In a city of more than 1,500 hotels, Natasha Harding chose Four Seasons Tower Bridge to deliver a luxurious London family hotel experience for her and her 11-year old daughter, Lexi.
Four Seasons Tower Bridge, London
A special hotel in a special location: the Four Seasons effect
Located just by Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, the Four Seasons offers one of the best locations in the city. And from the moment you arrive, you know you’ve found somewhere very special.
The hotel’s exterior is a sight to behold, and that’s before you’ve stepped inside. The doormen, with their bowler hats, welcomed us on arrival, and we were shown to the check-in area. If you’re choosing to stay the night at this London family hotel, you’re spoilt for choice: it features guest rooms, suites or Four Seasons Residences.
We stayed in residence 12; located on the fifth floor, it’s a two-bedroom suite that was absolutely huge and sumptuously furnished. We couldn’t believe our eyes as we entered through the most beautiful door into our home for the night.
Master Bedroom, Royal Residence
Hitting the London family hotel jackpot at Four Seasons Tower Bridge
With squeals of ‘wow’ and ‘look at this’, I knew that we’d hit the hotel jackpot.
After taking in the spacious lobby, we made our way through to the living area and kitchen (completed by a separate utility room). On the dining table was a bottle of red wine, which I was very much looking forward to sampling later. But the icing on the cake were the views of Tower Bridge. Plus, we both had our own rooms, complete with dream bathrooms.
The Four Seasons is clearly a cut above the rest when it comes to toiletries. As well as the expected shampoo, conditioner and bodywash, there was also a one-use loofah, sponge and bath salts, along with robes and slippers and piles of towels.
Once we were fully rested – and had oohed and aahed enough – we explored the local area. The Tower of London, home to the Crown Jewels is just opposite the hotel. It does get busy in peak times and spring is a good time to visit as it’s definitely quieter than the summer.
The White Tower, Tower of London
Relaxed hour at the Tower means a great day trip for everyone
The Tower of London offers a Relaxed Openings on the second Saturday of every month for neurodivergent and learning disabled children and their families. It means that families can have two hours in a much quieter environment, including entry to the Tower, Crown Jewels and access to relaxed and SEN programming.
Initiatives like this make a huge difference to families and for children like Lexi who can get so overwhelmed in the crowds.
Although the Four Seasons is a is a well placed London family hotel for lots of other popular attractions too: you can easily walk to St. Paul’s Cathedral and take a trip on one of the many River Thames cruises.
Shoreditch and Hoxton are close by too if you want to experience a different type of London, full of independent shops and restaurants. After the sight seeing, we were happy to retire to our rooms for an hour.
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Rotunda, Four Seasons Tower Bridge
Relaxed dinners at the Rotunda for elegant opulence
We had a quiet dinner in the Rotunda Bar & Lounge that night. Located on the ground floor, the restaurant is open for food all day. The great thing about it is although it’s super fancy, with a beautiful domed ceiling and stylish fixtures and fittings, it’s not ridiculously formal, so you don’t have to worry about children using ‘their inside voices’.
During World War II the building was damaged by bombing and the domed rotunda destroyed. The replacement that you’ll see today was created by using the original central rotunda and topping it with a glass dome, to emulate that of St. Paul’s Cathedral. It makes for a spectacular centrepiece.
The food is really good, with soup, chicken wings, burgers and sandwiches on the menu. However, if you want to treat yourself, then you can go all out with Maldon Oysters and Caviar. There’s an extensive wine and liquor menu too.
Spa Pool, Four Seasons Tower Bridge
Spa time: and kids are welcome at this London family hotel
After a wonderful night’s sleep in our blissfully dark and quiet rooms we visited the hotel spa the following morning, which was an hour of bliss.
Children are welcomed between 6.30 to 11am and again between 2 to 6pm, so there is enough time for everyone to enjoy the facilities. There’s also a 24-hour gym, full of state-of-the-art equipment and a lovely peaceful pool area, complete with two pools, a sauna and steam room. There are loungers aplenty too, dressed with a sumptuous soft towel to lie on, as well as another one to dry yourself. And it’s all low-level lighting and chilled vibes, so you can’t help but relax.
After our spa morning, we got ready for the day in our suite before heading down to breakfast. We were happy to enjoy the buffet, but choices on the menu included steak and eggs, smoked salmon bagels and pancakes.
After checking out, we made our way towards the City, over London Bridge and back to the hustle and bustle. However, our night of opulence will be a favourite memory for a long time.
Plan this London family hotel break
How to get there
Two minutes’ walk from Tower Hill tube
Where to stay
Four Seasons Tower Bridge, 2-Bedroom Residence (2 adults, 2 children) from £2,100 per night
Find out more and book
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