Bankside Hotel, Autograph Collection — Hotel in London

A Sanctuary by the Serene Thames: A Review of The Bankside Hotel, London Nestled gracefully along the banks of the majestic Thames, The Bankside Hotel stands as a beacon of refined elegance and unparalleled hospitality. From the moment one steps into its opulent lobby, bathed in natural light that dances off the shimmering chandeliers, a sense of tranquility washes over, a welcome respite from the vibrant energy of London just beyond its doors. My recent stay at this exceptional establishment was nothing short of transformative, an experience woven with exquisite attention to detail and a dedication to creating truly unforgettable moments. The jewel in The Bankside's crown is undoubtedly its breathtaking panorama. My elegantly appointed suite, boasting floor-to-ceiling windows, offered a captivating vista of iconic London landmarks. Waking to the gentle ebb and flow of the river, with the Houses of Parliament standing proudly in the distance, was a daily enchantment. Evenings were equally magical, as the city lights twinkled and reflected on the water, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that felt both intimate and grand. Beyond the stunning views, the service at The Bankside is exemplary. Every member of the staff, from the impeccably dressed doormen to the knowledgeable concierge and the attentive waitstaff, exuded warmth, professionalism, and a genuine desire to cater to every need. Requests were met with promptness and a smile, and the level of personalized attention made me feel like a truly valued guest. The concierge team, in particular, proved invaluable in securing coveted reservations and offering insightful recommendations for exploring the city. The culinary offerings at The Bankside Hotel are a delight for the senses. The hotel boasts several dining options, each with its own distinct ambiance and meticulously crafted menu. The riverside restaurant, "The Art Yard," provided a sophisticated setting for enjoying delectable dishes prepared with the freshest seasonal ingredients, all while soaking in the stunning river views. Breakfast, a lavish affair with an array of both continental and English options, was a perfect start to each day. The elegant bar, with its expertly crafted cocktails and refined atmosphere, became a favourite spot for a pre-dinner aperitif or a relaxing nightcap. The hotel's amenities further enhance the experience. The state-of-the-art fitness center is well-equipped, and the spa offers a range of indulgent treatments designed to rejuvenate both body and mind. While I didn't have the opportunity to indulge in a treatment during this stay, the serene atmosphere of the spa area hinted at the blissful escape it provides. What truly sets The Bankside Hotel apart is the seamless blend of luxurious comfort and authentic London charm. The décor throughout the hotel is sophisticated and timeless, with subtle nods to the city's rich history. The location is also ideal, offering easy access to many of London's key attractions, either by a pleasant riverside walk or a short taxi ride. Yet, despite its central location, the hotel maintains a sense of peaceful seclusion, a tranquil oasis amidst the bustling metropolis. In conclusion, my stay at The Bankside Hotel was an exceptional experience that exceeded all expectations. It is more than just a hotel; it is a sanctuary where impeccable service, breathtaking views, and exquisite attention to detail converge to create truly unforgettable memories. For anyone seeking a luxurious and memorable stay in London, with the added allure of a stunning riverside setting, I wholeheartedly recommend The Bankside Hotel . It is a place where every moment feels special, and leaving feels like saying goodbye to a cherished haven. I also loved the orange juice machine...

I booked a stay at Bankside Hotel, Autograph Collection based on reviews. I chose to use it as a home base for my spontaneous late winter holiday to London. I stayed nine nights at the hotel. The wisdom of my choice revealed itself as the trip unfolded. Everything I wanted to do was convenient to this location.

Bankside Hotel, Autograph Collection is an intimate five level hotel. A stay of nine nights is plenty of time to get to know a hotel and its staff.

Room: My room was clean, comfortable, and very quiet. I was never disturbed by outside noise from the street, or inside noise from slamming doors or hallway chatter. My room had a floor to ceiling single window with a light-blocking electric blind. The room was equipped with a coffee maker with pods, and plenty of tea options. Housekeeping was daily and provided complimentary in-room snacks. There was even an art-kit in the room for sketching. There was a pitcher in the room for getting filtered still or sparkling water from a station outside the room. This was a very nice touch. I used my Bonvoy app to access an electronic key on my phone.

Meals: My rate included buffet breakfast in Art Yard. There were PLENTY of hot and cold options for breakfast. Since I was traveling solo, I chose to have most dinners in the hotel as well.

Wine reception: I took advantage of the 5:30 PM wine reception twice during the stay. Again, this is a nice touch.

Public spaces: Bankside Hotel, Autograph Collection is set up as a gathering space. There are many sitting areas near reception and in Art Yard. My favorite spot was upstairs in the quiet mezzanine level seating space.

Staff: The staff deserve 10 stars out of 5. I felt welcome from the moment I walked in. As a Marriott Bonvoy member, my room was ready prior to arrival, so I was good to go. That was great since I had flown overnight from California and taken the London Underground to the hotel. Staff quickly remembered my name and called me by name throughout my stay. Friendly and professional staff are the backbone of a fine hotel.

Location: I used Blackfriars Station on the District Line quite a bit. The hotel is just across Blackfriars Bridge from the station. There were other options as well within walking distance. I usually stay on the Southbank when I'm in London because I enjoy walking to Borough Market, Tower Bridge, St. Paul's, Westminster Bridge, St. James's Park, etc. The hotel is very close to Tate Modern.

Fitness Center: The fitness center was adequate. But this is the one area I recommend improvement. There are 8 aerobics stations, yet only one bench. That was disappointing because the one bench was often in use when I went down to workout. Adding a second bench would improve the guest experience.

Departure: I arranged for a ride to Heathrow with reception in advance of departure. They set up cab service. The drive arrived half an hour early, which was great. He didn't rush me, but I appreciated not having to worry about my car arriving on time.

Overall: I will stay at Bankside Hotel, Autograph Collection again. I liked the relaxed, friendly and welcoming feeling, the comfortable room and spaces, good food, and fantastic location on...

I had the pleasure of staying at the Bankside Hotel for a two week work trip to London, giving me ample time to get to know the hotel more than a typical in-and-out stay. All I can say is, I couldn’t be a bigger fan of this property, its amenities, and the people working there.

Before my arrival, i contacted the hotel and they were kind enough to pre-block me in a larger room thanks to my status and long stay. Most Marriott hotels at this point refuse to do this before arrival, but the Bankside was happy to accommodate. Off to a strong start.

The Bankside’s location turned out to be a positive. Close to multiple rail lines, the Tate Modern, and an easy walk to the wonderful Borough Market (filled with eating options). While the neighborhood feels a little off the typical beaten path, it was fun getting to know a new spot in London.

The room is the most important part of a stay for me, and this one did not disappoint. Super comfy bed and bedding, great modern design details, wonderful bath amenities (Grown Alchemist!), and lots of other little touches like actual milk for coffee - not the gross powdered stuff. Every floor has a complimentary water dispenser (including a sparkling option) with carafes to take back to the room. Free in-room snacks too. It’s smart and thoughtful touches like these that separate good hotels from great ones, and the Bankside is the latter.

Daily Breakfast was included with my room (not sure if it’s a status perk or the rate I booked). While food options felt slightly repetitive over a long stay, I found the service incredibly friendly, the breakfast high quality, and the avocado toast delicious (yep, I’m a Millennial). Breakfast buffets by nature often feel service-less, but the people working in the Bankside restaurant managed to make every morning feel truly hospitable. No time for a full breakfast? The small coffee bar turns out delicious lattes and has to-go pastries, yogurt, and fruit - and continuing the theme - is free for guests.

The Bankside’s common spaces continue the hotel’s thoughtful design. A somewhat hidden floor above the lobby provides extra space to work or socialize. The lobby itself has lots of comfy nooks and crannies to enjoy their complimentary wine happy hour, meet colleagues, or just mix it up. The gym is small, but has nice new equipment, towels, and cold water.

But the best feature of this property isn’t the physical details or freebies. It’s the wonderful team members who work there. The Bankside clearly has a high-touch service culture that you can feel in every genuine, friendly, and helpful interaction across everyone (and I mean everyone) who works there. One of my favorite examples of this was a bellman who, as I was getting dropped off by a taxi, asked the cab driver if he would like to park and use the hotel restroom after driving all day. These small acts of kindness matter to me, and this hotel brings them with warmth and authenticity.

Being on the road for long stretches of time can take a toll, but luckily the Bankside Hotel was my new favorite Marriott property and home away from home in London. I highly recommend that you make...