Finding affordable luxury in London can be a challenge, especially when you’re paying a premium for the location alongside the amenities. Most well-known hotels will set you back a hefty sum, typically between £350-500 for a weekend night with breakfast included. You might find a few options slightly cheaper, but the likelihood is they won’t include breakfast. Luckily, I stumbled upon a gem – the Grange Hotels, offering luxury at a much more affordable price in the heart of London.
This article shares my experience at the Grange Tower Bridge, a five-star hotel nestled in a prime location, just a short stroll from iconic landmarks like Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, and St. Katherine’s Dock. The hotel’s convenient proximity to the Tower Hill underground station makes exploring London a breeze.
A Luxurious Haven: The Room
Stepping inside the hotel, you’re greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere, far from the imposing exterior. The friendly staff at the reception desk further reinforce this welcoming ambiance. Check-in is a seamless process, and our room was ready for us. We ascended to the sixth floor in one of the hotel’s sleek elevators.
The room exceeded our expectations, offering ample space and modern decor. The standard room was bigger than anticipated, with every corner meticulously designed. Even the bathroom, complete with an inviting shower, was surprisingly spacious. The only minor disappointment was the window, which faced an internal corridor. However, we soon discovered that the window was tinted, offering privacy and allowing us to enjoy the view without being seen.
Relaxation and Rejuvenation: Health Club and Spa
To escape the chill of an autumnal London day, we descended to the hotel’s health club and spa. Guests have complimentary access to the state-of-the-art gym and the serene spa facilities. While we opted to skip the spa treatments, we thoroughly enjoyed relaxing in the health club.
The health club features a large, albeit slightly chilly, swimming pool, a jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room. These amenities, although shared with other guests, add a significant value to the hotel experience. We spent a relaxing hour taking advantage of these facilities.
Dining Delight: Room Service
For dinner, we decided to indulge in room service, opting for a cozy night in instead of venturing out in the cold. Using the room’s menu and phone, we ordered our meal, anticipating a 25-minute wait. However, our food arrived much sooner than expected.
While the prawn cocktail starter was decent, it lacked the wow factor. However, the pizza we ordered was a real treat, light and flavorful, disappearing quickly before I even had a chance to take a photo. The in-room minibar ensured a well-stocked drink selection, and settling the bill at check-out was a hassle-free experience.
Restful Retreat: Sleep and Breakfast
The king-size bed was incredibly comfortable, offering a peaceful night’s sleep. Despite the minimal outside light, I woke up convinced it was still night. The only minor annoyance was the two illuminated phones in the room, but it was a small inconvenience.
Morning brought the promise of a delectable breakfast. We arrived at the breakfast buffet (served from 7am to 11am on Sundays) and were fortunate to be seated immediately. The spread was impressive, featuring both hot and cold options, with additional hot dishes available upon request. Tea and coffee were served promptly by attentive waiters. We savored a leisurely breakfast, taking advantage of the diverse selection. The dining area, much larger than I anticipated, continued the elegant and luxurious theme that permeated the entire hotel.
A Touch of Elegance: Hotel Amenities
The hotel’s interior was tastefully decorated with beautiful artwork and exquisite furniture in the communal areas. The glass-walled elevators provided panoramic views of London as you ascended and descended the hotel floors. Unfortunately, the elevators were quite busy on Sunday morning, prompting us to take the stairs.
Check-out was as smooth as check-in, and we left promptly at 11am, determined to have made the most of our stay.
Final Thoughts: A London Gem
The Grange Tower Bridge Hotel is a true hidden gem in London. It offers a luxurious experience at an affordable price. We paid only £150 for our standard room on a Saturday night. I highly recommend this hotel to anyone seeking a touch of luxury in the capital without breaking the bank.
