THE HOTEL: Part of the Bespoke Hotels group, the 79-room Bermondsey Square Hotel opened this summer at the heart of
this rejuvenated London borough. Billed as 'where boutique meets business and eccentricity blends with corporate', it's a ten-minute walk from London Bridge station.
CHECK-IN: Greeted with a beaming smile and quickly proceeded through the paperwork and directed to one of the seventh-floor rooftop suites.
THE ROOM: The four suites are named after ladies from iconic 1960s songs, mine being 'Lucy' of Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds fame. The very masculine room had a subtle Beatles theme, with a framed gold disc and cover of the Sgt. Pepper's album on the wall and thick diamante-studded black curtains. Black and white tones dominated by way of bed covers, a leather sofa, desk and armchair. There was a TV, iPod dock, small fridge and hot drinks facilities. An impressive bathroom had twin sinks, a huge mirror and fantastic shower. With tremendous views over the London skyline, the large balcony – more of a terrace, actually – had a table and chairs and, the piece de resistance, a hot tub!
THE FACILITIES: Alfie's 90-seat restaurant adds to Bermondsey's diverse food scene – an all-English menu sources ingredients from nearby Borough Market. There's also a bar, wine shop, deli, business centre and three meeting rooms, all with natural daylight. Beauty treatments are also offered, there's a 'b2' private club and guests have access to a nearby gym. A Sainsbury's store and other bars and restaurants are located in the square immediately outside the hotel, but the property does not have its own dedicated parking facilities.
THE VERDICT: A cheeky boutique hotel that offers a refreshing take on corporate accommodation. A lot of thought has evidently gone into the suite I stayed in and the hotel as a whole. Loved it.
THE DETAILS: There's 60 standard rooms, 15 club rooms and the four suites. Rates start from around £100. The hotel is in Tower Bridge Road, SE1 3UN. For more information see: www.bermondseysquarehotel.co.uk Andy Hoskins
