A Weekend at Leonardo London City
Earlier in March we booked a two-night stay at the Leonardo Royal Hotel London City. Arriving on a Friday afternoon, we checked in around 4 pm and stayed until 2 pm on Sunday, securing a late checkout to make the most of our time.
My partner had a work team event in Canada Water which would go on until past 11 pm, so we booked a hotel room to avoid travelling home to Surrey late into the night. The idea of returning to the hotel and sleeping, without the need to take two trains and a taxi home, was very appealing. However the checkout on a Saturday morning was less so after a night on the town, and to make the most of our time we decided to extend our stay and take a late Sunday checkout. 
Last year in Vienna we were left slightly stranded after our booked accommodation failed to meet our needs. Following a day of train travel, we secured the last room available at the Leonardo in Vienna, close to the main station. It was late, we were tired, and we needed a hot shower, a comfortable bed, and a friendly welcome. Leonardo rescued us for the two nights we were in Vienna, and we decided to see if this carried through to London.
Initially, we were looking for a double room but the hotel also had some larger rooms available. As always, we left booking to the last minute, while packed and on the train to London Bridge, hoping we had a place secured before we reached the station. There were a few other options in the area but we decided to stick with Leonardo this time. In a moment of madness, we booked an entire suite at their London City hotel. Usually, we book directly with the hotel but after a quick call, it seemed Booking.com offered us a substantial discount on the suite, that the hotel could not match. It was too good a deal to miss, so we settled and headed straight to Tower Hill.
On arrival, we were warmly welcomed at reception and handed the keycard to a 12th-floor suite, which had the most amazing views of Tower Bridge, London, and across the Thames. The room(s) were well laid out, with good lighting options. Everything was well stocked, clean and tidy, and smelling fresh. We had use of a safe, hairdryer, iron and board, coffee maker and kettle. A minor issue on the balcony was remedied immediately, and a fully stocked mini fridge and complimentary water paved the way for a fantastic stay. The suite had two showers, one in the bathtub and a stand-alone shower. Both supplied piping hot water, and later we discovered the bed was incredibly comfortable. These seem to be our two main requirements - alongside some peace and quiet. Complimentary toiletries, slippers, and bathrobes sealed the deal, along with a Sunday paper delivered to the room. It has been a while since Sunday morning was spent with a good coffee and a lazy read of the broadsheets!
We rarely include breakfast in our booking, as we eat a late brunch and enjoy exploring nearby cafes, but we went straight down for cocktails in the bar after dropping our bags. 
The hotel is situated near Tower Bridge and Borough Market. Another bonus with the location is the restaurants and attractions close by, including the Tower of London, and boat trips along the Thames. You can start your day with breakfast at the Forum Restaurant which is located in the hotel, and the easy access to the nearby tube station means the whole of London is on your doorstep. A short tube ride means you can explore everywhere.
We went for pure relaxation and lazy days, but if you are more adventurous, check out the facilities. The hotel offers spa treatments, including a deep relaxation room, swimming pool, spa pool, steam room, aromatherapy suite, and sauna. There is also a gym onsite.
For more information visit The Leonardo Royal Hotel London City.