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I’ve stayed in a lot of London hotels over the years. Some were tiny boxes with a view of a brick wall. Others were beautiful but so far from everything that I spent half my trip on the Tube. So when I heard about The Tower Hotel, right on the Thames next to Tower Bridge, I was curious. Could this actually be one of the best london hotels for someone who wants location, comfort, and that magical London view?
I booked a three-night stay to find out. No sponsorships, no freebies – just me, my suitcase, and a very critical eye.
In this review, I’ll tell you everything: what works, what doesn’t, who this hotel is for, and whether it deserves a spot on your places to stay in london shortlist. Let’s get into it.
Table of contents ⇅
First Impressions: Location, Location, Location
You know that moment when you step out of a taxi and your breath catches? That happened here. The Tower Hotel sits on the north bank of the Thames, literally between Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. I walked out of the car, looked up, and saw Tower Bridge glowing in the afternoon light. I hadn’t even checked in yet and I was already taking photos.
Request a room facing the river when you book. I’ll explain why in a minute.
Pro Tip
The lobby is modern, spacious, and busy – in a good way. There’s a constant flow of tourists, business travellers, and families. Check-in was smooth. The staff at the front desk were professional and friendly, though not overly chatty (which I appreciate after a long flight).
The Rooms: Comfortable, Clean, and All About That View
I booked a standard double room with a river view. And let me tell you – that view is the entire reason to stay here.
From my window, I could see Tower Bridge in all its glory. At night, the bridge lights up and reflects on the water. I sat there with a cup of tea (yes, I fully embraced the British stereotype) just watching boats go by. It felt like a postcard.
The room itself was solid. Not huge – this is London, after all – but perfectly comfortable. The bed was firm but not hard, with crisp white linens. The bathroom was clean and modern, with a good shower (good water pressure, which is surprisingly rare in London hotels). There was a desk, a small closet, a flat-screen TV, and complimentary tea and coffee.
What I loved: The soundproofing was excellent. I heard almost no noise from the hallway or nearby rooms. And despite being so close to a major tourist attraction, my room was quiet at night.
What I didn’t love: The room was a bit dated in places. Think early 2000s decor – beige walls, dark wood furniture, nothing terrible but nothing exciting either. Also, the air conditioning was a little finicky. I had to fiddle with it a few times to get the temperature right.
Is this a 5 star hotels london experience? No. The Tower Hotel is a solid 4-star property. If you’re looking for white-glove service, marble bathrooms, and a butler, this isn’t it. But if you want a clean, comfortable room with one of the best views in the city, keep reading.
The Views: Worth Every Penny
I need to dedicate a whole section to the views because they’re spectacular.
From my room, I could see Tower Bridge up close – not just a glimpse, but the whole structure. From the hotel’s riverside bar and restaurant, you get an uninterrupted view of the Thames, the bridge, and the Tower of London.
I had breakfast one morning watching the sun hit the bridge. I had a drink at sunset watching the city lights turn on. It’s the kind of view that makes you feel like you’re in a movie.
If you’re debating between a river view room and a standard room, spend the extra money. You’re already in London. Don’t save £50 to stare at a car park.
What’s Nearby: You Can’t Beat This Location
Here’s where The Tower Hotel really shines. You are steps away from London’s most iconic landmarks.
Within walking distance (literally minutes):
- Tower Bridge Exhibition – 450 metres. You can see it from your window.
- Tower of London – 500 metres. Home of the Crown Jewels. Go early to avoid crowds.
- Tower Bridge – 500 metres. Walk across it. Take 47 photos. It never gets old.
- Butlers Wharf – 550 metres. Lovely riverside restaurants and shops.
Restaurants and cafes right outside the door:
- Vicinity Restaurant – 10 metres. Literally attached to the hotel.
- Costa Coffee – 100 metres. For your morning caffeine fix.
- The Lawn – 100 metres. A nice spot for a casual meal.
Top attractions within a short Tube or bus ride:
- HMS Belfast – 1.4 km. A warship museum moored on the Thames.
- Somerset House – 3.6 km. Gorgeous courtyard and art exhibitions.
- Trafalgar Square – 4.1 km. The heart of London.
- Banqueting House – 4.2 km. Stunning architecture.
- Big Ben – 4.3 km. Currently under renovation but still worth seeing.
Airport access:
- London City Airport – 10 km. A quick taxi or DLR ride.
- London Heathrow – 27 km. About an hour by Tube or taxi.
- London Gatwick – 47 km. Take the Thameslink or Gatwick Express.
This location is perfect for first-time visitors to London. You can walk to the Tower of London, cross Tower Bridge, explore the South Bank, and even walk along the Thames to Shakespeare’s Globe and the Tate Modern. I barely used the Tube during my stay – that’s how central this is.
Don’t Miss Out
If you’re wondering about the best area to stay in london for sightseeing, the Tower Hill / St Katharine Docks area is a fantastic choice. It’s central, safe, and quieter than Leicester Square or Covent Garden, but still close to everything.
Dining: Breakfast with a View
I had breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant both mornings. It’s a buffet style – eggs, bacon, sausages, pastries, fruit, cereal, yogurt, and made-to-order omelettes. The food was good, not great. It’s your standard hotel breakfast. But the view of Tower Bridge from the dining room? Unbeatable.
I also had a drink at the riverside bar one evening. Prices are typical for London (read: not cheap). A glass of wine was around £10. A cocktail was £14-16. But again, you’re paying for the view as much as the drink.
There are plenty of other dining options within a 5-10 minute walk. St Katharine Docks has several nice restaurants overlooking the marina. I had dinner one night at a Italian place there and it was lovely.
My tip: Skip the hotel breakfast one morning and walk to a nearby café. It’s cheaper and feels more local. But do have at least one breakfast at the hotel – the view is worth the splurge.
Is It Worth Staying Here?
Pros:
- Unbeatable location next to Tower Bridge and Tower of London.
- Incredible river views from many rooms and the public areas.
- Good soundproofing – surprisingly quiet despite the tourist crowds.
- Clean, comfortable rooms with good showers.
- Friendly and efficient staff.
- Easy access to public transport (Tower Hill Tube station is a 5-minute walk).
- Close to London City Airport – great for business travellers.
Cons:
- Rooms are a bit dated. Don’t expect ultra-modern luxury.
- Breakfast is overpriced for what it is (but the view helps).
- No swimming pool or spa (if that matters to you).
- Can be busy with tour groups, especially in summer.
- Parking is expensive (but honestly, don’t drive in London).
Is it one of the best hotels in london? For location and value, absolutely. For luxury and modern design, no. It depends what you’re after.
Who Is This Hotel For?
After my stay, I have a clear picture of who will love The Tower Hotel.
Perfect for:
- First-time visitors to London. You’ll be steps away from the sights.
- Families. The rooms are spacious enough, and kids love watching the bridge open from the window.
- Solo travellers who want a safe, central location. I felt completely comfortable walking around at night.
- Photographers. The sunrise and sunset views of Tower Bridge are incredible.
- Business travellers using London City Airport. It’s a 15-minute taxi ride.
Not ideal for:
- Luxury seekers. If you want a 5-star experience with a spa, Michelin-starred restaurant, and designer toiletries, look at The Shard or The Savoy.
- Budget travellers. This is a mid-range to upscale hotel. You can find cheaper options further out.
- People who hate tourists. The area is packed with visitors. If you want a quiet, local neighbourhood, this isn’t it.
Practical Tips for Your Stay
I learned a few things during my visit. Let me save you some trouble.
Book a river view room. I can’t say this enough. The standard rooms face an inner courtyard or a car park. The river view is what makes this hotel special.
Join the loyalty programme. The hotel has a free membership that gives you discounts on food and drink. I signed up at check-in and saved 10% on my breakfasts.
Visit the Tower of London early. It’s right next door, but it gets insanely crowded by 10 AM. Go when it opens at 9 AM. You’ll thank me.
Don’t Miss Out
Walk across Tower Bridge at night. The bridge is lit up beautifully. It’s free, it’s magical, and it’s 500 metres from your hotel.
Use the Tube wisely. Tower Hill station (District and Circle lines) is a 5-minute walk. It connects you to Westminster, South Kensington, and Paddington easily.
Pack comfortable walking shoes. You’ll be walking everywhere. I averaged 20,000 steps a day. My comfortable walking shoes for Europe saved my life.
Bring a portable charger. You’ll be taking photos constantly – the bridge, the river, the Tower. Your phone battery will drain. I always travel with a high-capacity power bank.
Use a universal adapter. London uses Type G plugs (three rectangular prongs). Don’t forget a UK travel adapter.
How to Book the Best Rate
I booked through an affiliate partner and got a better rate than the hotel’s own website. You can check current prices and availability here:
They often have free cancellation options, which is great if your plans might change. I also recommend comparing a few dates – weekend rates are higher, but Tuesday and Wednesday nights are usually cheaper.
Final Verdict: Is This One of the Best London Hotels?
After three nights, I left The Tower Hotel feeling genuinely happy with my choice.
It’s not the fanciest hotel in London. It’s not the most modern. But for location, comfort, and that absolutely stunning view of Tower Bridge, it’s hard to beat. If you’re visiting London for the first time, or if you’re a returning traveller who wants to be in the heart of the action, this hotel delivers.
I woke up every morning, opened my curtains, and saw one of the most iconic sights in the world. I fell asleep watching the bridge lights twinkle. And I walked to more landmarks than I could count without ever needing a bus or Tube.
So yes – for me, The Tower Hotel is absolutely one of the best london hotels for travellers who prioritise location, views, and solid comfort over ultra-luxury. Would I stay again? In a heartbeat.
Book it if: You want a central base with a world-class view and don’t mind slightly dated rooms.
Skip it if: You need 5-star luxury, a spa, or a quiet boutique experience.
Your Turn
Have you stayed at The Tower Hotel? Or are you planning a trip to London and considering it? Let me know in the comments – I’d love to hear your experiences or answer any questions.
And if you book through my link, thank you so much. It helps me keep writing honest reviews like this one.
Safe travels, and enjoy London.
