Location, location, location! Get ready for some of the best views London has got on offer and eclectic design at its best.
The recently opened CitizenM Tower of London boasts a prime location sitting right above the Tower Hill tube station, across from the Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Photo credit: Global Inspirations Design
CitizenM Tower of London is part of the Dutch hotel group CitizenM, founded by Rattan Chadha the former owner and founder of the Mexx International fashion company. No stranger to design, he has taken a new approach to hospitality with affordable luxury as a core value. The first CitizenM opened its doors in Amsterdam in 2008. Fast forward to 2016 the young company has added several hotels in other European cities, as well as New York to their portfolio and are soon expanding to a third continent with Taipei as their next destination. The group aims to attract the young and young at heart global citizens, creating some kind of an international community. The letter M stands for mobile and takes into account the needs of today’s travellers offering them good design, free WIFI and free on-demand movies, cutting edge technology, comfortable beds and fluffy towels at an affordable price. What you won’t find at a CitizenM are luggage porters, room service, laundry service nor a full service restaurant. Even check-in is very down-to-earth with self-service check-in counters in the lobby.
The living room offers plenty to discover… Photo credit: Richard Powers
The living room, as the lobby area is affectionately called by staff and insiders is the heart and soul of every CitizenM hotel. It offers seating options for relaxing, socialising, dining and working, as well as plenty to discover. I am a very observant person, nonetheless, I noticed yet another quirky detail each time I walked through the living room. There is a vast collection of travel and design books and unusual objects, many of which referring to British heritage in a somewhat humorous way. Even though it almost looks as if someone had plundered an entire flee market, I would call it styling at its best. The space is furnished with some of Vitra’s most iconic pieces by Verner Panton, Jean Prouvé and Charles and Ray Eames, fitted out with innovative custom made furniture, eccentric wall art and creative lighting.
Living room and co-working area (Photo credit: Richard Powers
With a background in (traditional) luxury hospitality myself, it first struck me as odd to see the staff working from the living room and holding their staff meetings there. However, at second thought I really liked the idea. It is the company’s philosophy to treat all guests equally and obviously also their employees, which makes the concept truly all encompassing. The general manager of the hotel, a fellow Swiss lady, told me that employees are mostly hired for their attitude and personality, which in return creates a relaxed and personable ambiance in the hotel.
Room with a view… Photo credit: Richard Powers
Larger than your average boutique hotel, the CitizenM Tower of London offers 370 rooms, some of which with breathtaking views of the Tower of London, the Shard and the Gherkin, all whilst lying in your bed. The rooms, which are all pre-fabricated and delivered to sit, are designed to provide maximum comfort using minimal floor space. With wall-to-wall windows all the way up to the ceiling (2.6m) the room does not feel claustrophobic, despite being rather narrow and measuring only 14m2! Whilst the sink is in the room the shower and the toilet are within an enclosed glass cube, featuring coloured lighting to create the desired ambiance.
Simple, but fresh food and innovative cocktails (Photo credit: Richard Powers)
Next to the bar, which takes center stage in the living room and creates cocktails as colourful as the interiors, you’ll find CanteenM. As the name already indicates it is a self-service restaurant with healthy and freshly prepared choices that offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. The living room also serves as the dining area and you can choose your preferred setting according to your mood.
CoffeeM is a new concept introduced at the CitizenM Tower of London, which will serve specialty coffees prepared by a trained barista and is also looking looking to attract the business man and woman off the street.
For those looking for a creative environment with plenty of daylight (and great views) for meetings and conferences, SocietyM offers multiple meeting rooms and break-out rooms at various sizes.
No more boring meetings… (Photo credit: Global Inspirations Design/ Peter Powers)
My personal favourite was the CloudM and as you probably guessed it is up in the clouds boasting some spectacular views of London. Double height ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows and bookshelves, a U-shaped terrace and wallpaper depicting the Queen are just some of the notable architectural and interior design elements.
I can confidently say that it’s a great place to spend a night or two when traveling to London. As for me, I really enjoyed my experience at the CitizenM and will happily be one of their mobile citizens on future occasions in one of the other locations!
I hope you enjoyed reading my post and I look forward to receiving your comments. Please feel free to share it with family and friends!
Happy discovering!
Simone xx
P.S. In true CitizenM style there are no room categories as such and all rooms are the same, with the exception of the view. I therefore recommend getting there early, because the rooms (views) are going on a first come first serve basis 😉
Hotel Website: Citizen M Tower of London
Photography: Courtesy of Citizen M London and Simone Aïda Baur
