Novotel London Blackfriars

Upscale but accessible, Novotel London Blackfriars offers modern interiors that are sleek without being stuffy. Even the lobby's front desk is decidedly casual, just two small white reception desks next to an internet corner. Floor-to-ceiling windows here look out on the street and lead to the hotel's restaurant -- Jamboree -- a far more playful space with distressed wooden tables, industrial lights, and a neon sign reading "Smile." Off the lobby, a main seating area has a bit of a midcentury look with armless with gray and tan seating, long tables for working, and a cheery snack station with free coffee/tea, snacks, and candy in glass jars.

The brand's kid-friendly features means that this Novotel attracts its fair share of families. But while they're the main clientele, the facilities and central location tends to attract high numbers of couples and business travelers, too. 

One of the selling points for Novotel London Blackfriars is its location just off Blackfriars Road, a short walk from the South Bank. Restaurants abound on surrounding streets, and it’s well within walking distance of major attractions. Shakespeare’s Globe is a 20-minute walk away, while the London Eye takes 15 minutes to reach on foot. Westminster attractions such as Big Ben and Westminster Abbey are a 25-minute walk away. It's a two-minute walk from the Southwark tube station. It takes an hour to get to Heathrow Airport by car or tube. 

While guest rooms at the Novotel are streamlined and minimalist, they retain a certain warmth thanks to strategic splashes of color and a few midcentury-inspired details. Decor is largely in a neutral soft-brown palette, with modular light-wood furniture. Headboards in a circular print add color, as do the seating and throw cushions in splashes of yellow, red, or blue. Rooms offer MP3 players, flat-screen TVs, safes, air-conditioning, kettles, and minibars. Suites and Executive Rooms add Nespresso machines, and some of the Executive Rooms have furnished balconies. Bathrooms are also sleek, with coffee-brown tiling. They're are separated from living areas by glass screens, and though the glass can be transformed from transparent to opaque with the touch of a button, it may not offer enough privacy for all travelers. All bathrooms have walk-in showers, and those in Suites add bathtubs. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided.

The Novotel offers a good range of amenities, including a daily breakfast buffet of hot and cold items (not included in room rates). It's served at the restaurant, which also offers international dishes at lunch and dinner. Note that lines for breakfast can get long in the mornings. There's also a bar serving liquor, and while room service is available, past guests have reported limited hours. Other features include a heated indoor pool as well as a sauna and a modern gym with cardio and weight-training equipment. A meeting room and a business center with Macs and a printer is available to business travelers, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. 

As is often the case with Novotel properties, the hotel is family-friendly offering free stays and breakfast for up to two children under 16 years of age, as well as other perks like cribs, baby tubs, and welcome gifts for kids. Pets are welcome (for a fee). Note that there's no on-site parking, not unusual for this part of London.