Located near public transportation
Housed in a historic brick building that dates back to the 12th century
Clean rooms, some with kitchenettes
Free Wi-Fi and parking
Free tea, coffee, and biscuits on arrival, as well as fruit and water in rooms
Restaurant serves good Persian food
No air-conditioning, or elevator (stairs only)
Some rooms share bathrooms
No major tourist sights within walking distance
The Bridge Hotel is a budget option in London that strives to charm guests with hospitable touches, like free beverages and biscuits on arrival, and roses for the ladies. Located on a busy London corner in southeast London, the hotel is within walking distance of a few tube stations, but not much else. The rooms are basic and clean, though not much to look at; some have shared bathrooms, others have kitchenettes. Neither the amenities nor decor are fancy, but the rates are among the lowest in the area. The nearby London City Hotel is similarly priced, but the Bridge Hotel has more amenities, and is a better value.
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Scene
Historic building, with lots of quirky decor
What was once a store house in the 12th century is now the Bridge Hotel, a 33-room budget property in south London. Its stately architecture has been well-preserved, and is visible even as numerous "hotel" signs hang off the building. Inside, guests are greeted by a reception area with cozy couches, and free beverages and fruit. The vibe here is homey. The decor, while seemingly mismatched, adds a quirky charm to the place: There is a life-size statue of a British guard in the lobby, and a suit of armor in one corner, while the hallways feature ornately carved wood panelings, at the same time as fake flowers. The Bridge Hotel is popular with budget travelers who are attracted both by the prices and the location.
Location
In southeast London, near the Lambeth North and Borough tube stations
Major tourist attractions, like Big Ben, the Palace of Westminster and the London Bridge, are accessible from the Bridge Hotel via public transportation. The hotel is located under a 10-minute walk from three different tube stations -- Lambeth North, Borough, and Elephant & Castle -- and a 15-minute walk to the Southwark tube station. It shares its street with basic shops and restaurants, and there are many more within walking distance. London South Bank University is also across the street. There's not much else around here; most stay in the neighborhood for the cheaper hotel rates.
Rooms
Basic rooms, some with kitchenettes and private bathrooms
Guests have a wide range of choices at the Bridge Hotel, from Single Standard rooms to Double Ensuite Rooms, which have kitchenettes and private bathrooms. The decor in all the rooms is basic -- white and maroon linens, a framed art print, and floral curtains -- and the Ikea-style floor lamps are reminiscent of those found in a dorm. Rooms are, however, clean, and well-equipped. Each room comes with a bed, a desk, a small flat-screen TV, a cabinet, and a fan. A mini-fridge and a water kettle are useful bonuses. One caveat is that some rooms share bathrooms, but there are rooms with private bathrooms (with showers) available. Rooms overlook the street below, but noise from traffic is not really an issue.
Features
A cafe, and a restaurant serving authentic Persian fare
There are few special features at this budget hotel, but there is a cafe offering kebabs and quick bites, and breakfast is served in the beautifully decorated Persian restaurant in the basement. Heavy, carved wooden doors, plush red pillows, and intricate metalwork decorating the walls contribute to the festive vibe of the restaurant. As part of a future renovation, the hotel also intends to add an elevator, and a conference room in the basement.
