Leonardo Royal Hotel London City – Tower of London

Leonardo Royal Hotel London City – Tower of London Overview

First Impressions

Walking up to the Leonardo Royal Hotel London City – Tower of London on Cooper’s Row, you immediately get that “I’m in the thick of it” feeling. This four-star property sits right where the City of London meets history — literally a stone’s throw from the Tower of London’s medieval walls. The building itself has this sleek, contemporary look that somehow doesn’t clash with the ancient surroundings, which honestly surprised me given how protective London usually is about its historic areas.

Location Magic

Here’s what I love about this spot — you’re basically at the intersection of old and new London. Tower Bridge is right there (perfect for those sunrise walks before the crowds hit), and you can actually see the Tower of London from some windows. But here’s the thing couples seem to figure out quickly: you’re also walking distance to Borough Market, the South Bank, and even the financial district if you’re mixing business with pleasure. The Tube connections are solid too — Tower Hill station is practically next door, so getting anywhere in London is pretty straightforward.

The Room Experience

The rooms here feel properly London without being stuffy about it. I mean, you get those big windows that actually open (rare in newer hotels), and the design strikes this nice balance between modern comfort and subtle nods to the city’s character. The beds are genuinely comfortable — not just hotel-marketing comfortable — and there’s enough space to spread out your stuff without feeling cramped. What I really appreciated was the attention to soundproofing; despite being in such a central location, street noise wasn’t an issue during my stay.

Breakfast and Dining

The buffet breakfast setup works well here, especially if you’re planning a full day of sightseeing. They’ve got the usual suspects — proper English breakfast items, continental options, fresh fruit — but the quality is actually quite good. The restaurant area has these large windows that let in tons of natural light, making morning feel less rushed even when you’re eager to get out and explore. Pro tip: grab an extra coffee to go if you’re heading straight to the Tower of London — the queues there can be brutal, and having caffeine helps.

Why Guests Love It

Look, there are fancier hotels in London, but this place gets the fundamentals right in a location that’s hard to beat. You’re not paying Mayfair prices, but you’re getting that “center of everything” access that makes a London trip feel effortless. The staff actually knows the neighborhood — they’ll point you toward the quieter entrance to Tower Bridge or suggest the best time to visit St. Katharine Docks (just around the corner and surprisingly peaceful). It’s the kind of place where you can drop your bags and immediately start exploring without worrying about long commutes or tourist traps. That 8.5 rating makes sense when you experience how smoothly everything just works here.

Exploring Central London layers riverfront landmarks, design districts, and late-night dining tucked down historic lanes.

Facilities