Experience London’s Past & Present: A Review of citizenM Tower of London

Imagine waking up to a view that has witnessed a millennium of history. Such an extraordinary experience awaits guests at the citizenM Tower of London hotel, the Dutch brand’s impressive new flagship property. Nestled directly beside one of London’s most iconic and historic landmarks, the Tower of London, this hotel offers more than just accommodation; it provides a unique gateway to the city’s rich heritage combined with cutting-edge contemporary design.

Opened earlier this month, this 370-room marvel is the largest citizenM property to date. Designed by the renowned Amsterdam-based Concrete, the hotel embodies a fresh approach to urban lodging. Our recent stay offered the incredible vista of the ancient Tower, a sight that truly captivated us from the moment we checked into our room. This strategic location marks citizenM’s second venture in London, following their successful Bankside hotel, which opened in 2012. With a third property slated to open in Shoreditch in September, citizenM is rapidly expanding its innovative footprint across the capital.

The citizenM Philosophy: Affordable Luxury for Modern Travellers

At the heart of the citizenM brand lies a compelling philosophy: “affordable luxury for modern travellers.” This concept is flawlessly executed at the Tower of London hotel, proving that thoughtful design and intelligent use of space can elevate the travel experience without an exorbitant price tag. The hotel targets a new generation of global citizens who prioritize style, comfort, technology, and prime locations, all within a reasonable budget.

Innovative Room Design and Smart Technology

One of the most remarkable aspects of citizenM’s design approach is the use of prefabricated room modules, which are precisely crafted off-site and then efficiently lifted into place during construction. This innovative method ensures consistent quality across all 370 rooms and streamlines the building process. While the rooms are designed to be compact, the clever use of space is nothing short of impressive, making every square inch count.

Each room, regardless of its position, is a testament to functional elegance. Guests are greeted by floor-to-ceiling windows, which not only flood the space with natural light but also perfectly frame the external views, especially those overlooking the historic Tower. Central to the room’s comfort is a huge, exceptionally comfortable super king-size bed, adorned with premium linens that promise a restful night’s sleep. Entertainment is readily available on a large flat-screen TV offering a wide array of on-demand movies, ensuring guests have plenty of options for relaxation.

The bathroom, cleverly integrated as a wet room, features a fantastic rain shower, providing a refreshing and invigorating experience. Every detail, from the ambient lighting to the placement of amenities, is meticulously thought out, ensuring that despite the compact footprint, the room never feels cramped or lacking. Instead, each element delivers a powerful punch of utility and aesthetic appeal.

A key differentiator in the citizenM experience is the in-room iPad, which serves as your personal assistant. This intuitive device puts control over your environment at your fingertips, managing everything from the automatic blinds and the extensive range of ambient lighting settings (allowing you to tailor the mood to your preference) to the television and even your morning wake-up call. This seamless integration of technology enhances both comfort and convenience, allowing for a truly personalized stay.

All rooms adhere to the same high standard of design and comfort; there are no traditional suites or ‘superior’ categories. However, for those seeking an unforgettable stay, securing a room with an external view is highly recommended. While some rooms offer serene views of an internal courtyard, the panoramic vistas from rooms overlooking the Tower of London are truly breathtaking, providing an unparalleled backdrop to your visit.

Vibrant Common Areas and Curated Artistry

Beyond the private sanctuaries of the rooms, the ground floor of citizenM Tower of London buzzes with an inviting energy. It features a sprawling, comfortable lobby designed as a series of interconnected living rooms, offering versatile spaces where guests can eat, drink, meet for appointments, or simply unwind. Plush sofas and stylish lounge chairs beckon visitors to relax, creating a friendly and social atmosphere that encourages interaction and creativity.

For the modern professional or digital nomad, a dedicated communal workspace equipped with iMacs and printers is available free for guest use. This thoughtful amenity is perfect for those who prefer to travel light, leaving their laptops at home, yet still need to catch up on work during their stay. It exemplifies citizenM’s understanding of the contemporary traveller’s needs.

The hotel’s commitment to design extends throughout these public areas, which are meticulously curated with iconic pieces of furniture and art. Upon entering, guests are greeted by a captivating cluster of George Nelson bubble lights, setting an immediate tone of sophisticated modernism. The Vitra furnishings are a roll call of design legends, including classic pieces by Verner Panton, Charles and Ray Eames, and Jean Prouvé. These selections not only provide comfort but also transform the lobby into an inspiring gallery of modern design, fostering an environment where art and functionality converge.

A striking Julian Opie art piece commands attention, acting as one of the main focal points within the vibrant communal areas. This contemporary artwork adds a dynamic visual interest that perfectly complements the hotel’s modern aesthetic.

Further enhancing the hotel’s artistic credentials, a mesmerizing kinetic light installation by the acclaimed Dutch design duo Studio Drift gracefully floats up and down the internal courtyard. This captivating piece brings an element of ethereal movement and light, transforming the central space into an ever-changing art experience, visible from many points within the hotel.

cloudM: London’s Premier Rooftop Bar with Panoramic Views

Crowning this exceptional hotel is cloudM, an absolutely stunning rooftop bar that redefines the London skyline experience. This dramatic double-height space boasts expansive floor-to-ceiling windows and a magnificent wrap-around terrace, offering truly unparalleled views of the city’s most iconic landmarks. From this vantage point, guests can gaze upon the historic grandeur of Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, to the modern architectural marvels of the Shard and the Gherkin.

During our visit, we indulged in expertly crafted gin cocktails from the East London Liquor Company, all while soaking in what are undeniably some of the finest panoramic views London has to offer. Whether it’s day or night, the atmosphere at cloudM is simply electric, making it the perfect spot for a romantic evening, a sophisticated business meeting, or simply a memorable moment with friends. It’s a destination in itself, drawing both hotel guests and savvy locals alike.

An Unforgettable Stay: Comfort, Convenience, and Value

After an engaging evening hosted by We Blog Design, we retired to our room and experienced one of the most comfortable nights of sleep we’ve had in a hotel in a very long time. The enormous, sumptuously soft beds live up to their promise of ultimate comfort. Remarkably, despite the hotel’s prime location directly above Tower Hill tube station, the room was virtually silent, offering an incredibly peaceful retreat from the bustling city outside.

Among all the hotels we’ve reviewed recently, citizenM Tower of London stands out as one we are most eager to return to. This strong desire is partly due to its unbeatable central London location, a constant priority for our city stays, but even more so because of its unique blend of affordable luxury and sophisticated contemporary design. The hotel successfully captures the vibrant energy of a busy central London location, yet simultaneously provides a welcoming, creative, and inspiring environment where guests can truly relax and feel completely at home.

With rooms starting from an attractive £109 per night, citizenM offers exceptional value, allowing for more of your budget to be allocated to enjoying those incredible cocktails on the breathtaking rooftop terrace. It’s not just a place to sleep; it’s a holistic experience that blends culture, comfort, and cutting-edge design, making it an ideal choice for discerning travellers seeking a stylish and intelligent stay in London.

Design Hunter was a guest of citizenM Tower of London. Our sincere thanks to Camron PR and We Blog Design for curating such a fantastic evening.