Club Quarters Hotel St. Paul's

In a purpose-built block with a landmark-style entrance of flags and revolving glass doors, the Club Quarters makes a good first impression. Though a bit impersonal, the slick lobby offers self-check-in screens while the adjacent Club Lounge takes on a friendlier tone with free tea, coffee, and snacks alongside newspapers. An area with workspaces, printers, and computers provides a handy spot for the many corporate guests. Also convenient are the "Guest Request Closets" on each floor, outfitted with extra pillows, irons and ironing boards, and other supplies. There's nothing that really stands out here, but it ticks off the boxes for an affordable, central stay.

The Club Quarters sits on a busy but not overly noisy Central London street with pretty architecture, cafes, and offices. The beautiful St. Paul's Cathedral is just a two-minute walk down the road. Bordering the City of London financial district, the hotel is in an ideal position for business travelers. Tourists also appreciate its proximity to the river, a six-minute walk where the Millennium Bridge can be crossed to reach Shakespeare's Globe and the Tate Modern (12 and 14 minutes, respectively). There are great transport links right by the hotel, with City Thameslink station a two-minute walk and St Paul's tube a five-minute walk. On the Central Line, it's four stops to the shops of Oxford Street and just one more for the upscale boutiques of Bond Street. A supermarket is one-minute away on foot and Paternoster Square, with its retail outlets and cafes is just as close.Heathrow Airport is just over an hour by taxi or, for those willing to brave multiple train changes, just under an hour by public transport. From London City Airport, it's half that (car or public transit). The hotel is also near multiple bus routes.

Rooms have dark, masculine decor that's a bit dated. The design consists of dark blue carpeting and striped bedspreads, wood-paneled headboards with matching furniture, and more colorful wall art. Though a bit underwhelming, they're well-maintained and well-outfitted with workspaces, ergonomic chairs, and wireless printing. Fast Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and iPod docks are also provided, but there are no fridges or safes. At 17 square meters (183 square feet), Standard Rooms are compact, and Club Rooms aren't much bigger. Superior Rooms feature small kitchenettes with microwaves and fridges, and the One-Bedroom Suites also have pullout sofas in a separate seating area. Bathrooms have some color and come equipped with tiny showers and worn tiles, as well as toiletries and hairdryers. Note that some guests have complained of noise due to thin walls and issues with climate control.

The Club Lounge is definitely the hotel's liveliest spot. A mix of brightly colored club chairs, assorted tables with soft-gray accents, stand-alone lamps, and ceramic vases give an informal feel, plus the free tea, coffee, and snacks provide a welcoming approach. Mindful of its corporate guests, it also includes a professional area with work desks, high stools, computers, and printers. Five conference rooms are also on-site. A well-equipped fitness center is open 24 hours and there's a laundry room with washer/dryers.The hotel's Cote restaurant offers French bistro dining, has a small outdoor seating area, and in the mornings, serves a continental breakfast (not included). Room service is available and there's also the option to order from multiple nearby restaurants. Unlimited free filtered water is available on every floor alongside vending machines in the "Guest Request Closet".