quieter surroundings, though they add a few minutes to your airport transfer. The Canary Wharf Underground Station on Jubilee Place gives direct access to Stratford, London Bridge, and Waterloo, making Docklands genuinely multi-directional for transport.

Book at least 6 weeks ahead if your stay coincides with a major ExCel London event - shows like the London Boat Show or DSEI fill the entire Docklands hotel stock quickly. The Museum of London Docklands on West India Quay, the waterfront at Canary Wharf Pier, and the O2 Arena in nearby Greenwich are the area's primary non-business attractions. The Thames Clipper from Canary Wharf Pier reaches Greenwich in around 10 minutes - a faster and more scenic option than the DLR for that route. Nighttime safety throughout the district is generally high, though the southern Docklands streets can feel isolated after 22:00.

Best Budget Options

These hotels offer the most accessible pricing in Canary Wharf and Docklands while maintaining solid DLR and transport access to London City Airport.

  • 1. Ibis London Docklands Canary Wharf

    7.4 Good
    3402 reviews
    Ibis London Docklands Canary Wharf Ibis London Docklands Canary Wharf Ibis London Docklands Canary Wharf Ibis London Docklands Canary Wharf Ibis London Docklands Canary Wharf

    That was just a preview — check out all hotel photos.

    1/1
    Check-in
    from 15:00 until 23:59
    Check-out
    until 12:00

    Ibis London Docklands Canary Wharf sits directly across the road from Blackwall DLR station, giving passengers to London City Airport one of the fastest and most straightforward connections of any hotel in this district. Rooms were fully refurbished and feature sound-proofed walls and air-cooling systems - a practical detail given the volume of DLR traffic outside. The on-site secure parking makes it one of the few budget options in Docklands where driving guests won't need to arrange off-site alternatives. The café-style restaurant serves a full breakfast buffet each morning, and the bar remains open in the evenings.

    • Directly opposite Blackwall DLR - fastest ground-level link to London City Airport
    • Sound-proofed, refurbished rooms with private bathrooms and work desks
    • Secure on-site parking available

    Rooms filling fast – secure the best rate! 

    from

    £ 71

  • 2. Point A Hotel London Canary Wharf

    8.2 Very Good
    4292 reviews
    Point A Hotel London Canary Wharf Point A Hotel London Canary Wharf Point A Hotel London Canary Wharf Point A Hotel London Canary Wharf Point A Hotel London Canary Wharf

    That was just a preview — check out all hotel photos.

    1/1
    Check-in
    from 15:00 until 23:59
    Check-out
    until 11:00

    Point A Hotel London Canary Wharf positions itself within a 1-minute walk of the Museum of London Docklands and 300 metres from West India Quay DLR - one of the closest DLR positions of any budget hotel in the area, cutting London City Airport transfer time noticeably. Rooms are compact by design but include a Hynosis bed, power shower, blackout curtains, USB charging, and 240-channel flat-screen TV, delivering a well-specified experience for the price point. The 24-hour reception and lobby WiFi make it functional for passengers with early departures or late arrivals on City Airport routes. Canary Wharf Underground Station is a 600-metre walk for Jubilee Line connections westward.

    • 300 metres from West India Quay DLR - minimal walking before any airport transfer
    • 24-hour reception suited to early departures and late City Airport arrivals
    • Blackout curtains and sound-proofed rooms for quality sleep in an active district

    Hurry – almost gone at this price! 

    from

    £ 78

  • Britannia International Hotel Canary Wharf Britannia International Hotel Canary Wharf Britannia International Hotel Canary Wharf Britannia International Hotel Canary Wharf Britannia International Hotel Canary Wharf

    That was just a preview — check out all hotel photos.

    1/1
    Check-in
    from 15:00 until 23:30
    Check-out
    until 10:00

    Britannia International Hotel Canary Wharf is an established property in the Docklands area, sitting within the Canary Wharf corridor with access to the DLR network that connects directly to London City Airport. Its waterfront-adjacent positioning gives guests a different experience from the denser mid-block hotels in the district, with the surrounding West India Quay dining area within close reach. The hotel serves travellers who need a recognisable, mid-budget base near the financial district without committing to full-service 4-star pricing. Transport access to ExCel London for event attendees is also a practical advantage from this location.

    • Waterfront-adjacent position near West India Quay dining and bars
    • DLR network access for London City Airport connections
    • Mid-budget pricing within the Canary Wharf financial corridor

    Best price guarantee

    from

    £ 43

Best Mid-Range Picks

These 4-star and independently positioned hotels balance proximity to London City Airport with genuine on-site facilities, larger rooms, and stronger on-site dining - worth the step up for stays of more than one night.

  • 8.5 Fabulous
    928 reviews
    Cove Landmark Pinnacle Cove Landmark Pinnacle Cove Landmark Pinnacle Cove Landmark Pinnacle Cove Landmark Pinnacle

    That was just a preview — check out all hotel photos.

    1/1
    Check-in
    from 16:00 until 23:59
    Check-out
    until 11:00

    Cove Landmark Pinnacle (details) offers city and river views from one of the tallest residential towers in London, positioned 700 metres from Canary Wharf Underground Station and within straightforward DLR reach of London City Airport. Each apartment-style room comes with a full kitchen setup - oven, fridge, dishwasher, kettle - plus air conditioning and a safety deposit box, making it functional for multi-night stays or business travellers who want to self-cater. The fitness centre and shared lounge add value without inflating the nightly rate to 5-star levels. Continental breakfast is available on-site, and the 24-hour front desk handles late check-ins from City Airport flights.

    • Full kitchen in every room - oven, dishwasher, fridge included
    • River and city views from high-floor apartments in the Landmark Pinnacle tower
    • 700 metres to Canary Wharf Underground for Jubilee Line and DLR interchange

    Best price guarantee

    from

    £ 130

  • 8.0 Very Good
    1392 reviews
    Marlin Canary Wharf Marlin Canary Wharf Marlin Canary Wharf Marlin Canary Wharf Marlin Canary Wharf

    That was just a preview — check out all hotel photos.

    1/1
    Check-in
    from 15:00 until 23:59
    Check-out
    from 08:00 until 10:00

    Marlin Canary Wharf delivers genuinely spacious open-plan apartments with bare wooden floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and fitted kitchens - room dimensions that stand out clearly against standard hotel rooms in the same price bracket. Private parking is included, which matters for travellers driving to or from London City Airport rather than using the DLR. The 10-minute drive to both ExCel Exhibition Centre and the O2 Arena makes this a logical base for event attendees who want self-catering flexibility. Canary Wharf Underground Station is a 10-minute walk, and weekly housekeeping keeps longer stays manageable without daily service disruption.

    • Private parking included - rare in Canary Wharf at this price tier
    • Floor-to-ceiling windows and open-plan layouts across all apartments
    • 10-minute drive to both ExCel London and the O2 Arena

    Best price guarantee

    from

    £ 118

  • 3. Hilton London Canary Wharf

    8.7 Fabulous
    2890 reviews
    Hilton London Canary Wharf Hilton London Canary Wharf Hilton London Canary Wharf Hilton London Canary Wharf Hilton London Canary Wharf

    That was just a preview — check out all hotel photos.

    1/1
    Check-in
    from 15:00 until 23:59
    Check-out
    until 12:00

    Hilton London Canary Wharf sits 300 metres from Docklands and 700 metres from Canary Wharf Underground Station, combining brand reliability with private parking and a full on-site sauna - amenities that compete above its 4-star positioning. The restaurant and bar serve breakfast through evening meals, and room service runs 24 hours, which benefits travellers on irregular City Airport schedules. Family rooms are available, and the concierge service helps coordinate ground transport to the airport or ExCel. The proximity to Docklands itself means the DLR network is accessible without a long walk even with luggage.

    • 300 metres from Docklands DLR - minimal transfer time to London City Airport
    • On-site sauna, restaurant, bar and private parking on a single property
    • 24-hour room service suited to irregular arrival and departure schedules

    Just a few rooms left at the best rate! 

    from

    £ 93

  • 4. Novotel London Canary Wharf

    8.4 Very Good
    3763 reviews
    Novotel London Canary Wharf Novotel London Canary Wharf Novotel London Canary Wharf Novotel London Canary Wharf Novotel London Canary Wharf

    That was just a preview — check out all hotel photos.

    1/1
    Check-in
    from 15:00 until 23:59
    Check-out
    until 12:00

    Novotel London Canary Wharf operates the Bōkan Restaurant, Bar and Roof Terrace across three floors at the top of the property, serving artisanal food with panoramic London and Thames views - an on-site dining experience that few hotels in Docklands can match for atmosphere. The indoor pool and gym make it viable as a recovery or pre-travel base, particularly for guests flying out of London City Airport the following morning. Greenwich Park is 3.4 km away and Tower Bridge is 3.6 km, making this a practical base for mixing business with some sightseeing. All rooms are air-conditioned with work desks and en-suite facilities, and free WiFi runs throughout the building.

    • Bōkan triple-floor roof terrace restaurant with 360° London skyline views
    • Indoor pool and gym on-site for pre-flight or post-arrival recovery
    • 5 km from London City Airport via DLR from nearby Canary Wharf station

    Just a few rooms left at the best rate! 

    from

    £ 101

  • 5. Lincoln Plaza Hotel London, Curio Collection By Hilton

    8.8 Fabulous
    954 reviews
    Lincoln Plaza Hotel London, Curio Collection By Hilton Lincoln Plaza Hotel London, Curio Collection By Hilton Lincoln Plaza Hotel London, Curio Collection By Hilton Lincoln Plaza Hotel London, Curio Collection By Hilton Lincoln Plaza Hotel London, Curio Collection By Hilton

    That was just a preview — check out all hotel photos.

    1/1
    Check-in
    from 15:00 until 23:59
    Check-out
    until 12:00

    Lincoln Plaza Hotel London, Curio Collection By Hilton sits 350 metres from South Quay and benefits from both Canary Wharf Underground Station and the Elizabeth Line - the latter giving direct access to Heathrow, central London, and the O2 Arena without interchange, which extends the hotel's usefulness well beyond London City Airport passengers. The indoor pool, fitness centre, and Mediterranean-cuisine restaurant on-site give it a fuller facility set than most 4-star options in the Docklands area. A 20-minute DLR journey connects guests to both Greenwich Park and Bank, covering the main business and leisure corridors. Private parking and an exceptional-rated breakfast round out the offering for guests staying multiple nights.

    • Elizabeth Line access - direct trains to Heathrow and central London
    • Indoor pool and Mediterranean restaurant on a single Docklands property
    • 350 metres from South Quay with private parking available

    Just a few rooms left at the best rate! 

    from

    £ 122

  • 8.3 Very Good
    8532 reviews
    Radisson Blu Hotel, London Canary Wharf East Radisson Blu Hotel, London Canary Wharf East Radisson Blu Hotel, London Canary Wharf East Radisson Blu Hotel, London Canary Wharf East Radisson Blu Hotel, London Canary Wharf East

    That was just a preview — check out all hotel photos.

    1/1
    Check-in
    from 15:00 until 23:59
    Check-out
    until 12:00

    Radisson Blu Hotel, London Canary Wharf East occupies a quieter stretch of the Canary Wharf East zone, 1.3 km from Canary Wharf Underground Station and just 5 km from London City Airport - one of the shorter drive or DLR distances in this hotel selection. The garden terrace and sauna differentiate it from most Docklands 4-star competitors, and the on-site restaurant serves buffet, à la carte, and continental breakfast options. River-view rooms are available at an upgrade, and the billiards room and business centre serve guests extending stays for corporate purposes. Currency exchange at the front desk is a minor but useful feature for international City Airport arrivals.

    • 5 km from London City Airport - among the closest in the Canary Wharf East zone
    • Garden terrace, sauna, and billiards room within a single 4-star property
    • River-view rooms available with direct Thames outlook

    Best price guarantee

    from

    £ 133

  • 8.3 Very Good
    2713 reviews
    Fraser Place Canary Wharf Fraser Place Canary Wharf Fraser Place Canary Wharf Fraser Place Canary Wharf Fraser Place Canary Wharf

    That was just a preview — check out all hotel photos.

    1/1
    Check-in
    from 16:00 until 23:59
    Check-out
    until 11:00

    Fraser Place Canary Wharf occupies a marina-facing position in the heart of the business district, with floor-to-ceiling windows in many units looking directly over the water - a visual quality that holds up well for longer business stays or stopover trips between City Airport flights. Each apartment features a large fitted kitchen with oven, hob, fridge/freezer, and dishwasher, plus a separate lounge and dining area that creates real separation between work and rest. Canary Wharf Tube Station is 0.5 miles away, and quality shops and restaurants are within a 5-minute walk along the marina-side promenade. The on-site café overlooks the marina and serves continental breakfast, snacks, and drinks throughout the day.

    • Marina-facing apartments with floor-to-ceiling windows throughout
    • Full fitted kitchen in every unit - oven, hob, fridge/freezer, dishwasher
    • 5-minute walk to Canary Wharf shops, restaurants, and the marina waterfront

    Best price guarantee

    from

    £ 113

  • Ark Canary Wharf Ark Canary Wharf Ark Canary Wharf Ark Canary Wharf Ark Canary Wharf

    That was just a preview — check out all hotel photos.

    1/1
    Check-in
    from 15:00 until 23:59
    Check-out
    until 11:00

    Ark Canary Wharf offers one of the most distinctive facility sets in the Docklands hotel market: a rooftop pool, indoor pool, hot tub, and sauna all within a 4-star aparthotel 600 metres from Docklands. Units feature parquet floors, a fully equipped kitchenette with oven, microwave and fridge, streaming-enabled flat-screen TV, and private bathrooms with shower - a setup that functions well for both short airport layovers and extended stays. À la carte and continental breakfast is available each morning, and a coffee shop operates on-site. The 24-hour front desk and luggage storage are useful for passengers with early London City Airport departures where check-out precedes the flight window.

    • Rooftop pool, indoor pool, hot tub and sauna - broadest wellness offering in Docklands
    • Fully equipped kitchenette in all units with oven, microwave, fridge and stovetop
    • Luggage storage and 24-hour front desk suited to City Airport flight schedules

    Hurry – almost gone at this price! 

    from

    £ 112

  • 9. Canary Riverside Plaza Hotel

    8.3 Very Good
    1062 reviews
    Canary Riverside Plaza Hotel Canary Riverside Plaza Hotel Canary Riverside Plaza Hotel Canary Riverside Plaza Hotel Canary Riverside Plaza Hotel

    That was just a preview — check out all hotel photos.

    1/1
    Check-in
    from 15:00 until 23:59
    Check-out
    until 12:00

    Canary Riverside Plaza Hotel stands on the historic West India Quay site directly beside the River Thames, with Canary Wharf Pier just a 2-minute walk away - giving guests the option of reaching central London and Greenwich via Thames Clipper rather than the Underground. Guests receive complimentary access to the Virgin Active Health Club, which spans three floors and includes saunas, steam rooms, hydrotherapy pools, and a 20-metre infinity lap pool. The DLR is a 5-minute walk, and a 10-minute walk reaches Canary Wharf Tube - practical routing for any London City Airport transfer. Rooms are spacious with flat-screen TVs and en-suite bathrooms, and a 24-hour in-room dining service covers any arrival time.

    • Complimentary access to Virgin Active with 20-metre lap pool and hydrotherapy pools
    • Canary Wharf Pier 2 minutes away - Thames Clipper to Greenwich and central London
    • 24-hour in-room dining covering early departures and late London City Airport arrivals

    Best price guarantee

    from

    £ 209

Best Premium Stays

These properties deliver the highest service levels in Canary Wharf and Docklands, combining 5-star amenities and landmark locations with the fastest ground connections to London City Airport.

  • 1. London Marriott Hotel Canary Wharf

    8.4 Very Good
    1113 reviews
    London Marriott Hotel Canary Wharf London Marriott Hotel Canary Wharf London Marriott Hotel Canary Wharf London Marriott Hotel Canary Wharf London Marriott Hotel Canary Wharf

    That was just a preview — check out all hotel photos.

    1/1
    Check-in
    from 15:00 until 23:59
    Check-out
    until 12:00

    London Marriott Hotel Canary Wharf operates from the West India Quay site with West India Quay DLR station just 200 metres from the entrance - the most direct hotel-to-DLR connection in this entire Docklands selection, translating into a short, single-service journey to London City Airport without the need to walk to Canary Wharf station with luggage. The 5-star rooms feature 42-inch LED TVs, luxury beds, seating areas, and USB outlets, while the Manhattan Grill Steakhouse and G&Tea Lounge provide two distinct dining identities on-site. The Marriott Health Club includes a fully equipped gym and sauna. Views across Canary Wharf and the London business district skyline are available from numerous rooms, and room service operates from 06:00 to 23:00.

    • West India Quay DLR just 200 metres away - shortest hotel-to-DLR walking distance in the district
    • Manhattan Grill Steakhouse and G&Tea Lounge: two distinct on-site dining venues
    • 5-star rooms with 42-inch LED TVs, luxury beds and USB charging throughout

    Rooms filling fast – secure the best rate! 

    from

    £ 116

  • 2. Novotel London Canary Wharf

    8.4 Very Good
    3763 reviews
    Novotel London Canary Wharf Novotel London Canary Wharf Novotel London Canary Wharf Novotel London Canary Wharf Novotel London Canary Wharf

    That was just a preview — check out all hotel photos.

    1/1
    Check-in
    from 15:00 until 23:59
    Check-out
    until 12:00

    Novotel London Canary Wharf earns premium consideration through its Bōkan Restaurant, Bar and Roof Terrace - a three-floor dining and drinking destination with 360° London skyline views that functions as a destination in its own right, not just a hotel amenity. The indoor pool and dedicated gym are available to guests throughout their stay, and the combination of artisanal food, free WiFi, and air-conditioned rooms with work desks makes it strong for both leisure and corporate stays near London City Airport. Tower Bridge is 3.6 km away, and Greenwich Park is 3.4 km, covering key sightseeing routes without long transit times. The 24-hour front desk and room service handle any City Airport schedule.

    • Bōkan three-floor roof terrace restaurant - destination dining above the Canary Wharf skyline
    • Indoor pool and gym included for all guests
    • 3.6 km to Tower Bridge and 5 km to London City Airport from a single property

    Just a few rooms left at the best rate! 

    from

    £ 101

Smart Travel & Timing Advice for Canary Wharf and Docklands

London City Airport operates a strict night curfew, meaning no flights depart or arrive between 22:30 and 06:30 - so early-morning departures are the norm rather than exception, and a Docklands hotel removes the need to rely on night buses or expensive taxis from Zone 1. Peak booking periods align with major ExCel London events, which run year-round but cluster heavily in January, March, and September - during these windows, even budget hotels in the district can price up sharply within days of the event. The quietest and most affordable period to stay in Canary Wharf is typically August, when the financial district empties of commuters and conference traffic drops noticeably.

For most airport-focused trips, a stay of 1 to 2 nights is the natural fit - long enough to cover an early departure or post-arrival recovery without overpaying for the district's premium positioning. Book at least 5 weeks ahead for any stay overlapping with an ExCel or O2 event; last-minute availability in Docklands disappears faster than in most other London districts due to the relatively small total hotel stock. Travellers with flexible schedules who can avoid Thursday-Friday event-week patterns will consistently find better rates and more availability across the full range of properties listed here.

  • What It's Like Staying in Canary Wharf and Docklands
  • Why Choose Airport Hotels in Canary Wharf and Docklands
  • Practical Booking & Area Strategy
  • Best Budget Options

    • 1. Ibis London Docklands Canary Wharf
    • 2. Point A Hotel London Canary Wharf
    • 3. Britannia International Hotel Canary Wharf
  • Best Mid-Range Picks

    • 4. Cove Landmark Pinnacle
    • 5. Marlin Canary Wharf
    • 6. Hilton London Canary Wharf
    • 7. Novotel London Canary Wharf
    • 8. Lincoln Plaza Hotel London, Curio Collection By Hilton
    • 9. Radisson Blu Hotel, London Canary Wharf East
    • 10. Fraser Place Canary Wharf
    • 11. Ark Canary Wharf
    • 12. Canary Riverside Plaza Hotel
  • Best Premium Stays

    • 13. London Marriott Hotel Canary Wharf
    • 14. Novotel London Canary Wharf
  • Smart Travel & Timing Advice for Canary Wharf and Docklands
Hotels featured in this article
1. Ibis London Docklands Canary Wharf
2. Point A Hotel London Canary Wharf
3. Britannia International Hotel Canary Wharf
4. Cove Landmark Pinnacle
5. Marlin Canary Wharf
6. Hilton London Canary Wharf
7. Novotel London Canary Wharf
8. Lincoln Plaza Hotel London, Curio Collection By Hilton
9. Radisson Blu Hotel, London Canary Wharf East
10. Fraser Place Canary Wharf
11. Ark Canary Wharf
12. Canary Riverside Plaza Hotel
13. London Marriott Hotel Canary Wharf
14. Novotel London Canary Wharf
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