Bankside Hotel, Autograph Collection

Hotel Description

You know what? I was skeptical when I first walked up to the Bankside Hotel – honestly, the entrance is pretty understated for a five-star place, tucked right there on Blackfriars Road where you’ve got construction noise during the day and that constant hum of London traffic. But step inside and it’s like someone flipped a switch. The lobby has this warm, industrial-chic thing going on that actually works, with exposed brick and these gorgeous leather chairs that don’t look like they came from a hotel furniture catalog.

What really sold me on this place is how they’ve nailed the location without shouting about it. I mean, you’re literally a two-minute walk from the South Bank – not the touristy bit everyone knows about, but the stretch where locals actually hang out. There’s this brilliant coffee shop called Monmouth (well, one of their locations) just around the corner that the hotel staff actually recommended instead of pushing their own café. The Tate Modern is right there too, and here’s the thing nobody tells you – if you walk out the back way from the hotel, you can cut through this little side street that dumps you practically at the museum’s entrance without fighting the crowds on the main path. The rooms are properly soundproofed too, which matters because Blackfriars can get rowdy on weekend nights.

The staff genuinely seem to know London, not just the obvious stuff. When I mentioned I was meeting friends in Bermondsey, the guy at reception didn’t just point me toward the Tube – he told me about the specific bus that’s faster during rush hour and drops you right where you want to be. Small thing, but it’s those details that tell you someone’s actually paying attention. The hotel restaurant is solid (though honestly, with Borough Market ten minutes away, you’d be mad not to explore), and they’ve got this rooftop space that’s not huge but gives you proper views over the Thames without the insane crowds you get at the Sky Garden. One tiny complaint – the elevators are a bit slow, especially during breakfast rush, but the stairs are wide and well-lit if you’re not hauling massive luggage. What impressed me most was how the place feels distinctly London without trying too hard. No fake British pub nonsense or over-the-top royal themed anything. Just good design, people who know their city, and that perfect spot where you can walk to both the ancient bits (hello, Shakespeare’s Globe) and the modern London that’s actually buzzing with life.

Rooms

• Modest King with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Modest Double with 1 double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Modest Queen with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Spacious King with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 3 adults, 1 child
• Generous Queens with 2 large double beds for 4 adults, 1 child
• Biggest Suite with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 3 adults, 1 child
• Ample King with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Starter Suite with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child

Facilities