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Leonardo Royal London Tower Bridge Prescot Street London

So picture this: I’m sprinting down Prescot Street, rain lashing my face like a personal vendetta, clutching a wilting takeaway bag. I’d missed the turn for my hotel by a mile, and my phone—naturally—had died.

Then I saw it: a glowing, golden-lit entrance that promised warmth and a proper cocktail. That’s how I stumbled into the Leonardo Royal London Tower Bridge—completely by accident, and utterly unprepared for how good it was.

I walked in looking like a drowned rat, but the doorman didn’t even flinch. He just smiled and pointed toward the bar, and I knew I’d found my spot for the night.

The Vibe: Less “Hotel,” More “Your Cool Friend’s Flat”

Let’s be real—most chain hotels feel like they were designed by a committee of robots. This place? Not even close. The lobby has these enormous floor-to-ceiling windows that make you feel like you’re still part of the city, but with better lighting.

The decor is slick but not cold—moody blues, warm woods, and that one weird sculpture that you’ll either love or side-eye for an hour. I side-eyed it. No regrets.

It’s the kind of lobby where you can actually linger, not just dash through to find your room. I saw a guy doing laptop work at the bar at 11 PM, and honestly? Same energy.

Location, Location, Location (But Actually)

Prescot Street is a secret weapon for London tourists. You’re a three-minute walk from Tower Hill station, and another five from the Tower of London itself. That’s not a boast—that’s just geography being nice.

But here’s the irony: you’re literally yards from the tourist circus, yet the street itself is quiet. Like, suspiciously quiet. It’s the London equivalent of a backstage pass. (Pro tip: the Wetherspoon’s around the corner is cheap and chaotic—great for people-watching.)

Leonardo Royal London Tower Bridge, Tower Bridge - Restaurant ReviewLeonardo Royal London Tower Bridge, Tower Bridge - Restaurant Review

The Rooms: Small but Mighty (Like a Tardis Made of Pillows)

My room was a Junior Suite, and I’ll be honest: I expected it to feel cramped for the price. Nope. The bed was so massive I had to do a running jump to get into it. (I did a running jump. No shame.)

The bathroom had both a rainfall shower and a bathtub, which is basically a power move in central London real estate. Glass walls to the bedroom, too—so you can watch TV while soaking. Or, you know, not. I’m not here to judge your bath habits.

One weird thing: the window looks out onto a brick wall. But honestly? I didn’t care. The curtains were blackout-level good, and I slept like a log that had been drugged.

Food and Drink: The Real MVP

Breakfast was a buffet of dreams. Smoked salmon, proper English bacon, a waffle machine that I absolutely used twice. The coffee? Not hotel-drip garbage—it was from a machine that actually remembers your order. (I almost proposed to it.)

The on-site restaurant, Porter’s Bar & Kitchen, is the kind of place where you can order a burger and feel sophisticated. I had the steak, and it came with truffle fries that I’m still thinking about. The bartender made me a negroni that was angry—in a good way.

Leonardo Royal London Tower Bridge in London | Best Rates & Deals on OrbitzLeonardo Royal London Tower Bridge in London | Best Rates & Deals on Orbitz

Even if you’re not staying here, swing by for a drink. The cocktail list has a section called “Flights of Fancy,” which is either genius or a copyright violation waiting to happen. I tried three. All winners.

The Little Things That Matter (And One That Doesn’t)

The staff remembered my name. Every single time. That level of attention is rare, and it makes you feel like you’re not just a reservation number. The concierge even drew me a map to a hidden pub, complete with a doodle of a pint.

But—and this is the ironic bit—the wifi was shockingly slow in my room. I had to sit in the lobby to upload a photo. In 2024? Really, Leonardo? It’s the only thing that felt “budget,” and it stood out like a sore thumb.

Still, would I trade that for the bathtub? Not a chance. The slower wifi forced me to actually talk to people at the bar. Social win?

Final Take: Should You Book It?

If you want a hotel that feels like a hug from a very stylish aunt, this is it. It’s not the Ritz, and it doesn’t try to be. It’s comfortable, smart, and in a location that makes you feel like you’ve hacked the London travel system.

Just bring a backup battery for your phone—and maybe a towel for that rainfall shower. You’ll thank me later.