Leonardo Royal Hotel London City – Tower of London

First Impressions

Walking up to the Leonardo Royal Hotel London City – Tower of London, you can’t help but notice how it sits perfectly between the historic Tower of London and the modern bustle of the financial district. The building itself has this sleek, contemporary feel that somehow doesn’t clash with the medieval fortress literally next door. I mean, you’re basically staying in one of London’s most storied neighborhoods — Cooper’s Row has been here for centuries, and you can feel that history in the cobblestones under your feet.

Location & Getting Around

Honestly, the location is what sold me on this place. Tower Hill station is a three-minute walk away, which means you’re connected to both the District and Circle lines — pretty much anywhere in central London becomes ridiculously accessible. But here’s what I really loved: you can walk to the Tower Bridge in about five minutes, and Borough Market (trust me on this one) is just across the river. The City workers flooding the streets during weekdays actually add to the energy rather than making it feel crowded.

The Room Experience

The room I stayed in faced toward the Tower of London — and yeah, you can actually see bits of it from some windows, which never got old. The space felt modern and well-thought-out, with those floor-to-ceiling windows that London hotels do so well. The bed was comfortable enough that I didn’t wake up feeling like I’d been wrestling with it all night, and the bathroom had one of those rainfall showers that actually works properly. Small thing, but the blackout curtains were a godsend for someone who struggles with London’s early summer sunrises.

Dining & Amenities

The hotel’s restaurant serves decent food, though I’ll be honest — with Borough Market so close, I found myself eating there more often than not. But the breakfast was solid, and the coffee was actually good, which isn’t always a given. There’s a fitness center that’s well-equipped enough if you need to burn off all that market food, and the staff genuinely seemed to know the area well when I asked for recommendations. They pointed me toward some pubs in the area that I never would have found otherwise.

Why Guests Love It

This four-star hotel strikes that sweet spot between being professional and not feeling stuffy. You’re staying somewhere that business travelers use during the week, but it doesn’t have that sterile corporate feel that makes you want to spend all your time elsewhere. The combination of being steps from major historical sites while still feeling connected to modern London is pretty special. Plus, there’s something satisfying about staying somewhere that locals actually walk past on their way to work — it makes you feel less like a tourist, even when you’re obviously being one.