Native Bankside

Hotel Description

Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first walked up to Native Bankside – the entrance is tucked away on this narrow cobblestone street called Bear Gardens that feels like it hasn’t changed much since Shakespeare’s time. Which, actually, makes sense because you’re literally a two-minute walk from where the Globe Theatre sits right on the Thames. The building itself has this industrial-chic thing going on, all exposed brick and steel beams, but it doesn’t feel cold or sterile like some of these converted warehouse hotels can.

What really got me was how they’ve managed to create something that feels distinctly London without being kitschy about it. The rooms have these massive windows – and I mean floor-to-ceiling – that flood everything with light during the day. Mine overlooked the river, and you know what? You can actually see St. Paul’s dome from some of the upper floors, which nobody mentions but totally should. The design is clean and modern but warm somehow, with these gorgeous hardwood floors and bathrooms that have rain showers you’ll want to spend way too much time in. I mean, the water pressure alone is worth mentioning – it’s rare to find that in older London buildings. The beds are properly comfortable too, which matters more than people think when you’re walking 20,000 steps a day around the city.

But here’s the thing that sets this place apart – the location is absolutely perfect if you want to feel like you’re staying in “real” London rather than tourist central. You’re on the South Bank, so Borough Market is basically around the corner (go early before the crowds hit), and you can walk along the river path all the way to Tower Bridge without dealing with traffic. The Tate Modern is maybe five minutes away, and there’s this fantastic pub called The George Inn that’s been serving drinks since the 1600s – it’s hidden in a little courtyard that most tourists never find. Plus, you’re close enough to cross over to the City or Westminster easily, but far enough away that you’re not dealing with the chaos of Covent Garden every time you step outside. The staff actually knows the neighborhood too, which sounds basic but you’d be surprised how often that’s not the case. They pointed me toward this tiny coffee shop on Redcross Way that I never would have discovered otherwise. Check-in was smooth, parking isn’t really an option around here (but honestly, you don’t need a car), and the area gets pretty quiet at night despite being so central. It’s the kind of place where you feel like you’ve found something special without having to compromise on comfort.

Rooms

• Small Studio with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Classic Studio with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Premium Studio with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Classic One Bedroom with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Premium One Bedroom with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Classic Two Bedroom with 1 double bed and 1 large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children

Facilities