On my last trip to London, I found myself facing that classic travel dilemma: do you prioritize location or room size? I ended up staying at CitizenM Tower of London, and honestly, it perfectly captures this trade-off. The hotel sits literally across from the Tower of London — you can’t get more central than that — but the rooms are what I’d call “efficiently designed” at best.
After spending three nights there, I can tell you exactly what you’re getting into and whether it’s worth it for your London trip.
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The Location is Actually Unbeatable
When you walk out of CitizenM’s front door, you’re staring directly at the Tower of London. I’m not exaggerating — it’s right there. This means you’re also steps away from Tower Bridge, the Thames Path, and Tower Hill tube station. The location advantage hits you immediately when you realize how much time and money you’re saving on transport.
I could walk to Borough Market in about 15 minutes, reach London Bridge in 10, and the Tower Hill station connects you to pretty much everywhere you want to go in London. If you’re planning to hit the major tourist spots — and let’s be honest, most of us are — this location eliminates so much of the “getting there” hassle that usually eats into your London time.
**PRO TIP:** Book the Tower Bridge view rooms if they’re available. Yes, you’ll pay more, but waking up to that view is pretty special. At least when I was there, the upgrade was around £30 per night.
The Room Reality Check
Now, about those rooms. CitizenM calls them “efficient,” and I think that’s fair. They’re small — definitely smaller than what Americans are used to — but everything has been designed with purpose. The bed is comfortable, the shower is actually quite good (better water pressure than some luxury hotels I’ve stayed at), and the tech integration is next level.
You control everything from a tablet: lights, curtains, temperature, even the TV. It sounds gimmicky, but it actually works well. The only thing I’d say is that if you’re traveling with luggage for more than a few days, storage becomes a real challenge. There’s space under the bed and a small closet, but that’s about it.
The rooms work perfectly for solo travelers or couples who plan to spend most of their time exploring London rather than hanging out in the hotel. If you need space to spread out or you’re claustrophobic, this isn’t your spot.
That Rooftop Bar Though
Here’s where CitizenM really shines beyond just location. The rooftop bar on the 12th floor offers some of the best views in London. You’re looking out over the Thames, Tower Bridge, and the London skyline. I spent a couple of evenings up there, and the atmosphere was fantastic.
The drinks are well-made — I think we actually had a couple of their signature cocktails that were pretty tasty, I would say. It’s not cheap (this is London, after all), but for the view and the experience, it felt worth it. The bar gets busy, especially around sunset, so if you want a good spot, get there early.
**PRO TIP:** The lobby area also has a great social atmosphere if the rooftop is too crowded. The design is modern and comfortable, and it’s a good place to plan your next day or just relax after walking around London all day.
What You Need to Know About Pricing
London hotels are expensive — there’s no way around it. CitizenM typically runs £150-250 per night depending on the season and how far in advance you book. For central London with this location, that’s actually competitive. When you factor in the money you’re saving on transport and the time you’re not spending getting to attractions, the value proposition makes sense.
Just don’t expect luxury hotel amenities. There’s no room service, no concierge, and definitely no sprawling bathroom with a separate tub. This is boutique efficiency, not luxury comfort.
The Verdict: Location Wins
After three nights at CitizenM Tower of London, I’d absolutely stay here again. The tiny room situation is real, but if you’re in London to explore the city rather than hang out in your hotel room, the location advantage is huge. Being able to walk to major attractions and having Tower Hill station right there makes everything easier.
Don’t get me wrong — if having space to spread out is important to you, look elsewhere. But if you want to maximize your London experience and don’t mind efficient living for a few nights, this place delivers.
The rooftop bar alone makes it worth considering, and waking up with the Tower of London as your view? That’s pretty special.
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