Premier Inn London Bank (Tower) Hotel

A typical Premier Inn chain hotel, this property is geared toward business travelers, but it's equally convenient for sightseeing tourists, too. Though it's not remarkable in terms of character or decor, it’s a comfortable mid-range option. The forgettable exterior looks like the average office block, but it's surrounded by attractive historic buildings. Inside, the design is contemporary, even if the large lobby -- with its mix of gray carpet, tiled flooring, and predictably chain branding -- is a bit drab recalling a waiting room. Things are far more inviting in the cozy, cheerful Thyme restaurant and bar, sporting the chain's signature purple walls, warm patterned carpet, hardwood flooring, and vintage-style upholstery. It’s complemented by framed prints, vintage floral wallpaper, and plenty of soft lighting.

On a quiet cobblestone street, the hotel is in the heart of the Monument area, surrounded by offices. It’s conveniently positioned close to the City of London (the financial center), just a nine-minute walk away, or six minutes by public transport. The Tower of London is a seven-minute walk away, and both The Shard and Borough Market are 14 minutes away on foot. The location is also well connected to the London Underground subway (aka the tube) -- the nearest stations are Monument (a four-minute walk away) and Bank (a nine-minute walk away).  St. Paul’s Cathedral is a five-minute drive or eight-minute bus ride away, while the London Eye is a 17-minute drive away, or 22 minutes away by public transport. Big Ben is 16 minutes away via public transport, while Leicester Square and Oxford Street take about 20 minutes. London City Airport is an 18-minute drive or a half-hour via public transport; Heathrow Airport is 39 minutes away by car or around an hour by public transport; and Gatwick Airport is around an hour away whether by taxi or public transport.

The Premier Inn's 184 Double, Twin, and Family Rooms are simple but comfortable, and relatively spacious, sleeping up to two adults and two children. In all rooms, the chain's signature purple makes an appearance in the velvety bed runners, throw pillows, and shower curtains, punching up the otherwise neutral decor. Family Rooms have comfortable king-size beds against large, beige headboards paired with wood-paneled accent walls with built-in bedside lamps, plus a separate single sofa bed. Other walls are plain white with the odd canvas print, complemented by patterned gray carpet; there’s also a basic desk and a small open closet. While windows are decently sized, they can’t be opened, and not all rooms have views. Amenities in all rooms include individual heating and air-conditioning, 40-inch flat-screen TVs, hairdryers, and coffee- and tea-making facilities -- but no safes or mini-fridges. Free basic Wi-Fi is available in all rooms, and faster access is available for a fee. Bathrooms are basic and compact, with dated linoleum flooring, white tiling, and white woodwork. There have shower/tub combos with fixed showerheads; and small, rectangular sinks; and purple mosaic tile trim. Soap and body wash toiletries are in large wall-mounted pumps. Rooms are well insulated to the outside, but some guests complain that interior walls are thin.

The Premier Inn provides few extra frills for its guests, and some of those features add additional fees. Self-service kiosks make checking in easy and fast, and there’s free Wi-Fi access throughout (but some guests complain that this is unstable) -- a faster connection is available for an extra fee. The excellent cooked or continental buffet breakfast offers a wide variety, but isn’t included in rates. The restaurant also serves good-value meals for dinner (although it's not open for lunch or other hours). And there’s no on-site parking; the hotel recommends a car park that’s a nine-minute walk away, but it’s pricey. The hotel’s staff gets consistent praise for friendly and helpful service, and accessories like power adaptors are available for a fee in the lobby.