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.