Imagine finding affordable luxury in a city known for its sky-high prices, like London. It sounds like a dream, right? But believe it or not, this dream can become a reality!
A Unique Approach to Luxury
During my recent London adventure, I had the pleasure of staying at the citizenM Tower of London, a four-star hotel right by the iconic Tower of London. I’ve always felt that luxury hotels can sometimes be a bit over the top, even a bit pretentious. But citizenM takes a different approach, focusing on what truly matters: comfort, convenience, and a cool atmosphere.
This chain has a clear philosophy: ditch unnecessary extras and concentrate on what truly makes a stay enjoyable. They’ve created a new breed of luxury, perfect for creative travelers who crave both stylish vibes and a comfortable stay.
If you’re looking for affordable luxury in London, with over 100,000 hotel rooms to choose from, here’s my honest review of the citizenM Tower of London:
Location, Location, Location
London is a vast city, but being near the Underground means you’re well-connected to all the major attractions. The citizenM Tower of London is a prime example of this. You could practically throw a shoe and hit some of the city’s most famous landmarks. The Tower of London is right across the street, and the iconic Tower Bridge is just a short 6-8 minute walk away. With its convenient location above the Tower Hill tube station, exploring the city is a breeze.
Of course, you might have a hard time leaving the Skybar, with its breathtaking views. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a drink and soak in the cityscape.
Service That’s Just Right
I have high standards when it comes to service. I like personalized attention, but I hate feeling smothered or overwhelmed, which can happen at some high-end hotels. What I loved about citizenM is that they strike the perfect balance: friendly staff on hand, but also self-service check-in/check-out stations for those times when you just want to relax and avoid interaction.
The self-checkout is unbelievably fast, taking just two seconds. I was truly impressed!
A Perfect Blend of Style and Functionality
In my opinion, this hotel is ideal for business travelers or digital nomads who need a sleek, stylish, and comfortable space to work. The hotel is filled with spots to escape and focus on tasks. The lobby areas have a cool, contemporary vibe, like a chic living room, combining comfort with modern design.
The Skybar, with its stunning views, offers cozy nooks to read or work. Think: massive bookshelves filled with unique knick knacks and comfortable seating. It’s a haven for relaxation and creativity.
During my stay, there was even a special photography exhibition at the Skybar, featuring mounted polaroid photos of street art by various photographers.
Quirky Touches that Make a Difference
What truly sets this hotel apart are its quirky touches of personality. From pens begging you to “steal” them to hilarious signs throughout the hotel, citizenM adds a playful element to the luxury experience. It’s these small details that inject vibrant personality into the stay.
Compact Rooms with Comfort in Mind
To keep prices affordable, the rooms at citizenM are on the smaller side and they’ve opted for compact rooms without traditional hotel amenities like free toiletries and fancy towels. But don’t be discouraged! While the rooms are smaller, they’re incredibly comfortable and have everything you need for a pleasant stay.
Each room features a giant bed you could spend a lifetime in, iPad-controlled blackout blinds, a large TV loaded with free shows and movies, adjustable mood lighting and temperature, and more.
While the rooms are compact, you do need to keep in mind that sound travels easily between the rooms, especially to the bathroom. So, if you’re traveling with a companion, privacy might be a bit limited.
Work and Play
As I mentioned earlier, citizenM has a plethora of cool spaces for getting work done. There are even free iMacs on the ground floor for guest use, along with interesting meeting spaces. And after a long day of work, you can unwind at the Skybar with its breathtaking views.
Foodie Delight
The citizenM canteen offers food and drinks 24/7, perfect for those late-night cravings or early morning starts. They serve delicious breakfast with your choice of hot drinks (the baristas make a mean cappuccino) and an endless buffet of breakfast goodies, including a full English breakfast, breads, cereals, yogurt, and charcuterie.
A Unique Luxury Experience
The citizenM Tower of London is a unique hotel offering affordable luxury with a touch of quirk, style, and a playful sense of humor. If you’re looking for a traditional luxury experience with spacious rooms and over-the-top amenities, this might not be the right fit. But if you want a comfortable place to sleep, a cool atmosphere, and incredible views of London, then this hotel should be on your list.
With rooms starting at just £125 a night, it’s a real bargain by London standards.
Share Your Thoughts
Have you ever stayed at a citizenM property? What do you look for in a hotel experience? Let me know in the comments below!
I hope you enjoyed this review of the citizenM Tower of London! Please note that I was a guest of citizenM, but all photos, stories, and experiences are my own.
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