Novotel London Tower Bridge

The scene at the Novotel London Tower Bridge is set by an eclectic array of modern pieces -- collected individually by the previous manager -- that come together for a stylish, upscale feel. The lobby is illuminated by natural light and features various sitting areas: a round table surrounded by colorful velvety stools and finished with suspended wire sculptures, and metallic '70s-inspired egg chairs surrounding a rustic wood table. The restaurant, Keepers, follows suit with a gentle rustic-hipster feel: wood floors, an array of chairs, industrial-style pendant lights, and a raw stone wall behind the bar. The look is a nice change from many of the surrounding large hotels that have more of a generic, chain-hotel feel, though it doesn't extend to the guest rooms. The hotel caters to both London's financial workers and tourists (including families with children), with amenities geared toward both kinds of guests.

The Novotel London Tower Bridge caters to both London's financial workers and tourists with its proximity to the business district as well as the Tower of London. The property shares the street with other hotels, pubs, restaurants, and other attractions that draw crowds visiting the Tower of London. The hotel is just a two-minute walk from the Tower Hill tube station (Circle and District lines).

• Six-minute walk to the Tower of London
• 11-minute walk to Whitechapel Art Gallery
• 12-minute walk to Tower Bridge
• 20-minute walk to Borough Market
• 22-minute walk to Globe Theater (17 minutes via public transit)
• 19 minutes to Westminster Abbey via public transit
• 21 minutes to Trafalgar Square via public transit
• 24 minutes to Buckingham Palace via public transit
• One hour to Heathrow Airport or Gatwick Airport via public transit

Room decor is less stylish than the hotel's common areas, but it's nonetheless tasteful, clean, and contemporary, usually with neutral wall-to-wall carpeting, white walls, and light brown wood laminate furniture. Even entry-level Superior Rooms are fairly spacious for a central London hotel, and include desks along with queen beds and sofa beds, sleeping up to four people. Bathrooms tend to be neutral but modern, with beige tile floors, white tile walls with blue accents, and modern white fixtures. They include shower/tub combos with rainfall showerheads. Some rooms have a transparent wall separating the room from the bathroom, but the push of a button transforms this into an opaque wall. 

All rooms are air-conditioned and include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, coffee/tea facilities, mini-fridges, laptop safes, irons, hairdryers, and toiletries. Upgraded rooms might add free bottled water, Nespresso coffeemakers, Bose iPod docks, bathrobes and slippers, and other extras. Room service is available 24/7. Guests should note that Executive Rooms are situated on the first two floors, and guests in street-facing rooms sometimes complain of noise issues. Other complaints include noisy air-conditioning.

The hotel has a restaurant and bar, Keepers, which serves good food in a stylish hipster/rustic setting. The restaurant offers a good breakfast buffet (for a fee), as well as lunch, dinner, and drinks. The name is likely a homage to the hotel's own beekeeping feats, as it cultivates honey on its rooftop and serves it in dishes and signature cocktails. Live music plays in the bar area on some nights. Room service is available 24-hours.

The hotel has a small but modern fitness room with weightlifting equipment and cardio machines, including treadmills with individual screens. There's also a small spa area with loungers and a sauna, both modern and well maintained. 

The hotel caters to business travelers with seven meeting and event rooms that can host up to 90 people, as well as two computers and printers. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Family-friendly amenities include a small game room with an Xbox, as well as welcome gifts for kids. There's a 24-hour front desk, but no dedicated concierge, though staff are generally helpful. The hotel also lacks on-site parking, and while staff can direct guests to parking options, there are none in the immediate vicinity.