CitizenM, nestled in the heart of London, has become my new go-to hotel. It’s not your typical chain hotel. It’s a haven of comfort, style, and cutting-edge technology, offering a unique and personalized experience that I couldn’t resist raving about.
This recent trip to London for work was a pleasant surprise. I’ve been to the city a few times for work, but this one stood out. I usually end up in a predictable chain hotel, grabbing a quick meal at Wagamama’s and stocking up on British biscuits at Heathrow. Nothing extraordinary, you know. But this time, it was different.
CitizenM changed everything. My colleague and I were drawn to its location in Southwark, south of the river. Initially, we were skeptical, expecting another generic hotel experience. But CitizenM was anything but ordinary.
A Design Lover’s Paradise
From the moment we stepped inside, we were captivated by the hotel’s bold and stylish design. The lobby is a vibrant space that seamlessly blends a lounge area, a bar, and a dining area. What really caught our eye, though, were the striking pop art pieces, a quirky sculpture, and the sweeping circular staircase. It was clear that CitizenM wasn’t afraid to make a statement.
Rooms That Steal the Show
The lobby was impressive, but the real star of the show was the rooms. CitizenM takes “cool” to a whole new level.
The king-size beds were undeniably the most comfortable I’ve slept in, and the plush bedding made it hard to leave. Tucked between two walls, the bed created a cozy nook for movie nights, especially with the large LED TV opposite.
And speaking of movie nights, CitizenM knows how to spoil its guests. The TVs are loaded with tons of free films, giving you the perfect excuse to relax after a busy day with a British romantic comedy. About Time, anyone?
A Bathroom with Style
The bathroom, while small, was sleek and stylish, featuring a rainforest shower head. The only drawback was the slightly cramped space between the toilet and the shower. But hey, you can’t have it all, right?
The iPad Revolution
But the most innovative feature by far? The iPad control. At first, I was taken aback by the presence of a seemingly free iPad in my room. Then I realized its true purpose – it controlled everything. From blinds to curtains, lights to TV, films to mood lighting, the iPad put the power in my hands. Mood lights could be customized to any color I desired, while pre-set filters automatically adjusted lighting, color, curtains, and heating to create different atmospheres. The “movie” filter plunged me into a cinematic darkness, perfect for enjoying my rom-com.
This kind of control was amazing. It made the room feel completely personalized, catering to my every need. And the best part? It was super easy to use, even for someone like me who isn’t the most tech-savvy person.
Practicality Meets Style
Beyond the cool factor, the room also offered practical features like ample wardrobe space, free stationery, and a variety of connection ports, including USB, UK, and EU plug sockets.
Exceptional Service
The service at CitizenM was just as impressive as the rooms. Check-in was a breeze, handled by a self-service scanner. But even with the automated process, a friendly staff member took the time to explain the hotel’s facilities and breakfast offerings. I was even able to borrow an EU-UK adapter, which was already available in the room, thanks to her politeness.
The checkout experience was equally positive. I chatted with a passionate staff member from Brazil who seemed genuinely proud to work for the hotel chain. It was refreshing to see such dedication and enthusiasm.
As a bonus, my colleague’s breakfast was even complimentary thanks to the kindness of a staff member at the till. While I opted for a full cooked breakfast, my colleague went for a bagel, and we only had to pay for mine.
A London Stay to Remember
I’ve stayed in a lot of nice hotels, but CitizenM was the first one I truly loved. The high-tech gadgets were fun, easy to use, and added a unique touch to my stay. The comfortable bed was exactly what I needed, and the free films were a delightful bonus. In fact, watching a movie in bed on Sunday evening felt more like a relaxing night in at home than a business trip in London.
CitizenM has changed my perspective on hotels. It’s not just a place to sleep; it’s an experience. And it’s an experience I’ll never forget.
Note: This review was not endorsed by CitizenM, nor was the stay provided by the brand. Images: Richard Powers.
