Introduction
Have you ever wondered if it's possible to enjoy panoramic views of London's iconic skyline without breaking the bank? While luxury accommodations in prime London locations typically command eye-watering prices, citizenm tower of london challenges this notion entirely. This revolutionary hotel concept has redefined affordable luxury, offering guests a sophisticated experience with rates that are often 30-40% lower than comparable accommodations. Situated just steps away from the historic Tower of London and overlooking the Thames, this modern hotel masterfully balances style, convenience, and value in one of the world's most expensive cities.
Destination Overview
The CitizenM Tower of London sits in a prime location at 40 Trinity Square, directly atop Tower Hill Underground Station and within a 5-minute walk of the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and the Thames Path. This 370-room property opened in 2016 and quickly became one of London's most talked-about hotels, earning an impressive 4.6/5 average rating across major booking platforms based on over 5,000 citizenm tower of london reviews.
The area surrounding the hotel brims with historical significance, with the Roman Wall remnants just across the street and the financial district of the City of London to the west. Within a 15-minute walk, guests can reach attractions like St. Katharine Docks, Monument to the Great Fire of London, and Leadenhall Market. The Thames riverside path offers scenic walks toward London Bridge, Borough Market, and beyond.
Best Time to Visit
London's weather is famously unpredictable, but timing your stay at CitizenM Tower of London can significantly impact both your experience and budget:
- April-June: Spring offers mild temperatures (12-20°C) with blooming parks and 30% fewer tourists than summer. CitizenM rates during this shoulder season average £129-169 per night.
- July-August: Peak season brings warmer weather (18-25°C) but also the highest hotel rates (£179-229) and tourist crowds.
- September-October: Early autumn provides pleasant conditions with gradually falling temperatures and hotel rates dropping to £139-189.
- November-March: Winter brings the lowest rates (often £109-149) outside holiday periods, with Christmas attractions and January sales as highlights despite cooler, damper weather.
Pro tip: Book 2-3 months in advance and check the hotel's website directly for "member rates" that can save you an additional 10-15% off regular prices.
How to Get There
Reaching CitizenM Tower of London is remarkably convenient:
- From Heathrow Airport: Take the Piccadilly Line to Hammersmith, then the District Line to Tower Hill (approximately 60 minutes, £6.30 with Oyster card).
- From Gatwick Airport: The Gatwick Express or Thameslink to London Bridge, then a 15-minute walk or one Tube stop to Tower Hill (45-60 minutes, £12-18).
- From St. Pancras International: Direct Northern Line to Bank, then one stop on the DLR or a 10-minute walk (25 minutes, £2.50 with Oyster).
The hotel sits directly above Tower Hill Underground Station, making it one of London's most transit-accessible accommodations. For those traveling with luggage, note that Tower Hill station has lifts (elevators) for step-free access.
Step-by-Step Itinerary
Day 1: Tower Area Exploration
- 8:30 AM: Enjoy the famous CloudM rooftop breakfast with panoramic views
- 10:00 AM: Beat the crowds with early entry to the Tower of London (pre-book tickets to save 15%)
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at nearby St. Katharine Docks, where waterside restaurants offer meals with views
- 2:30 PM: Walk across Tower Bridge and visit the Tower Bridge Exhibition
- 5:00 PM: Return to CitizenM for the complimentary happy hour (if booking direct)
- 7:30 PM: Dinner at Coppa Club Tower Bridge with its famous riverside igloos (book weeks ahead)
Day 2: City of London and Beyond
- 9:00 AM: Take the Monument & Banking walking tour (£15, 2 hours)
- 11:30 AM: Visit Sky Garden for free panoramic views (book entry time online)
- 1:30 PM: Lunch at Leadenhall Market, a Victorian covered market with numerous eateries
- 3:00 PM: Explore St. Paul's Cathedral (£18 entry)
- 6:00 PM: Return to CitizenM's CloudM rooftop bar for sunset drinks
- 8:00 PM: Dinner at Ember Yard in Soho (20 minutes by Tube)
Where to Stay
While this article focuses on CitizenM Tower of London, here's what makes this hotel stand out:
- Rooms: Compact but brilliantly designed 14m² rooms with XL king beds, wall-to-wall windows, and iPad-controlled lighting, temperature, and entertainment.
- Amenities: Free high-speed WiFi, 24/7 food and beverage service, self-check-in/out kiosks, and the stunning CloudM rooftop bar and terrace.
- Value: Starting at £109-229 depending on season, offering 4-star amenities at 3-star prices.
- Sustainability: The hotel has earned Green Key certification for its environmental initiatives.
Alternative nearby accommodations include:
- Budget: Premier Inn Tower Hill (£79-130)
- Mid-range: Novotel London Tower Bridge (£150-230)
- Luxury: Four Seasons Ten Trinity Square (£450-700)
Food to Try
Within minutes of CitizenM Tower of London, you'll find:
- Borough Market: A 15-minute walk away, London's oldest food market offers artisanal products and street food.
- Bravas Tapas: Spanish small plates at St. Katharine Docks.
- The Folly: Beautiful botanical-themed restaurant serving modern British cuisine.
- Emilia's Crafted Pasta: Handmade pasta with waterfront seating.
Don't miss CloudM's own menu, particularly their excellent breakfast with options for all dietary requirements and spectacular views across London.
Best Photo Spots
The CitizenM Tower of London itself offers some of the area's best photography opportunities:
- CloudM Rooftop Bar: Capture panoramic skyline shots including Tower Bridge, the Shard, and the Tower of London.
- Tower Bridge Walkway: For classic London postcard views (best at sunrise).
- St. Dunstan in the East: A bombed-out church turned into a secret garden (8-minute walk).
- One New Change Roof Terrace: For St. Paul's Cathedral framed against the modern city.
Common Travel Mistakes to Avoid
- Underground confusion: Download the Citymapper app before arriving for seamless navigation.
- Missing the CloudM experience: Many guests don't realize the rooftop bar is accessible to non-guests too.
- Over-planning: Allow time to enjoy the hotel's social spaces and technology.
- Peak-time visits: The Tower of London gets extremely crowded; arrive at opening or two hours before closing.
Conclusion
The CitizenM Tower of London represents the perfect marriage of location, design, and value in a city notorious for expensive accommodations. Its innovative approach to hospitality—eliminating unnecessary frills while emphasizing comfort, technology, and social spaces—has created a hotel experience that appeals to modern travelers seeking both quality and affordability. Whether you're visiting London for business or pleasure, this strategically located property offers an ideal base for exploring the city while providing Instagram-worthy views and experiences directly on-site.
FAQs
Is breakfast included at CitizenM Tower of London?
Breakfast is not automatically included but can be added during booking or on arrival for £16.95. The quality and views from the CloudM rooftop restaurant make it worth considering.
How far is the hotel from major London attractions?
The hotel is within walking distance of Tower of London (3 minutes), Tower Bridge (5 minutes), and London Bridge/Borough Market (15 minutes). Central London attractions like Covent Garden are 15-20 minutes by Underground.
Does CitizenM Tower of London have parking?
The hotel doesn't offer parking facilities. The nearest public parking is at Tower Hill Car Park, about 5 minutes walk away, costing approximately £25-35 for 24 hours.
Are the rooms at CitizenM Tower of London suitable for families?
The standard rooms accommodate a maximum of 2 adults in one XL king bed. Families would need to book multiple rooms, making this hotel better suited for solo travelers or couples.