STAY : Holiday Inn Express, Southwark in the heart of London
Think of London, and I automatically think of London Eye, St Pauls and Buckingham Palace. Think of a place to stay and I am overwhelmed by the options and having to wade through google to find somewhere suitable.
Luckily, the Holiday Inn Express in Southwark (essentially the South Bank) popped up and I couldn’t of asked for a better location in the heart of London.
REVIEW OF THE HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS SOUTHWARK, LONDON
Compared to Edinburgh, London is most definitely the bright lights, big city! It makes Edinburgh look and feel minuscule, and no doubt the size of Edinburgh could fit into the area of Southwark. But it’s nice to immerse yourself in the bustle of London and I am so glad that the Holiday Inn Express Southwark is so well placed.
It is an Express hotel, so there is no lavish lounges, bars or restaurants but its welcome lounge area which also acts as its breakfast dining area is functional, comfortable and multi-purpose. Room dividers and pops of colour break up various seating areas, perfect for large groups waiting pre check-in or check-out, a meeting area, dining area, drinks and breakfast.
A loved my room. I was on the fourth floor with floor to ceiling curved windows providing a bustling city backdrop day and night. Although large windows, the room was extremely sound proofed and quiet. Bliss!
The room was well appointed, with a small open cupboard area for hanging your clothes, a built in suitcase table, large TV on a TV arm so that you can comfortably move this to watch TV in bed or from the comfort of the large chair.
The room comes with a very modern table and chair, with plenty plug and USB points so its easy to work in your room. I loved that the desk/table was not fixed faced onto the wall and was free standing and moveable meaning that I could either face the window or face into the room whilst working. Having the choice is a nice touch.
The bed was comfortable with gorgeous fresh white linen although I could have done with softer pillows!
The bathroom was ideal with a large shower, great pressure and toiletries. Nice big fluffy white towels, large mirrors that are well lit and ample space to dry off.
All in all the room was a good size and a great choice for a 2 night stay.
Unfortunately over my 2 night stay the elevator that serviced the front end of the hotel was out of service which meant that everyone needed to use the elevator located at the rear of the hotel. This is usually no major hassle for me but I had twisted my knee a few days before and having to navigate several sets of stairs although you had taken the elevator to the 4th floor, wasn’t ideal. The walk to the room was a little higgledy piggledy, as you made your way from the back of the hotel to the front. This did not impact my stay, however it’s just worth noting that if you have mobility issues, do check on your room location in relation to the elevators.
A breakfast buffet is provided on the ground floor and here you will find a selection of hot and cold food. You can easily pile up high a Full English breakfast (bacon, sausage, beans, eggs, toast, mushrooms and tomatoes), grab yourself a coffee and an orange juice and finish it off with some pastries and a pot of yoghurt. No doubt you’d have to be EXTREMELY hungry to eat all this!
With the Holiday Inn Express so well positioned, if you didn’t fancy breakfast in the hotel on one of your days, walk no more than 10 minutes along the road and you’ll have come across several coffee shops like Black Sheep Coffee and Monmouth, strolled through Borough Market where there is an abundance of breakfast and brunch delicacies, happened across Joe and the Juice and perhaps settled for a bite to eat at Where the Pancakes Are at Flat Iron Square.
With so much to see, just wandering around Southwark and getting lost might be one of the best days out in London. Within a 15 minute walk from Holiday Inn Express Southwark, you’re at London Bridge; 5 minutes around the corner and you’re met with street art and murals to make you smile; and the Tate Modern Gallery is 4 minutes away. What a location.
As I mentioned before there are so many places around here for breakfast and brunch but there are equally some amazing places for dinner no matter your budget.
If you are looking for something quick, healthy and warming that will cost around £10 then try Itsu. The Chicken Coconut Soup is something else.
If pizza is your thing, 8 minutes from the hotel is Gordon Ramsays Street Pizza which is incredible. It’s £16 for all you can eat. I think I made 7 slices and they went down a treat with an ice cold beer.
For something a little more upmarket try Sticky Mango Pan Asian Fine Dining which is 8 minutes walk from the hotel. They do Express Lunch menus and evening tasting menus. Read my review HERE.
Perhaps you’re craving a little more spice, then try Berejak Persian Cuisine. I tried to dine here twice - perhaps third time lucky!
Whether you’re a tourist or visiting London on business, Holiday Inn Express Southwark certainly has you covered. Check-in and check-out are seamless, the staff are very helpful and friendly, the rooms spotless, warm and quiet and just ideal for putting your feet up and resting your weary head after a busy day out sightseeing or working!
I would most definitely stay here again just for the location alone. And although it’s location is in the heart of London town, it is easy enough to get to from Kings Cross Train Station via St Pancreas and then either stopping at London Bridge or Southwark Stations, or in a taxi or catch a bus.
Things to note about the Holiday Inn Express Southwark
Check-in is 2pm
Check out is 11am
Accessible for Wheel Chair users, for sight and hear impairment guest. Rooms are equipped with a walk in shower room, Vibrating pillow available upon request
Free high speed Wi-Fi available
Service animal allowed
Holiday Inn Express, 103-109 Southwark Street, London, SW1 0JQ www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/southwark
My Spoon Award : Gold Spoon 9/10
I was invited by Holiday Inn Express Southwark to review their accommodation for one night and paid for the accommodation for a second. Night. The views are very much my own.