Bermonds Locke, Tower Bridge

Hotel Description

Look, I’ll be honest – when I first walked up to Bermonds Locke on Tower Bridge Road, I wasn’t expecting much. The building’s pretty understated from the outside, sort of blends into that stretch of Southwark that’s still figuring out what it wants to be. But then you step inside and it’s like… oh, okay, someone actually thought about this place.

The lobby has this warm, lived-in feeling that’s hard to fake – think exposed brick mixed with soft lighting and furniture that looks like it belongs in a really good friend’s apartment. You know what I mean? Not trying too hard to be trendy but definitely not your grandmother’s floral patterns either. The staff actually seems to know the neighborhood too, which is rarer than you’d think. When I asked about getting to Borough Market, the guy at the desk didn’t just point me toward the Tube – he mentioned the walking route along the Thames Path and warned me it gets absolutely mobbed on Saturday mornings (he was right).

What really sold me on this place was the apartment-style setup. I mean, having a proper kitchen when you’re staying more than a couple nights? Game changer. The kitchenette isn’t just for show either – decent-sized fridge, stovetop that actually works, real plates instead of those sad plastic things. Perfect for when you’ve grabbed too much cheese at Borough Market and need somewhere to properly enjoy it. The rooms themselves feel spacious without being sterile, and honestly, the beds are better than what I’ve got at home. There’s something about the way they’ve done the lighting – lots of options, so you’re not stuck with either cave-dark or hospital-bright.

The location’s pretty brilliant if you’re the type who likes to walk everywhere. Tower Bridge is literally a five-minute stroll, and you can get to London Bridge station in about the same time when you need to hop on the Tube. But here’s the thing nobody tells you – that whole area around London Bridge gets absolutely hectic during rush hour. Like, shoulder-to-shoulder chaos. If you’re planning to check in on a weekday evening, maybe grab dinner first and arrive after seven when things calm down.

I spent a fair bit of time just wandering the neighborhood, and it’s got this nice mix of old pub culture and new food spots. There’s this little coffee place called Monmouth that’s been around forever, tucked between some trendy restaurants that probably weren’t there six months ago. You get the sense that locals haven’t been completely pushed out yet, which gives the area some actual character.

The only real downside? Parking’s a nightmare if you’re driving – but honestly, that’s just London. And sometimes the elevators move like they’re thinking about it, especially when the hotel’s busy. But for the price point and the fact that you’re staying somewhere that feels like an actual home base rather than just a place to crash? Pretty solid choice. I’d definitely book it again, especially if I was staying more than a weekend.

Rooms

• City Studio with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Locke Studio with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Locke Studio- Accessible with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Locke Studio Twin with 2 single beds for 2 adults, 1 child
• Courtyard Suite with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• One Bedroom Open Plan Suite with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• One Bedroom Suite with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child

Facilities