CitizenM, a name that’s become synonymous with luxury, comfort, and cutting-edge technology for me. It was a chance encounter with this hotel that completely changed my perspective on London stays.
Let’s rewind the clock back to March. I was once again on a work trip to London, a city I’ve visited several times since moving to Germany. These trips usually involved a bland chain hotel, a predictable meal at Wagamama’s, and a hurried dash through Heathrow’s shops for British treats – nothing particularly exciting.
But this time, things were different. This trip marked my first stay at CitizenM, and it was an absolute revelation!
We chose CitizenM because of its location in Southwark, a vibrant area south of the River Thames, perfect for our work event. We were skeptical about staying in a “design hotel,” having only experienced dull and uninspired chains before.
Oh, how we were wrong!
The moment we stepped inside, it was clear that CitizenM was anything but ordinary. The spacious, open-plan lobby was an instant hit, with its cozy lounge area, buzzing bar, and stylish dining space. But it was the eye-catching pop art, quirky sculptures, and a dramatic circular staircase that truly captured our attention. We were already impressed, but the best was yet to come!
A Room With A View (And iPad Control!)
The rooms, my friends, were the stars of the show! I’m not exaggerating when I say CitizenM rooms are cool – they’re jam-packed with incredible features.
Let’s start with the most important thing: sleep! The king-size bed was incredibly comfortable and HUGE! It was nestled between two walls, with the LED TV on the opposite wall, making for the most cosy movie nights.
Speaking of the TV, did I mention it’s loaded with tons of free films? There’s nothing like settling into a king-size bed with a British rom-com to prepare for a day of work! (Yes, I’m talking about “About Time” – you can’t blame a girl for her guilty pleasures!).
The bathroom was small but sleek with a powerful rainforest showerhead (though I must admit, the distance between the toilet and the shower could be a tad wider…).
But the real showstopper was the iPad control. This little tablet, initially thought to be a freebie, was actually the brain of the room. It allowed me to control everything – the blinds, curtains, lights, TV, films, and even the mood of the room!
Yes, you heard that right! Each room comes with mood lights in different colours that can be controlled via the iPad, along with a series of preset “filters” that automatically adjust the lighting, colours, curtains, and even the evening heating. My favourite was the “movie” filter, which plunged the room into cinematic darkness for my rom-com viewing pleasure!
This innovative iPad control completely personalised my stay, allowing me to tailor the room to my specific needs. It was also incredibly easy to use, even for someone like me who usually struggles with technology.
From a functional perspective, the rooms were well-equipped with spacious wardrobe space, complimentary stationery, and a variety of connection ports, including USB, UK, and EU plug sockets.
Human Touch In A High-Tech World
While the high-tech features were incredibly impressive, what truly stood out was the genuine warmth and hospitality of the staff.
We checked in at a self-service kiosk, but one of the friendly employees still took the time to chat with us about the hotel’s facilities and breakfast offerings. (This same helpful employee also loaned me an EU-UK adapter, only to discover I had one in my room already! Talk about going above and beyond!)
During check-out, I had a delightful chat with another enthusiastic staff member from Brazil, who kept me company while I waited for my colleague. His genuine pride in working for CitizenM was truly contagious.
And as a pleasant surprise, my colleague received a complimentary breakfast thanks to the kindness of the woman at the counter. I opted for the full cooked breakfast while my colleague went for a bagel, but they only charged us for my meal.
I’ve stayed in a fair share of nice hotels over the years, but CitizenM is the first one I genuinely fell in love with. The high-tech gadgets were fun, easy to use, and truly enhanced my stay. The comfortable bed was exactly what I needed after a long day, and the free films were an added bonus. In fact, the Sunday evening I spent watching a film in bed felt more like a relaxing night at home than a business trip in London.
CitizenM, you’ve completely changed my hotel game. From now on, I refuse to stay anywhere else in London!
(Disclaimer: This review is entirely my own opinion and was not endorsed by CitizenM, nor was my stay provided by the brand. Images: Richard Powers.)
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