The area around the Bermondsey Square Hotel was a part of London that I was really unfamiliar until my recent stay there, but it quickly became one of my favourites. In the shadow of the shard and all within a couple of minutes walk from the hotel you can find cool art galleries, independent coffee shops and arty cinema, the area has a really nice vibe to it.
The hotel itself as the name suggests is a modern building and sits on the edge of Bermondsey Square itself. As you enter the place has a cosy feel to it and the staff member who greeted me was really warm and helpful. The ground floor is in an open plan style and encompasses the reception, lounge and restaurant. I loved the photos on the walls and the huge Pearly Queen homage by the lifts.
When I got up to my room I was a little disappointed as the warm, hip style of the foyer had not made it upstairs. It was very well-appointed and spacious to be fair but a tad too corporate for my liking. All of the key things were present – a good shower, a big bed (it was huge), and a good-sized work area – but it just needed a few little elements of decoration to bring it up to par! I think the higher rooms benefit from decent views over the city so it would be worthwhile asking for one when checking in.
As I was travelling alone (and had work to do anyway), I decided to just order a burger from the room service menu rather than using the restaurant. It came super quick, was huge and tasty too! I did go down for breakfast the following morning (which was included) though and was impressed with the hot and cold options. I can’t resit pancakes though and their buckwheat ones were really tasty.
Bermondsey Square is a great base for those on a business break or as a weekend base for a trip to the capital.