You know what struck me first about Tower Suites by Blue Orchid? The building itself – it’s this sleek glass tower that somehow doesn’t feel cold or corporate once you’re inside. I mean, you’re literally in the heart of the City of London here, right on Minories (that’s the street that runs between Tower Hill and Aldgate, if you’re trying to place it), and honestly, the location is pretty incredible. You can walk to the Tower of London in about three minutes – I timed it – and Tower Bridge is right there too. But here’s the thing most people don’t realize: evenings and weekends, this whole area goes quiet because it’s primarily the financial district. So you get this weird contrast where you’re steps from major tourist sites but also in this almost residential-feeling bubble when the bankers go home.
The suites themselves are actually impressive – and I’m usually pretty skeptical about places that call themselves five-star. Each one has a proper kitchen, which is huge if you’re staying more than a couple nights or traveling with kids. The windows are floor-to-ceiling, and depending on which way you’re facing, you’ll either get views of the Tower of London or the city skyline. The staff seems to genuinely know what they’re doing too – check-in was smooth, and when I had a question about the washing machine (yeah, they have those in-room), someone came up within ten minutes. Small thing, but it matters. The decor is sort of modern-minimalist but warm – lots of wood and neutral colors, nothing too trendy that’ll look dated in five years.
What really sells this place for me is how it works for different types of trips. If you’re here for business, you’re a quick tube ride to anywhere in the City, and there’s a Waitrose literally across the street for groceries. Tourist-wise, you’re walking distance to Borough Market, the Thames Path, and obviously all the Tower stuff. The 8.6 rating makes sense – it’s not perfect (the air conditioning can be a bit loud, and parking is expensive even by London standards), but it delivers on what it promises. I’d actually stay here again, which is saying something because I usually like to try new places. It’s one of those spots where you feel like you’re living in London for a few days rather than just passing through.