I’ll be honest – when I first walked up to Hotel Saint London on Aldgate High Street, I wasn’t expecting much. The area’s got this interesting mix of old City workers rushing around with briefcases and tourists trying to figure out which way Tower Bridge is (it’s about a 10-minute walk southeast, by the way). But once you step inside, there’s this immediate sense that someone actually thought about what travelers need.
The location is honestly pretty brilliant, even if it doesn’t scream “glamorous London hotel” from the outside. You’re right in the thick of the City, which means weekdays it’s buzzing with finance types, but weekends? It gets surprisingly quiet since all the office buildings empty out. I mean, you can actually hear yourself think on a Saturday morning. Plus, you’re walking distance to some genuinely cool spots – Spitalfields Market is maybe 15 minutes if you cut through the side streets, and the whole Shoreditch scene is right there when you want something grittier than the usual tourist trail. The Aldgate East tube stop is practically around the corner, which saved me so much time getting around the city.
What really got me about this place was the attention to small things that actually matter. The rooms have these fantastic blackout curtains – and trust me, when you’re dealing with those bright summer mornings or trying to sleep off jet lag, you’ll appreciate them. The beds are properly comfortable, not just hotel-acceptable, and there’s enough space to actually unpack without living out of your suitcase. You know what’s rare in London hotels? Decent water pressure in the shower. They’ve got it sorted. The staff genuinely seems to know the neighborhood too – I asked about finding a good curry place that wasn’t totally touristy, and the guy at reception sent me to this spot on Brick Lane that I never would’ve found otherwise. Check-in was smooth, no weird waiting around or surprise fees, and they stored my bags without making it feel like a huge favor. Sure, the building itself isn’t some grand Victorian masterpiece, but honestly? Sometimes you just want a place that works well without all the fuss. The 8.6 rating makes total sense once you’ve stayed there – it’s the kind of place you’d book again without hesitation.