CitizenM Tower of London is a hotel that focuses on providing the essentials for a comfortable stay, offering a unique blend of style and functionality. It’s a funky base for exploring the city, not a retreat for hiding away from the bustling urban life. And I absolutely loved it!
Let’s delve into what makes this hotel stand out:
A Room Designed for City Living
CitizenM’s concept is simple: delivering the basics in a stylish and efficient way. You’ll find compact, yet comfortable rooms featuring a king-size bed, a spacious bathroom with a powerful shower, and ample storage – even under the bed! The hotel also offers a mood pad, allowing you to sync your mobile devices and personalize your room’s ambiance. It’s all about making the most of the space and providing the essential amenities for a comfortable night’s sleep.
Communal Spaces with a Touch of Art and Style
While the rooms are designed for practicality, the communal areas are where the hotel truly shines. They are meticulously designed, with thoughtful layouts, trendy interiors, and an impressive art collection. CitizenM even provides an art guidebook so you can learn about the pieces at your own pace, even after you leave the hotel. These shared spaces are a vibrant hub, inviting guests to relax and connect with the hotel’s unique atmosphere.
Location, Location, Location
CitizenM Tower of London is perfectly situated, directly beside the Tower Hill tube station and just a stone’s throw from Tower Bridge. This prime location provides easy access to the city’s central attractions and allows guests to experience London like a local, exploring vibrant neighborhoods like Bermondsey Street and Borough Market.
Efficient Check-In and a Welcoming Staff
The hotel offers a self-service check-in, quick and effortless, with terminals strategically located in the hotel’s center. Friendly staff are readily available if you need assistance or have any questions. Despite arriving earlier than the specified check-in time, I was pleasantly surprised to find a room available and was able to check in early.
A Compact Room with All the Necessities
While the rooms are small, they are perfectly formed and equipped with everything you need. Space-saving solutions are evident throughout the room, including clever luggage storage beneath the incredibly comfortable bed. The room also boasts ample power sockets for all your devices, a hair dryer, a full-length mirror, a desk/vanity unit, and a fridge stocked with bottled water. The bathroom features a powerful shower and high-quality shower products for both morning and evening use. Additional toiletries are available upon request, ensuring your comfort and convenience.
Views, Soundproofing, and the Mood Pad
I opted for an internal courtyard view instead of the exterior, as there was some construction going on outside. The courtyard view was surprisingly cool, especially in the evenings. The room’s excellent soundproofing ensured a peaceful sleep, and I didn’t hear any noise from passing guests even though I was in the first room on the floor. The blackout blind, controlled by the mood pad, effectively blocked out any unwanted light.
The mood pad is the heart of the room’s personalization system. This central control unit allows you to customize your room’s ambiance to your liking, adjusting the lighting, temperature, blinds, TV, and alarm clock.
Communal Spaces: Where the Hotel Shines
The living room and canteen are located on the ground floor, creating a vibrant hub for guests. These spaces are separated by a unique chain mail wall/curtain, providing a subtle division without obstructing the open plan setup.
The living room and canteen are adorned with stylish Swiss furniture, a vast collection of contemporary art, and creative nods to the local area, creating an atmosphere that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. This hipster-stylish space is guaranteed to leave you feeling energized.
Indulge in a Tipple with a View
If you’re looking for a more relaxed and sophisticated setting, head up to the 7th-floor bar. Here, you can enjoy stunning views of the Thames while indulging in a tipple or two. The bar, much like the communal spaces below, oozes that same “hipster” vibe with stylish decor.
Business Amenities and a Delicious Breakfast
The 7th floor also houses business meeting facilities, complete with AV equipment, Nespresso machines, and stylish furniture to ensure a productive environment.
The included breakfast was a delightful surprise. While the email confirmation didn’t quite capture the full extent of the breakfast buffet, it truly exceeded expectations. There’s a wide selection of hot and cold buffet options, including eggs, bacon, sausages, pastries, artisan breads, cheeses, fruits, cereals, and freshly brewed coffee served with a smile.
CitizenM: Smart Thinking and a Unique Experience
CitizenM’s “smart thinking” philosophy is evident in every aspect of the hotel. From the functional yet stylish room design to the innovative communal spaces, every detail has been meticulously considered. It’s clear that the hotel has been designed with efficiency and aesthetics in mind, creating a unique and memorable experience for every guest.
Would I Stay Again? Absolutely!
Although the hotel lacks a gym or pool, which are available at similar price points, I would definitely return to CitizenM Tower of London. The hotel’s unique blend of style, functionality, and location makes it a fantastic choice for city explorers and business travellers alike. I loved the vibrant communal spaces, the convenient location, and the stylish and comfortable rooms. CitizenM Tower of London offers a truly unique and enjoyable hotel experience that will leave you wanting to return for another visit.
