Hartley accommodation from NZ$146

All brill

Room was good, close to the DLR station

A Room with a View, But Lacking Comfort ​We booked The Tower Hotel by Thistle for a double celebration: my wife’s 40th birthday and our six-year-old daughter’s first trip to London. While the location provided unforgettable memories, the hotel itself is heavily dated. ​The Positives: ​Views & Location: The absolute highlight is the unbeatable location and the breathtaking view of Tower Bridge from our window. ​Generous Space: Our family room was surprisingly large for the city centre. ​Comfort for Children: The pull-out bed for our daughter was a full double, which she found incredibly comfortable. ​Service: The staff were genuinely friendly. ​The Negatives: ​Stifling Temperatures: The room was far too warm, as the air conditioning is centrally locked at 25°C. When we queried this, reception simply handed us a plug-in fan. ​Poor Sleep Quality: Sleep was further hampered by an uncomfortable main bed and hopelessly flat pillows. ​Lack of Plugs: There are zero plug sockets near the bed for charging devices. ​Archaic Bathrooms: The bathroom desperately needs modernising. It features separate hot and cold taps rather than a mixer, and an old-fashioned rubber plug on a chain. ​The Verdict: If you book purely for the iconic views, spacious rooms, and brilliant location, it delivers. However, if you value a good night's sleep and modern comforts, this property leaves a lot to be desired.