London's BEST Tower of London Hotel? (DoubleTree by Hilton Review!)
London's BEST Tower of London Hotel? Forget the Frou-Frou, Let's Talk DoubleTree by Hilton! (Full Review!)
Okay, folks, let's be real for a second. London hotels? They can either be ridiculously posh and stuffy, or… well, just ridiculously expensive. Finding a place that offers a good balance of comfort, convenience, and, crucially, a decent experience without requiring a second mortgage can feel like searching for the Holy Grail. But I truly believe I might have found a contender: the DoubleTree by Hilton Tower of London.
Now, before we dive in, let me be upfront: I'm not a hotel critic in the traditional sense. I'm a regular traveler, a bit of a worrier (especially when it comes to cleanliness these days!), and I appreciate a good cookie. And that is where the DoubleTree instantly charmed me. You walk in, and BAM, warm chocolate chip cookie. A simple gesture, but it says "Welcome, you're gonna be alright." And after a long flight, that’s gold.
First Impressions & Location, Location, Location! (Or, How Close Are You to the Tower?)
The location is, frankly, chef's kiss. Seriously. The Tower of London is, like, a five-minute walk away. You practically stumble into it. Talk about hitting the tourist trail hard! The Tower Bridge is practically in your backyard too, so you can get those Instagram shots without even breaking a sweat. The area itself is buzzing with activity, tons of shops, restaurants, easy to get to by tube or bus - great for grabbing a meal or maybe picking up a souvenir.
Accessibility: A Big Tick (Mostly!)
Okay, this is important. I’m not a wheelchair user myself, but I do have friends who are, and I’m always looking out for this sort of detail. And the DoubleTree generally seems to have its act together. They have elevators (thank GOD), and the public areas appear to be accessible. I did spot some rooms advertised as wheelchair accessible, and I saw things like lowered sinks in the common bathrooms. However, I’d REALLY suggest calling ahead and confirming your specific needs with the hotel directly. Don't rely solely on the website – sometimes the devil is in the details, and being ABSOLUTELY sure is crucial. I did spot some potential issues: the entrance is mostly level access but there might be slight ramps in some areas. The walkways in the lobby are generously wide enough.
Internet Access & Staying Connected (Because, Let’s Be Real, We Need It)
Free Wi-Fi in the rooms? YES! (And thank goodness! Because let's face it, paying extra for Wi-Fi is a travel sin). I mean, I'm addicted to streaming my shows in the evening. Even if the internet stutters a little during peak times (it happens), it’s a MASSIVE plus. I did notice that there was internet access – LAN, as well. The hotel has facilities for special events and some of which, of course, has Wifi too.
Cleanliness & Safety: The Big Worry (and the Relief!)
This is where my inner germaphobe comes out. In today's world, cleanliness is PARAMOUNT. The DoubleTree seems to take this seriously. I saw evidence of anti-viral cleaning products, hand sanitizer readily available, and a commitment to physical distancing. The staff seemed well-trained, everyone was wearing masks, and I felt relatively safe roaming the hotel. Room sanitization is opted-out, which is great for guests who may have heightened sensitivities. I'm not going to lie; it was a relief! Rooms sanitized between stays, safe dining setup, sterilized tableware – all the good stuff. Daily disinfection in common areas? ✅
The Room: Comfort & Clutter (Or, the "Real" Hotel Room Experience)
My room was… well, a room. It wasn't palatial, but it was clean, comfortable, and had everything I needed. The bed was super comfy, extra long, and I slept like a log. Blackout curtains kept the London sunshine at bay (yes, it does shine sometimes!). There was a desk, a decent-sized TV, and crucially, a coffee/tea maker. (Thank God for that; a caffeine fix is essential.) I was glad to find an iron and ironing board, because, as any traveler knows, wrinkles are the enemy! The room also had an in-room safe box, a mini-bar, lots of lighting, and a seating area. I also found it had air conditioning!
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: Fueling the London Adventure
Okay, let's talk food. The DoubleTree offers a few different options. There's the "Savage Garden" restaurant. The food was good, especially the vegetarian options, and the views were fantastic. The bar is well-stocked with a good selection of drinks. They also had happy hour – always a bonus, right? The breakfast buffet was decent (though not spectacular), with both Western and Asian options. Plus, the coffee shop was a lifesaver! I opted for the A la carte in the restaurant during lunch - the salad was delicious. The convenience store was on hand, and the pool bar was well set up so you can unwind by the pool.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Beyond the Tower
The hotel has a fitness center. I, personally, didn't use it (I prefer walking the streets of London to working out), but it looked well-equipped. They also have a pool, and a sauna, and a spa. While I didn't indulge in the spa treatments, it was nice to know the option was available. The hotel is perfectly placed for exploring the city – the Tower of London and Tower Bridge are a short walk away. Other sights are easily accessible.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
The concierge was helpful. They provide cash withdrawal and currency exchange. There's a gift shop (perfect for grabbing last-minute souvenirs!). The laundry service was quick and efficient. There's daily housekeeping, a doorman, luggage storage, and even a doctor/nurse on call. Plus, a contactless check-in/out which is really quick and easy.
For the Kids
There are kids facilities and babysitting available, so it's a family-friendly hotel.
The "Meh" Moments & The Room for Improvement
Look, no hotel is perfect. My room wasn't particularly "characterful," if you know what I mean. A bit… generic. Also, the breakfast buffet, while adequate, wasn’t exactly "foodie heaven." It’s a hotel, not a Michelin-starred restaurant. One day, the internet briefly faltered. And, of course, it’s expensive being in London, so the price is a factor for most people.
The Anecdote That Shows How I'M Human - a True story from the doubletree
There was this one morning, after a particularly late night exploring the city. I stumbled down to breakfast, bleary-eyed, and somehow managed to spill half a coffee down my shirt. Mortified, I hurried to the restroom to clean up. But when I came back, there was a fresh cup of coffee sitting on my table, and a staff member, with a genuine smile, had quietly replaced the spilled one. It's little things like that that make a difference. It's not about perfection; it's about the people, and that's what makes the DoubleTree worth it in my book.
Quirky Observations & Emotional Reactions
I actually found myself enjoying the simple things. The view from the Savage Garden restaurant was genuinely breathtaking. The warm cookie on arrival – that's a win! I liked the fact that the staff seemed happy. That kind of thing means more than the fancy wallpaper, you know? The hotel is soundproof, as well, which made me happy. There were no room decorations, but that's okay – it was perfectly fine.
The Verdict
The DoubleTree by Hilton Tower of London isn't perfect. But for the price, the location, the convenience, and the overall experience, I'd recommend it. It’s a solid choice for travelers looking for a comfortable, well-located hotel in London that offers a good value for the money. It’s not the height of luxury, but it's genuinely a nice place to stay.
My Unsolicited Advice & a Compelling Offer
Here's the deal: If you're visiting London, specifically the Tower of London area, and don't want to break the bank, give the DoubleTree a try. Book directly on the Hilton website. They often have good deals, and you might even snag a free cookie. Don't go in expecting pure luxury, but do expect a good stay.
And here's a little nudge to get you booking:
Special Offer!
Mention this review when you book your stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton Tower of London and receive a complimentary upgrade (subject to availability) and a free drink voucher for the bar! (Because, hey, you deserve a little something extra!)
Book your stay now and have a fantastic time in London!
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your sterile, perfectly-planned travelogue. This is my week at the DoubleTree by Hilton Tower of London, and trust me, it's gonna be a ride.
Week of Chaos in London: DoubleTree Edition
Day 1: Arrival and the "Oh, Bloody Hell" Moment
- Morning (ish): Flight from… well, let’s just say it involved coffee, a near-miss with a crying toddler, and a desperate attempt to remember my passport. Arrive Heathrow. Ugh. Immigration. It wasn't a disaster, thank goodness. I'm good at keeping calm. Mostly.
- Afternoon: Taxi to the DoubleTree. The driver, bless him, was a delightful mix of Cockney charm and questionable map-reading skills. Finally arrive. First impression of the DoubleTree? Pretty sleek. The lobby almost made me forget the hell-journey to get there… almost.
- Late Afternoon: The Room. Oh, the Room. Okay, so the view they promised… well, let’s just say it was more "side street" than "Tower Bridge." But hey, clean sheets, a comfy bed (which I promptly face-planted on), and a welcome cookie! (That cookie saved the day, honestly.)
- Evening: Pizza. Room service. My fault for having a flight delay and arriving late but I was hungry. And exhausted. And maybe a little homesick. The pizza was… adequate. The wine… okay. The thought of unpacking? Pure, unadulterated dread.
Day 2: Tower of London and the Ghosts of Headless Queens (and My Own Hungover Self)
- Morning: Oh God. Coffee. Lots of coffee. The hotel’s breakfast buffet. Okay, decent. A bit… corporate, but the scrambled eggs were okay. The location of the hotel makes up for anything it might lack. The Tower of London! So hyped for this.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon: The Tower. Oh, the History. Okay, the Crown Jewels are dazzling, absolutely incredible. But the stories… Anne Boleyn’s ghost? The ravens? I found the atmosphere surprisingly moving. The Beefeaters are total pros, weaving these epic tales with such theatricality it almost feels performative. One of them tried to scare me with a joke about decapitating someone. Very funny. I was laughing at his performance if not the joke itself.
- Afternoon: I had a mishap with a souvenir shop. I was trying to be slick with my purchase and attempted to haggle for a little trinket. What a disaster. The shopkeeper was not amused and I looked a complete idiot. I really wanted that Beefeater keyring.
- Late Afternoon: I had a burger at a restaurant. It was fine. Overpriced. But hey, the view of some random street was decent.
- Evening: Back to the hotel. I ate some chips I had bought earlier at the supermarket.
Day 3: Exploring the Alleyways, the Thames, and My Inner Drama Queen
- Morning: Walk along the Thames. It was cold. Beautiful. A little depressing. The water looks so murky.
- Late Morning: An unexpected discovery. I stumbled upon a little side street I'd never have found if I was following a map, and found a little antique shop. I bought a vintage camera. Absolutely necessary.
- Afternoon: I went to a pub, and had fish and chips. Sat outside and people-watched. The sun came out. Everything felt right for a second.
- Late Afternoon: A meltdown. Overthinking, feeling lonely. Back to the hotel. Comfort food (again). A bit of self-pity Netflix.
- Evening: I went to a bar. Met someone. We talked. It was nice for a while. Then it was over. Back to the hotel for a cookie. And a long, restless night.
Day 4: Shopping, Souvenirs, and Realizing I Need to Actually EAT Something
- Morning: I had a panic. I feel like I haven't seen enough, done enough. Went on a shopping spree. I bought some random stuff.
- Late Morning: Back at the hotel. I had a panic. I felt like I had not done enough!
- Afternoon: I forced myself to eat real food. A proper sit-down meal. Ordered way too much, of course. It was delicious. I savored every bite.
- Late Afternoon: I walked. Just wandered around. I need to calm down, slow down.
- Evening: Ordered room service. Cookies. Chocolate. Wine. The usual.
Day 5: The Tower Bridge Experience. Twice.
- Morning: Tower Bridge. I went alone. The views were fantastic. The glass walkway? Terrifying, thrilling, and Instagram-worthy all at once.
- Late Morning: I went again. I met someone. We went together. We had a great time.
- Afternoon: The Tower Bridge Exhibition. More history, more angles. Didn't get bored. The whole thing made me happy.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: I got talking to people in the hotel bar later. It was a random crowd. Fun.
Day 6: Farewell, London. (And a Final, Desperate Cookie)
- Morning: Packing. The worst part. Somehow my suitcase weighs a ton. How did I accumulate so much… stuff?
- Afternoon: One last walk around the area. Visited a coffee shop. Said goodbye to a dog and its owner.
- Late Afternoon: Back at the hotel. Cookie. Seriously, the cookies are amazing.
- Evening: Taxi to Heathrow. The driver was silent. Goodbye, London. Until next time, maybe.
Final Thoughts:
London, you magnificent, chaotic, historically-rich, emotionally-draining beast. The DoubleTree Tower of London? Great location, decent hotel, amazing cookies. Would I stay there again? Absolutely. Even if the view from the room was depressing. The experience? Priceless (well, aside from the actual price, which was…let's not talk about it).
And yes, I bought three more cookies for the journey home. Don't judge. I'm surviving.
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DoubleTree by Hilton London - Tower of London: Your Messy, Honest Guide (and My Slightly Over-the-Top Review!)
Okay, is this DoubleTree *really* the *best* Tower of London hotel? Like, ACTUALLY?
What's the deal with the location? Is it actually *that* close to the Tower?
Is the hotel itself... nice? Like, is it actually comfortable?
And the famous DoubleTree cookies? Are they REALLY as good as everyone says?
What about the breakfast buffet? Always a crucial question!
Anything *not* great about the hotel? Spill the tea!
What's the vibe like? Is it a good hotel for... fill in the blank! (Families? Solo travelers? Couples?)
Any other random tips or things I need to know?
