It’s easy to get to, it’s stylish, newly refurbished and efficient. It’s the Leonardo Royal Hotel London City, part of a chain of 13 in the UK.
Formerly the Grange and now part of Jury Inns, it’s straddled by Fenchurch Street, Tower Hill tube stations and Tower Gateway DLR is just a four-minute walk away making this an easy-to-reach destination from most of the UK.
Those flying in have a choice of three nearby airports: London Heathrow Airport is 20 miles away London Gatwick Airport is 29 miles away London City Airport is 10 miles away.
Reception area
I got there just after the three-o’clock check-in and found an airy atmosphere, calming lighting and plenty of space with a highly efficient trio of reception desks. Others were already being served but check-ins were processed quickly so I was in my bedroom within minutes.
Quiet nooks and crannies close to the reception area
At the same time, there are also cosy nooks and crannies for a quiet moment to regroup. Walls are adorned with plenty of artwork hanging both around the hotel and in the rooms that are interesting enough to catch a curious eye.
Who for
Sometimes you may just want to know that you are certain to get a good level of comfort and efficiency especially in a city hotel and this hotel delivers. A mix of clientele includes families spending a one-night spa break, couples looking to spend a city break in this truly historic part of London. And of course, business travellers are well catered for with a choice of 12 conference and events rooms.
The hotel is feature-rich and spacious enough for everyone to be able to do their own thing.
Accommodation
Leonardo Royal London City-superior-double room
Leonardo Royal Hotel London City is a chain hotel with its own branding and livery. So though I wasn’t expecting individualised charm I really liked the various shades of blue, some nuances of art-deco and splashes of bright mustard to add vibrancy.
The 317 stylish rooms will all have similar decor. They come in various sizes, many with a bath and sometimes a view over the lovely London landmark, Tower Bridge, as mine did – room 1060.
View of Tower Bridge from room 1060
Shades of blue, brighter with dashes of yellow,
Facilities include a Nespresso machine (great coffee), kettle and tea and coffee facilities, a 32-inch tv and a minibar.
I’d like to give a shout out for the extremely comfortable Dream bed with a top-notch topper in concert with blackout curtains that made for a really comfy night’s sleep.
Facilities
The tranquillity of the Health Club and Rena spa was a bit of an eyebrow-raiser. I was expecting something busy but once I passed through the doors I had entered a different world of serenity and calm. Others must have felt the same as all the treatment rooms were busy all day, so no massage for me.
No point being miffed. So I headed to the extraordinarily long 25-metre pool which is free to use. Dim lighting, and sunbeds galore, a sauna – a lovely place to relax and didn’t even notice the families with young kids. Plenty of space for everyone. The gym area is very well fixed with plenty of space for everyone.
There’s free wi-fi throughout and 24-hour reception service.
Food and Drink
Breakfast is taken in the Corvo restaurant
Leo bar and Corvo restaurant offer a no-airs-and-graces environment with a casual menu and a range of cocktails.
Breakfast, continental and cooked, is served buffet style and taken in the Corvo restaurant.
How much?
The hotel is very good value with nightly stays from £95.00.
What’s nearby?
The location is a pretty historic part of London. It’s just a short walk to the gorgeous Tower Bridge and St Katherin’s Dock and I took the opportunity to walk to Brick Lane, probably the trendiest and grittiest part of London right now.