The Tower Hotel, by Thistle: Hotel by Tower Bridge with a Spectacular View of the River Thames
There are London hotels that feel convenient… and then there are London hotels that feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard. The Tower Hotel, by Thistle sits right on the River Thames, practically beside Tower Bridge, with the Tower of London just a short walk away— so iconic it almost feels unreal the first time you see it.
If you’re the kind of traveler who wants to open the curtains and instantly feel, “Yep, I’m in London,” this place makes that moment easy. The river, the bridge, the skyline—London doesn’t slowly introduce itself here. It shows up immediately.
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Why people want to stay here (and keep coming back)
1) The location is the attraction
The hotel’s biggest flex is also its simplest: it’s located right by Tower Bridge and the River Thames, putting you in the middle of London’s most famous scenery. That means Tower Bridge is basically your neighbor (hello, sunrise strolls and night photos), and the Tower of London is close enough to feel effortless.
2) The views do the heavy lifting
Some hotels advertise “river views” and you get… a sliver of water if you lean around the curtain. The Tower Hotel is known for rooms that genuinely face the landmarks—especially Tower Bridge—and that changes the whole mood of the stay.
I love the idea of coming back after a long day, kicking off your shoes, and watching the Thames keep moving while the bridge lights up. It’s the kind of view that makes you slow down and actually feel the city, not just tick it off your list.
3) It fits a lot of travel styles
Whether you’re in London for the first time or the fifth, the hotel works well because it sits at the intersection of touristy and practical: first-timers get instant access to the headline landmarks, couples get romantic riverside energy, families get a location that reduces planning friction, and work trips get a comfortable base with a much better end-of-day scene than most business districts.
Rooms and comfort: what to expect
The Tower Hotel, by Thistle offers a range of rooms and suites, and some options are designed around the view—so if the scenery matters to you, it’s worth prioritizing a room category that mentions Tower Bridge or a river outlook.
If you’re staying longer (or you just like having space), suites can be a great option—more breathing room, and the kind of layout that makes the hotel feel like a base rather than a crash pad.
Tip: If you’re choosing between “standard” and “view,” ask yourself one thing: Will I regret not having that Tower Bridge moment from my window? If yes, go for the view.
Food, drinks, and that “I don’t want to go out again” feeling
A hotel stay is always better when you have a solid on-site option for a low-effort dinner or a drink—especially after a full day of walking London into the ground (respectfully). The Tower Hotel has on-site dining options and spaces where you can unwind with the city around you.
This is the kind of place where you can do the classic London day—museum, market, historic site, long walk—and still end the night somewhere that feels like part of the experience, not just a practical pit stop.
What’s nearby: a built-in London itinerary
- Tower Bridge: Go early for quieter photos, go late for the glow. Either way, it’s a vibe.
- Tower of London: History, drama, architecture—this is London at maximum intensity.
- St Katharine Docks: A calmer waterside wander when you want something pretty and low-key.
- River Thames walk: One of the best “free activities” in the city—especially at golden hour.
Because you’re right on the Thames, you’re naturally connected to the rest of central London’s sightseeing rhythm. It’s a location that makes spontaneity easy: see something across the river, decide to walk it, and suddenly you’ve found a new favorite spot.
Who this hotel is perfect for
Choose The Tower Hotel, by Thistle if you want:
- A true landmark location (not just “near-ish”)
- A London stay that feels cinematic—bridge + river + skyline energy
- A base that makes sightseeing easier and more spontaneous
- The option to pay extra for a room that becomes part of the trip
You might choose something else if:
- You prefer a quieter neighborhood far from major attractions
- You want a super-boutique, tiny-hotel vibe over a bigger property feel
My best booking advice
- Book the view if the view is the point. Don’t leave your “wow” moment to chance.
- Plan one slow evening at the hotel. Give yourself time to watch the Thames and the bridge lights.
- Lock in your dates early for peak season. This location is prime—and prime goes fast.
Final thoughts: the London feeling, delivered instantly
Some hotels are just places to sleep. The Tower Hotel, by Thistle is the kind of place that can set the tone for your whole London trip—because it puts you right next to two of the city’s most iconic sights and lets the Thames do what it does best: make everything feel a little more timeless.
If you’ve been dreaming of a hotel by Tower Bridge with a spectacular view of the River Thames, this is one of those stays that matches the daydream.
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Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). I’m not affiliated with The Tower Hotel, by Thistle—opinions here are my own.
