The Tower

Historical views

Tower Thistle (now marketed as a Guoman hotel)

Average, but comfortable, rooms. This hotel's best feature is location and views. Located across the road from the Tower of London, on the bank of the Thames and Tower Bridge. A few minutes walk from Tower Bridge tube, the DLR and also on the bus route to take the bus to Trafalgar Square. Rooms overlook either St Katherines Dock or the river and Tower Bridge - we have tried both and have to state the obvious really, you cant beat the view of Tower Bridge. Can get a bit noisy if there's a lot of river traffic going by, but it adds to the fun! If you ask for a tower view room when booking, they will try and allocate you one. Didnt try the in-house restaurant or coffee shop but they looked popular and the menus seemed to cater for all tastes. Efficient check in, even at busy times. Suitable for both family holidays and romantic breaks.

Unique Quality: Spectacular location and views.

• Opinion of Price: more expensive than average

The Tower Photo: stunning view from our hotel room.

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Hotel by London Tower

• Opinion of Price: about average

The Tower

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Good location

Welcome to the 1970's

The hotel no longer sports the 'Thistle' logo as it has now been put into a new division of the company called 'Guomen'. It still has a way to go before it is seen as an exclusive brand.

I found a good deal for 79 pounds, posted it on the VT deal section and stayed there ready for the VT january meeting (2006)
Unfortunately, if you book a cheap room you end up on an un-refurbished floor. It was probably the height of fashion in 1973, but the chocolate covered room (furnishings rather than food you understand) has had nothing done to it since. This type of room would be an embarrasment to a one-star hotel, yet alone a place that claims 4 stars.

I explained this at great length to the duty manager. To give him his due, he arranged a free upgrade. The new room was much more what one would expect. Only the horribe window fittings remained from the 1970's and they were probably heritage- protected as an design feature.

Therefore, if you do book this hotel, ensure you get one of the modern rooms.

Breakfast too is not up to scratch. The buffet was acceptable, but a 'full english' in a four-star should be individually cooked. Mine was lukewarm at best. I also asked for fresh coffee - and recieved a pot of stewed tea. To make matters worse the room was decorated with some cod medieval rubbish pertaining to the tower of London, and I could see people drinking proper coffee in a starbucks in the Dock are through the picture window.

My wife commented that I had booked 'The tower', but the real 'Tower of London' would probably have been more comfortable. Well, at least you get to wake up in the morning here.

Unique Quality: Superb views of St Katherine's dock, the Tower of London or Tower Bridge.

Superb location then also - although it is a good 5 minute walk or more to the nearest tube.

• Opinion of Price: more expensive than average

The Tower Photo: I am an ugly duckling

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Four stars and a perfect view on the Thames

Comments will follow ....

Unique Quality: Located next to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge and very close to the financial district, this modern four-star hotel offers about 800 well-equipped bedrooms, apartments and suites, all with superb views.

• Opinion of Price: more expensive than average
• Related to: Castles and Palaces, Budget Travel, Historical Travel

The Tower Photo: Thistle Hotel

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Right by Tower Bridge

There are some stunning views to be had of the River Thames and Tower Bridge from this hotel. It is right next to Tower Bridge (approx 1-2 mins walk!). It is also not much further to the Tower of London.

As you can see this is one ugly hotel from the outside. This is pretty plush, but is certainly not one of Londons finest hotels. Really you are paying for location and view.

It's also pretty big, I believe it has around 800 rooms. There is air conditioning and a gym.

Unique Quality: The view!

• Opinion of Price: more expensive than average

The Tower Photo: Thistle Tower (St Katharines Way London E1W 1LD)

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A Room with a View

The Tower Thistle is a four star hotel found by the side of the River Thames overlooking Tower Bridge.
There are 800 rooms which are comfortable with the usual Tea and coffee facilities we English enjoy so much.
For Breakfast there is either a continental or a full English, buffet style choice.

If you are going to the Theatre or would just like to eat early, the hotel offers a carvery at a special price for early diners.

In addition to its location on the Thames, you can walk to the Tower of London within a few minutes.

If you don't want to eat in the hotel but want to cheap meal, there is a JD Witherspoons pub near by.

Unique Quality: Great Location,
Wonderful Views,
Near Tube.
Good Food

• Opinion of Price: N/A

The Tower Photo: Tower Bridge from our Room

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Average Hotel

This big hotel is located on the east side of London, next to the popular tourist attraction, the Towers of London. It has fantastic views on the Tower Bridge, the Thames and what I loved most, St Katherine's Docks.
There're quite a lot of shops and restaurants in the area. One of the rare hotel I stayed in where breakast was included...but I'd recommend to go to one of the many bakeries around instead.
The rooms are very, very standard and clean.
I'd suggest this hotel only for a business stay because, as it's mostly a business area, all is pretty much dead after 6pm and everything is closed during week ends.

• Opinion of Price: about average

The Tower

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Tower Bridge Location

The location is suberb - on one side of the hotel is Tower Bridge and on the other the St Katherines Dock Marina.

It`s a four star rated hotel with good facilities and a quiet location just minutes from the busy centre of London.

The rooms have everyhting needed - hairdryer - trouser press - tea & coffee facilities - telephone and computer points.

Unique Quality: If your budget allows book a suite - they have fantastic views of Tower Bridge and full facilities - kitchen , lounge etc

The Carvery restaurant is a good option if you want to eat in the hotel - it`s buffet style with a good selection of choices available and at under £20 per person excellent value.