You’re standing right above Tower Hill Station, the wind is probably whipping off the Thames, and you’re looking at a building that looks a bit like a stack of black shipping containers. Honestly, the first time you see citizenM Tower of London, it’s okay to be a little skeptical. It doesn't look like a traditional hotel. There’s no doorman in a top hat. No grand marble lobby that smells like expensive lilies.
But that’s kind of the point.
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Most people think "affordable" in Central London means a windowless box or a dusty carpet in Earl's Court. citizenM flipped that. They basically decided that instead of giving you a massive room you won't use, they'd give you a tiny, high-tech pod and one of the best rooftop bars in the city. If you’re expecting a traditional 4-star experience, you’re going to be confused. If you want to wake up with the Tower of London literally staring you in the face, you’re in the right place.
The Room Reality Check
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Or rather, the fact that there’s no room for an elephant.
The rooms at citizenM Tower of London are small. Like, "don't bring three hardshell suitcases" small. They are all exactly the same size. Every single one. You get an XL King bed that is wedged wall-to-wall against the window. It’s a bold design choice that means one person usually has to scramble over the other to get out of bed at 3:00 AM.
But here’s what people get wrong: they think small equals cheap. It’s actually the opposite.
Everything in that pod is controlled by a "MoodPad"—essentially an iPad that runs the show. You can change the light colors to "Party" (bright purple) or "Relax" (warm amber), slide the blackout blinds shut without sitting up, and blast the AC until you’re shivering. The shower? It’s a power rain shower that actually has pressure, which is a miracle in London’s ancient plumbing landscape.
Pro Tip: When you check in at the kiosks (it takes like 60 seconds), the screen will often let you pick your room. If you see "High Floor - Tower View," grab it. Looking at the White Tower while you brush your teeth is a core memory kind of moment.
Is the Location Actually Good?
Usually, staying near a major tourist attraction is a trap. You end up in a "dead" zone where the food is overpriced and the locals are nowhere to be found.
citizenM Tower of London is different because it sits right on the edge of the City (the financial district). You have the history of the Tower to your left, but walk ten minutes right and you’re in Spitalfields or Shoreditch.
- Transport: You are literally on top of Tower Hill (District and Circle lines).
- The Vibe: It’s corporate during the day, historic at sunset, and surprisingly quiet at night.
- The Walk: You can cross Tower Bridge in about eight minutes.
If you're coming from Heathrow, don't bother with a £90 taxi. Take the Elizabeth Line to Liverpool Street and it's a short 10-15 minute walk or a quick tube hop. It saves you about £70, which is basically four cocktails on the roof.
The cloudM Rooftop: The Secret Weapon
The rooftop bar, cloudM, is probably the best-kept secret for people who aren't staying at the hotel. It’s on the 7th floor. It has a wraparound terrace.
Most rooftop bars in London require a three-week-out reservation and a dress code that forbids "fun." Here, it’s a co-working space during the day and a bar at night. The view of The Shard and the Gherkin is massive. Honestly, even if you aren't staying here, it's worth coming up for a drink just to see the Tower of London from a bird's eye view without paying the £30 entry fee at the attraction itself.
They do a cocktail called the "EastEnder" which is basically a fancy marmalade-infused vodka drink. It’s weird. It’s very British. It works.
What You’ll Hate (Because Nuance Matters)
I’m not going to sit here and tell you it’s perfect. It isn't.
If you are traveling with a business colleague or a new "situationship," be warned: the bathroom is a frosted glass cylinder in the middle of the room. It is not soundproof. You will get to know each other very, very well.
There are also no coffee machines in the rooms. They want you to go downstairs to canteenM for your caffeine. If you're the type of person who needs a coffee before you're "human" enough to put on pants and ride an elevator, this will annoy you. Also, the breakfast is £19. It’s a good spread—decent bacon, real pastries—but you’re in London. You can walk five minutes to a local cafe and get a better flat white and a sourdough toast for twelve quid.
Why it Still Wins in 2026
The reason citizenM Tower of London stays booked out isn't just the tech. It’s the lack of friction. In a city that can feel overwhelming and stiff, this place feels like a living room. The lobby is filled with Vitra furniture, Taschen coffee table books, and actual art.
It caters to the "mobile citizen"—people who work on laptops and don't want to deal with a concierge asking if they have a dinner reservation.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Stay:
- Download the App Early: You can use it to check in before you even land at Heathrow. You can also use it as your room key.
- Storage Hack: There is a massive drawer under the bed. Use it. If you leave your suitcases on the floor, you will trip over them every time you go to the bathroom.
- The "Ironing Room": Since there are no irons in the rooms (fire safety/space), there are communal ironing rooms on the first five floors. They are actually quite social.
- Free Movies: Don't pay for hotel movies. The TV system has a huge library of recent releases for free, plus Chromecast for your own Netflix.
- Skip the "Premium" Breakfast: Unless you're in a rush, head over to St. Katharine Docks (5 mins walk) for a much nicer morning view and cheaper food.
Ultimately, citizenM Tower of London is for the traveler who values the "where" over the "how much square footage." You're paying for the 1-minute commute to the Tube and the view that people pay millions for in the penthouses next door. Just remember to pack light.
Pack light and bring a sense of humor for that frosted glass bathroom. You'll need it.