Bermonds Locke, Tower Bridge

The location was convenient, but basic cleanliness should be a given. There are mould and similar complaints in other reviews too, which raises serious hygiene concerns. We couldn’t stay at Bermonds Locke, Tower Bridge because shortly after check-in we noticed a strong mouldy smell and visible fungal or mushroom growth in the shower. The bathroom was unusable. We reported it straight away and asked to change rooms, but were told none were available. A cleaner came and briefly cleaned the surface, but the smell stayed and the problem wasn’t properly fixed. We didn’t use the room or stay overnight. We left after about an hour because we weren’t comfortable there. The hotel offered only a 50% refund, saying we had supposedly “sat in the room so it needed a full cleaning,” even though the receptionist had asked us to stay there while the cleaner dealt with the issue. Staff weren’t helpful and were quite argumentative. They also didn’t respond when I emailed asking for a full refund. Thankfully, Booking.com helped resolve it.

I had breakfast toast in the bakery area, which was decent, and the small ASDA next door was very convenient. Some people in our group went to premier Inn for breakfast because it had great vegan options. The property is 10-15min on foot from the tube/train station, which might suit you if you don’t mind walking. I’ve worked in travel for over a decade and wouldn’t have booked this place or recommend it for business trips unless you need to be nearby. I won’t make the mistake of letting someone else book my travel again, haha. I stayed here twice on the same trip, in two different rooms, and both visits disappointed. Check-in was slow, and although self check-in might have been faster, it didn’t look easy to use. In the first room, meant for 3 pax, there were twin beds and a rollaway. Its layout was odd: a pillar at the foot of the twin beds, with the TV on the side facing away from the beds and towards a window. There was nowhere to sit and watch it from a sensible angle. The toilet worked but wasn’t very clean. Laundry was still in the washing machine/dryer when we arrived, and the beds weren’t comfortable. I spilled water on the duvet and went to reception to ask for a replacement before dinner. The front desk person was on the phone and didn’t acknowledge us, so we had to leave because we were short on time. When we came back, another person told us to wait for someone else to help, and we waited around 10 minutes. Meanwhile, someone had taken extra bed linen, but no duvet, up to the room without telling us. Someone in our party called to let us know, so we went back upstairs. The second room had a comfier double bed, but again the toilet wasn’t very clean. Grout and tiny tiles seem hard to maintain, so it feels like a poor design choice. The soap, shampoo, and handwash dispensers were faulty, and we had to remove the covers and pumps to get anything out. Attention to detail and maintenance just weren’t there. Sadly, this may be the least appealing 4* I’ve stayed in. Maybe that’s what 4* apartments are like, but it didn’t feel like a hotel.

Staff were really friendly and helpful, especially the manager Yomade, who set a great example by greeting each guest with a smile and positive attitude. The gym is well equipped, with good weights and a treadmill. Our room was very nice and had a kitchen, washer and dryer, plus a towel warmer. We loved having warm towels during our winter stay. The location is extremely convenient, within walking distance of Tower bridge, Borough mkt, and tower bridge night market, and a short ride from many other attractions. We’d definitely come back and recommend it to anyone looking for a convenient, affordable, nice hotel. If you pass the front desk around 6pm, you might even get a complimentary pastry they can’t sell that day. Thanks, Bermonds Locke team.

The follow-up from the team was thoughtful. TJ, the Assistant General Manager, contacted me personally with solutions for the problems that could be addressed during my stay, and offered complimentary breakfast and a small, very kind gesture. I appreciated their professionalism and genuine care. I stayed three nights in a suite. The hotel has an appealing design and a great location near Tower Bridge, with markets and restaurants nearby. Check-in was polite but slow, and staff couldn’t find my reservation at first. They gave very little information. Nobody told me which Wi-Fi network or password to use, so I had to work it out through the TV menu. The suite looks stylish, but several upkeep and cleanliness problems made it feel below what I expected for about $400 a night. The outdoor tub on the terrace is fully visible to neighbors and the courtyard, and even from the lobby through a large glass facade. It feels more like a design feature than something you can use. The bathroom was the biggest letdown, especially since better cleaning could fix most of it. The grout around the toilet and shower is noticeably dark, the shower corners need descaling, and paint is peeling on the ceiling. There was only one pair of towels and no extras. Concrete floors in the suite and hallway had visible cracks. The room carpet was very disappointing, with several stains, including one very dark mark, and needs a deep clean or replacement. The table had two burn marks, probably from a hot pan or pot. The kitchen is equipped, but only very basically. There was some coffee and tea, not enough for a multi-day stay, and it wasn’t refilled. At this price I’d expect at least bottled water, laundry pods for the washer-dryer, slippers, and small things like hand cream or toothpaste. The hotel has strong potential because of its design and location, but the cleanliness, maintenance, and amenities need more attention to match its look and price.