This is part of a continuing series of my impressions and experiences staying at various hotels and resorts while traveling to attend concerts worldwide. This stay was during my extension trip throughout Eastern Europe and London in May and June 2013. This review is for citizenM London Bankside.
Property: citizenM London Bankside
Location: London, England
Address: 20 Lavington Street, London SE1 0NZ, England
Phone: 011 44 20 3519 1680
Website: www.citizenm.com/london-bankside
Room Type/Class: Standard
Date: May 27-29, 2013
TripAdvisor Page/Reviews: LINK
Booking Source: Booking.com
Overall Rating: 5/5 [Note: Score is totally subjective based on price, location, and comparison to “like” properties within same area and price range]
I loved this hotel. Very new, very unique, great location, great price. I would definitely stay again.
I was coming in from the European part of my trip, arriving late into Heathrow from Vienna, so it was a bit of a trek getting there via the tube with a lot of luggage. Unfortunately, the main line to this property was shut down due to an accident, so I had to navigate my way via a different tube station than the citizenM website instructions recommended, and it was late at night. I tried to navigate via the “Maps” app on my iPhone, which was not very accurate. With some wandering around, I eventually found the property.
While there is someone on staff to assist, you basically go through a self check-in process via a touchscreen computer, which is the first indication that you are staying at a different, more modern hotel.
The lobby, restaurant, bar, and other public areas on the floor level are all very impressive. The hotel is very modern and hip, but not in a lame, night club way, but a way that just exudes character. It is a lot of fun and has a great atmosphere.
Every step you take in this property you have a heightened awareness to check out all the fun little touches here and there. It is not just a place to stay, but explore and experience.
The room is super futuristic. While not large, what it lacks in square footage it makes up for with style and innovation. The first thing you notice is the Star Trek transporter-inspired toilet/shower area, which glows in any color you choose via your computer tablet. The latter also controls all lighting in the room, temperature, television (with an array of options), and more.
While the Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill I stayed at afterwards catered to the very old, this place had the polar opposite in mind, I think, when imagining the profile of potential visitors.
The sleeping part of the room is more like a loft… with a bed acting as most of the room, apart from the adjacent desk. There is also a mini fridge in the room.
I think it would be very crowded for more than one person in this room, but is perfect for the solo traveler.
I really loved this property and will definitely return in a future visit to London.
Below are photos taken during my stay…
Jason DeBord