the waygabounds

Reliable.

I’ve been to London many, many times now and I’ve always stayed in different hotels so far. As I prefer spending money in the High Streets rather than for a hotel I stayed at a lot of different B&Bs but never before in a Motel One. Which I regret now, as it is a perfect accomodation for budget-travelers.

If you are European or already spent some time in Europe you might know the hotel chain Motel One as there are so far more than 50 outlets, a lot of them in Germany, but also in Austria, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands and Switzerland. Chances are high that you at least passed one of their houses on your way to sightseeing spots, as they are most of the time ideally located, such as Motel One Tower Hill, where I stayed with my mom during my last London visit.

The Lobby – (c) Motel One

We arrived very late during the night in Victoria (we came from the Gatwick Airport), so we took a cab to go there. It was too late for the tube and as Victoria Station is a huge construction site now we didn’t take our time to look for the nightbus stop. We jumped into one of these awesome black taxis, spent about 30 pounds and arrived around half past 2 pm at the hotel. Still we were greeted in the friendliest way, the person at check-in was very fast and efficient and some minutes after our arrival we already were in our room. As the rooms there have a window from floor to the ceiling you have the perfect view and a feeling like London kinda lies beneath your feet (a bit). Our room number was 1204, but there are more floors, so if you want to get the best rooms of all, opt for one on the last floor (19th, if I remember correctly) and for the corner room, which is number 9. So next time I’m there I would really like to stay in room 1909.

The Lobby – (c) Motel One

Of course all of the rooms are about the same size, which is not huge, but believe me: I’ve slept in rooms that were far, far smaller and more expensive in London, so I think the size here is a plus. But the 09-rooms have two windows and you have a perfect view of the Gherkin (this huge, cigarette shaped skyscraper) and some of the most impressive buildings of London City’s skyline. Because that’s where it’s located: In the City of London, which is the area of London where you find not only the Tower Bridge but also the financial district of London. But before I tell you about the location, let me say some more words about the room. It has really comfortable beds and air condition (which is worth mentioning here, because usually that’s not common for smaller budget-accommodation in London; usually they have radiators which are always too warm). You’ll find also your own tea kettle, a selection of tea, a huge TV and a bathroom where you don’t hurt your knees on the washing basin while you’re sitting on the throne. Soap, shampoo, hair dryer and soft towels are also provided.

MO_London-Tower-Hill_room

Next amenity of the group’s hotels is the breakfast. In London it’s 9 pounds per person extra, but for that money you’re allowed to raid the breakfast buffet. Soft boiled eggs, coffee, tea, juices, yogurt, fruit salad, jam, butter, rolls, toast, cheese and a selection of cold cut are offered. Everything tastes really good; what we liked most: The hotel tries to get as much organic produce as possible from local farmers. The breakfast is very continental, so no grilled tomatos, baked beans, warm tomatoes or sausages. That’s good for the typical tourist who tends to not like English Breakfast; for me it was a bit sad, cause I really do like that stuff 😉 But as I said: The price is very reasonable for what we got and we didn’t have to do research on where to go to get breakfast. Again the staff was very friendly, efficient and always helpful.

Continental Breakfast Buffett

Now let me tell you about the area Motel One Tower Hill is located. In short: perfect for every kind of tourist. If you walk out the hotel and just a few minutes to your left, you’ll find yourself directly in front of the Tower Bridge and next to the Tower Hill. That means attractions such as these two, the Shard (London’s tallest building), HMS Belfast, the City Hall, Hay’s Gallery and so much more, are directly around you. If you take a short walk more to your right as soon as you step out of the hotel’s building, you reach the East End with it’s famous Brick Lane and the Old Spittalsfield Market. It’s where Jack the Ripper “worked”, it’s where once the poorer Londoners lived but now a lot of markets are take place daily, where you find a lot of vintage shops and tons of street art. And if you want to go directly to the High Street or anywhere else in London: The tube stations Tower Hill and Aldgate are very close (basically at the end of the street) and directly in front of the hotel is a bus stop, where more than one line stops. I think it’s actually three or four different lines. And if you’re staying there, make sure to check “The Minories” out. It’s a very, very nice pub, located underneath a railway bridge and just a few steps from the hotel away.

Vintage Shop at Brick Lane

Street art at Brick Lane

Close to Tower Bridge!

To make a very long review very short: Motel One Tower Hill is the perfect hotel for everyone who doesn’t like surprises; for people who do like rooms where you can actually turn around and beds in which you do sleep very well. Motel One is a very reliable chain; you get a lot of value for your money. And if I wouldn’t have to test different hotels around the world (for the sake of it), I would only book Motel One. Really.

More information:
Motel One Tower Hill
24-26 Minories, London EC3N 1BQ
United Kingdom
www.motel-one.com

Room rates in London from about 119 pounds, which equals 144 Euros
Book on there page to get the best price!

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