As I entered the reception, feeling a little squelchy after being caught in a heavy downpour (it’s London after all) from my short walk from London Bridge Station a warm and friendly staff-member welcomed me to the hotel. I’ve forgotten her name but she quickly checked me in and provided all of the necessary information about breakfast (which was included) and the hotel’s facilities.
At my request, I got a room was on the top floor – I always ask for a higher room as they tend to be quieter and offer a slightly better view! The rooms looked fresh and modern and were a decent size by London standards. The bed, in particular, was pretty huge and ultra-comfortable and the rainfall shower was just to my liking too. The 2 things I judge any hotel room on and this one scored highly on both counts.
WiFi was fast and free and there was a small fridge in the room with a couple of complimentary soft drinks – but no biscuit to have with my tea which I was slightly disappointed about. There’s an M&S Foodhall right across the street though so you are able to pick up any essentials that you need from there.
I was in town for a work event that evening so never has much time to make the most of the hotels excellent location right between London Bridge and Southwark tube stations. The neighbourhood, like most in London, offers plenty of things right on the doorstep to keep you entertained. The Tate Modern, with its new ‘Switch House’ extension and viewing gallery is a few minutes walk and so is Borough Market (one of my favourite places in London).
The next morning I had to leave early but I made sure that I had time to check out the breakfast offering. It was of buffet style with a huge array of hot and cold food as well as a dedicated kids section which I thought was a good idea – the mini packets of Nutella were in that area though so I had to sneak in a visit to that section too. I wished I had more time to enjoy a more leisurely meal but unfortunately I had a flight to catch. Maybe next time, as I would definitely stay here again.
Mercure London Bridge, 71-79 Southwark Street, SE1 0JA
Disclosure: The hotel provided me with a nights stay for the purposes of this review but rest assured that all opinions and words are my own genuine impressions of the property
