citizenM Tower of London Hotel

A Comprehensive Review of citizenM Tower of London Hotel: Modern Luxury with an Iconic View

The citizenM Tower of London Hotel, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently earns high praise for its innovative approach to hospitality, combining smart technology, stylish design, and an unbeatable central London location. Guests frequently highlight its "affordable luxury" ethos, making it a popular choice for modern travelers seeking comfort and convenience without unnecessary frills.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for citizenM Tower of London is overwhelmingly positive, with average guest ratings typically ranging from 8.5 to 8.8 out of 10, frequently categorized as "Excellent" or "Very Good" across major booking platforms. The sentiment is one of appreciation for a hotel that delivers on its promise of a tech-savvy, comfortable, and well-located stay.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of the hotel:

• Location: Its prime position directly above Tower Hill tube station is a standout feature, offering unparalleled accessibility to London's major sights.
• Design & Atmosphere: The hotel embraces colorful, artsy, and unique designs, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere in its communal spaces and lobby, which are often described as cozy and ideal for working, relaxing, or socializing.
• CloudM Rooftop Bar: The bar on the top floor is a major draw, offering "amazing views" of the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and the London skyline, particularly at sunset.
• Technology: The integrated in-room iPads for controlling various room functions are a guest favorite.
• Comfortable Beds: The "cloud-like" or "mind-blowing" XL king-sized beds receive frequent mentions for their comfort.

3. Room Quality

The hotel offers 370 rooms, all designed with a consistent, compact, and highly functional layout. While "small" or "teeny-tiny" in footprint (around 14 square meters), they are celebrated for their clever use of space and modern amenities. Each room features an XL king bed positioned against a wall-to-wall window, a powerful rain shower (some with a regular hose option), and a tablet (iPad) that controls everything from lighting (including mood lighting), temperature, smart TV (with free movies and streaming capabilities), and blackout blinds. Views can vary, with premium rooms offering "exceptional" vistas of the Tower of London or Trinity Square Gardens.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel features canteenM, a 24/7 bar-restaurant, and CloudM Rooftop Bar.

• Breakfast: A buffet breakfast, including both full English and continental options (croissants, bacon, baked beans, scrambled eggs), is served daily on the ground floor for an additional cost (typically £12.50 to £20 per person). Guests generally find it "delicious" and convenient, with options for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets.
• Lunch & Dinner: CanteenM also serves lunch and dinner with salads, sandwiches, and warm dishes. The food is often described as simple and flavorsome, though some guests have noted that warm dishes can be more akin to "microwave ready meals" and a "little pricey" for what they are.
• CloudM Bar: This rooftop bar offers a selection of drinks, including cocktails, wine, and beer, complementing the stunning panoramic views.

5. Service & Staff

The service at citizenM Tower of London is frequently praised as "friendly, helpful," and "unpretentious." While the hotel utilizes efficient self-check-in and check-out kiosks, staff (referred to as "ambassadors" or "citizens") are always on hand to provide assistance, making the process smooth and personalized when needed. Guests appreciate this balance of efficient technology and readily available human support.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel's location is a significant advantage, receiving nearly perfect scores from guests. It is "ideally situated right above Tower Hill Station" (Circle and District lines), providing "mind-blowingly easy" access to the rest of London via the Underground. Key attractions are within walking distance:

• Tower of London: Less than 0.6 miles (1 km) away, practically opposite the hotel.
• Tower Bridge: A short 6-8 minute walk.
• Sky Garden: Approximately 600 meters away.
• St. Paul's Cathedral and London Bridge: Also easily accessible. London City Airport is about 6-6.2 miles (10 km) away.

7. Value & Pricing

citizenM positions itself as offering "affordable luxury" and generally lives up to this. Prices for a night's stay can range from approximately £84 (for mycitizenM members) to £125-£153+, depending on the season and booking time. Guests often find it to be "excellent value for money for London," particularly considering its prime location, modern facilities, and high level of comfort.

8. Common Complaints

While largely positive, some recurring criticisms include:

• Room Size: The compact nature of the rooms is a frequent point of discussion. While designed efficiently, they can feel small, especially for two people with large luggage.
• Bathroom Privacy: The design of the bathroom area, often described as a "wet room" with frosted glass, can lead to a lack of privacy, with sounds carrying easily.
• In-room Amenities: The absence of traditional amenities like tea/coffee making facilities or a mini-fridge in the room is sometimes noted, though a mini-fridge is mentioned in one source.
• iPad Control Issues: While generally praised, some guests have reported occasional glitches with the iPad control system, such as it crashing or the TV not connecting properly.
• Breakfast Cost: The buffet breakfast, while good, is an additional cost and some guests feel it can be a bit expensive for the offerings.
• Housekeeping Frequency: Housekeeping might be on request or less frequent for longer stays, which could be a minor inconvenience for some.

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