Bankside Hotel Autograph Collection, Blackfriars, London

Bankside Hotel, part of the Marriott Autograph Collection in London, has a lovely location in Blackfriars, close to the River Thames, though the Sea Containers Hotel slightly obscures it. Entry to this six-story building is via full-length glass doors that let in lashings of daylight over the rather artsy reception.

Bankside hotel reception

After walking along Blackfriars Bridge (from Blackfriars Station) towards Upper Ground, enjoying the hustle and bustle of busy people and tourists, entering the Bankside hotel reception area was reassuringly tranquil and I might add, easy on the eye.

It’s a casual social vibe, and I was greeted with a warm welcome from smiling faces behind a curvy desk. I took my seat, and I soon had a glass of Prosecco in hand, eyeing up the artworks and sculptures, while the smooth, stylish check-in process took place. 

Bankside hotel lobby

Every part of the lobby makes a statement with sofas and seating surrounded by artworks provided by resident artists. The spaces are separated by geometric shapes into various atmospheric areas. A mezzanine space leads to a pretty alfresco summer terrace. 

Who for:

Bankside Hotel is an ideal base for anyone exploring London’s South Bank and is perfect for short break visitors to London.

Accommodation

Bankside Hotel has 161 guest rooms and seven suites over six floors. Whichever room you choose, you can expect stylish decor and great artwork to enjoy.

Bankside bedroom with king-size bed

Rooms are gratifyingly quiet and unexpectedly spacious, with, of course, interesting artworks and surprisingly bare concrete ceilings. My king room had a really comfortable king-size bed, blackout curtains and a modern slate-floor bathroom with a walk-in shower and full-sized Grown Alchemist toiletries.

A flat-screen TV gives access to Netflix, a desk to work on, a safe, a fridge and plenty of storage cupboards. There is also a  Nespresso coffee and tea station and a water jug which can be filled with still or sparkling water at the water station in the corridor – all part of their sustainability policy.

Food & Drink

The Art Yard Restaurant and Bar has its own entrance at the back of the hotel. Artworks adorn the walls while a myriad of spots hang from tangled wires. It’s all about casual dining (burgers, filet steak and pasta) as well as some unusual fare such as a beetroot carpaccio and end with a selection of cheeses.

When all you want is a drink and a natter with your tipple, you can prop up the attractive bar on stools for a while.

Bankside hotel restaurant

A full English breakfast buffet is served here too.

Facilities

A 24/7 gym on the lower floor and valet parking are available.

How much

Rooms from £372 in low season. Breakfast £24. CHECK AVAILABILITY

What’s Nearby

Bankside Hotel is easy to get to from Southwark and Blackfriars Tube stations, the latter being served by underground and overground train services.

It’s an easy walk to the Tate Modern, and if you follow the river you get to the Southbank Centre, National Theatre and the London Eye, across to Parliament and Big Ben and further afield to Westminster Abbey and The Churchill War Rooms. If you hop on an Uber Boat, you can visit the Tower of London. 

VERDICT:

I really liked this hotel and its friendly, easy vibe. Lots of eye candy, and decent value too.

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