citizenM London Bankside
20 Lavington Street, London, England, UK
Neighborhood: Southwark, Lambeth & Waterloo
Check availability as rates may vary for dates. Best rate guaranteed.
London, more than just about any other city in the world, needs something like citizenM; the idea of a low-cost lodging that’s fit for human habitation, much less one that’s in possession of a modicum of visual style, is one that would, until recently, have met with nothing but derisive laughter around these parts.
That was before it actually opened. Now that the citizenM concept is producing tangible results, it’s quickly converting the non-believers. The rooms, while far from palatial, are attractively designed and surprisingly comfortable. King beds span the width of the rooms at their far ends, and the showers, though somewhat spacecraft-like in aspect, get the job done. In fact there’s a bit of an air of sci-fi utopianism about the place, and it’s only reinforced by the MoodPad, the touch-screen device with which guests control the room’s not inconsiderable array of electronics.
A sensible and stylish café completes the package — this is not the sort of place where you while away the day in the hotel’s various libraries and drawing-rooms. It’s a pied-à-terre in the purest sense, and canteenM is meant to get you out the door in high spirits.
Speaking of which: given the present (stratospheric) state of the property market north of the river, citizenM’s location is another area where it’s easy to see the savings. That’s not to say it’s an undesirable location, by any means; only that for the casual London visitor who’s never been farther south than the back side of Tate Modern, the Bankside/Southwark location is likely to feel slightly exotic. Then again the old familiar back side of Tate Modern is still only about three streets away.
- 192 Rooms
- Style: Modern Design
- Atmosphere: Lively
- 3 Guest Reviews
- citizenM London Bankside
- 20 Lavington Street
- London, England, UK
- Neighborhood: Southwark, Lambeth & Waterloo
Hotel amenities and services
- Bar
- Boardroom
- Business center
- Central air conditioning
- Free wi-fi
- Garden
- Lounge
- Multi-lingual staff
- Shopping area nearby
- Wake-up service
Other London hotels
3 Guest Reviews
All reviews are from Tablet guests with verified stays.
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- Tomas
- Stayed April 2013
- Rating: Excellent
What I liked:
Simplicity & comfort
What the hotel could do better:
Nothing, had a wonderful stay!
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- thomas
- Stayed April 2013
- Rating: Good
What I liked:
Very clever layout and hyper functional room. Extremely comfortable bed and shower, and loved the free movies and music on oversized tv. The concept is really spot on for a business traveller (not ideal if travelling with kids). The public space was alive both in the evening and at breakfast. The concept is spot on. Best value for money in London. Full stop.
What the hotel could do better:
As the location is on the other side of the river, the front desk could have better / easier transit directions for bus and tube. One minor comment in overall great experience from a former hotel executive.
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- Woodrow
- Stayed March 2013
- Rating: Excellent
What I liked:
The rooms are simple but chic, everything you need and nothing you don't. Very comfortable bed and the tablet control system worked well although we were unable to change the colour of the shower from green no matter how we tried.
The public areas are very well arranged and the food is surprisingly reasonably priced. It isn't deluxe but it's fun, relaxed and modern. We'll be checking out CitizenM in other cities for sure.
What the hotel could do better:
The hinges on the bathroom room are noisy. It was impossible to open them quietly, which is annoying in the middle of the night when you don't want to disturb your partner.
In fact, they are so loud we could hear the door hinges clunking away from the rooms next door to ours. This really needs fixing!
