citizenM London Victoria Station

Hotel Description

So I’ll be honest – when I first walked into citizenM London Victoria Station, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The building sits right on Vauxhall Bridge Road, and from the outside it’s this sleek, modern thing that looks almost too cool for the somewhat gritty stretch it’s on. But that’s actually part of what makes it work, you know? You’re literally a two-minute walk from Victoria Station, which means you can stumble off the Gatwick Express with your luggage and be checking in before you’ve even processed that you’re in London.

The lobby hits you immediately – it’s this massive, colorful space that feels more like a trendy co-working spot than a hotel. There are these huge communal tables where people are actually working on laptops (and I mean actually working, not just pretending), oversized books scattered around that you can flip through, and the most comfortable chairs I’ve encountered in ages. The whole place buzzes with this energy that somehow manages to be both relaxed and productive. Check-in is done on these tablet things, which I thought would be annoying but honestly worked better than standing in line. The staff hovers nearby if you need help, but they’re not breathing down your neck.

What really surprised me about the rooms – and I mean this in the best way – is how they’ve managed to pack everything you need into what’s essentially a pretty compact space. The bed dominates the room (and it should, because it’s ridiculously comfortable), but they’ve got this mood lighting system you control from a tablet that makes the whole space feel different depending on what you’re going for. Want to feel energized? There’s a setting for that. Want to wind down? Different setting entirely. The bathroom is small but clever – rainfall shower, good water pressure, and they don’t skimp on the toiletries. One thing though – if you’re someone who spreads out all your clothes and needs tons of closet space, this might feel a bit tight. But for most people staying a few nights, it’s perfect.

The location really can’t be beat if you’re trying to get around London efficiently. You’ve got the tube right there, obviously, but you’re also walking distance to some genuinely good spots that tourists often miss. There’s this little Vietnamese place called Pho just down Vauxhall Bridge Road that’s become my go-to when I’m in the area, and if you head toward Pimlico (maybe a 10-minute walk), you hit some lovely residential streets that feel worlds away from the tourist chaos. The area gets a bit quiet in the evenings – it’s more business district than nightlife hub – but that actually means you sleep well, which isn’t always guaranteed in central London.

I keep coming back to this place because it just works. The 8.9 rating makes sense when you experience it – it’s not trying to be the fanciest hotel in London, but everything they do, they do really well. Plus, and this might sound weird, but the energy of the place makes you feel like you’re part of something rather than just passing through. Maybe it’s the communal spaces, maybe it’s the design, but you end up chatting with other travelers in a way that doesn’t usually happen at hotels.

Rooms

• King Room with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• King Room – View with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults

Facilities