You know what caught me off guard about the Residence Inn Tower Bridge? It’s actually tucked away on Bermondsey Street – and I mean that in the best possible way. Instead of being stuck right on the tourist trail, you’re on this fantastic little street that’s become seriously cool over the past few years. There’s this proper London village feel happening here, with Jose Tapas Bar practically next door (honestly, book ahead) and the weekend antique market at Bermondsey Square just a five-minute walk away. The hotel itself feels more like extended-stay apartments than your typical chain property, which makes total sense when you see the full kitchens in every room. I mean, you’ve got a proper fridge, dishwasher, the works – perfect if you’re staying more than a couple nights or just want to grab some groceries from Borough Market instead of eating out every meal.
The location thing is interesting because you’re definitely south of the river, but Tower Bridge is literally right there. I’m talking about a ten-minute walk to cross over into the City, and you can see the bridge from some of the upper floors. What I really appreciated was how quiet it gets at night – Bermondsey Street has restaurants and pubs, sure, but it’s not Leicester Square madness. The staff seemed genuinely helpful when I was trying to figure out the best way to get to Canary Wharf (DLR from London Bridge, in case you’re wondering), and check-in was refreshingly straightforward. The rooms themselves are spacious by London standards – you can actually open your suitcase without climbing over it, which is saying something. The design’s clean and modern without being sterile, though honestly, some of the furniture shows a bit of wear. It’s a 4-star place with a 7.9 rating, and that feels about right – it’s really good at what it does without trying to be fancy.
Here’s the thing that’ll probably seal the deal: you’re walking distance to Borough Market, the Shard, and all the South Bank attractions, but you’re also incredibly well-connected by transport. London Bridge station is maybe eight minutes away on foot, and from there you can get pretty much anywhere. The neighborhood’s got this perfect mix of local life and tourist accessibility – you’ll see people heading to work in the morning, not just other travelers dragging suitcases around. If you’re the type who likes to feel like you’re staying somewhere with character rather than just a convenient bed, this spot delivers. The kitchens make it practical for longer stays, the location gives you that “living in London” vibe, and you’re still close enough to everything that matters. Just don’t expect cutting-edge luxury – think more like a really well-located, comfortable base that happens to be part of a reliable hotel chain.