For those with no travel plans this summer, the idea of a luxury staycation is becoming more popular, and if you’re after a city break that blends English heritage with luxury settings, Tower Suites by Blue Orchid is certainly the place to be. Located in the tourist spot of Tower Bridge, the five-star suites are fully-serviced, boutique dwellings that have all the comforts of home.
Situated on the corner of the busy Minories high road, Tower Suites is discreet and looks rather understated. But as you enter, the lobby is warm and welcoming with an impressive modern décor. The glass ceiling installation gives the lobby an artistic flair, and there are other elements of modern art dotted around.
Tower Suites is the latest offering of the Blue Orchid Hotels portfolio, and has 273 serviced apartments. These range from superior studio and executive studio apartments to signature suites and one bedroom apartments which are ideal for families. Select suites also comes with a fully-equipped kitchen with dishwasher, washer/dryer and all the other amenities you’d need while away from home.
Designed for long stay guests, travellers and families alike, I couldn’t wait to see what my suite had to offer.
The apartment
I was taken to my retreat for the night which was the signature suite with kitchen on the seventh floor. The door opened into a spacious and bright open-plan lounge and bedroom divided by a partition wall. This worked well to create the separate quarters, and offered a bit of privacy.
The suite was tastefully decorated in neutral and contemporary colours, with plush, soft furnishings. Alongside the cosy, living room/work space, is a sleek kitchen with a quaint dining table and chairs.
The large marble-tiled bathroom includes a rainfall walk-in shower, and signature Blue Orchid toiletries, making you feel like you’re in your personal spa. You also have the option of a concierge service if you do want to treat yourself to first-class pampering.
Of course, it comes with all the mod-cons such as a Bluetooth enabled media hub, flat-screen TVs in both areas, and high-speed Wi-Fi for those movie binges. Overall, the suite literally has everything you would need and more – even a yoga mat!
Perhaps the pièce de resistance had to be the huge windows offering spectacular views of the Tower of London and City skyline. A great finishing touch to an apartment that makes you feel like home but with a luxury penthouse feel.
Food and drink
Tower Suites houses an Italian restaurant, Cento Alla Torre, serving authentic, gourmet cuisine, using the best local market ingredients. The menu ranges from Fritti (traditional street food) and homemade pizzas to pasta and al forno dishes. The restaurant itself is contemporary and stylish, with marble tables throughout and colourful luxe chairs. Guests can enjoy beautiful views of the Tower of London as they dine.
For dinner, I opted for the Tagliatelle al Ragu, with a side of chargrilled asparagus with chilli vinaigrette, which was delicious. However, if you fancy something different, there are plenty of restaurants and gastro pubs along the Minories to choose from. After dinner, you can either opt for an espresso or cocktail in the coffee lounge and bar. Once again, the décor is stylish and contemporary, and open 24 hours for guests which is always handy.
Perhaps my favourite place to unwind was the roof top terrace and bar located on the seventh floor. Here, you can take in the London skyline and picturesque scenery, making it the ideal Insta-worthy backdrop!
To do
If you’re after some well-deserved rest and relaxation, you can pop over to the Adamo Spa just two doors away. The tranquil setting offers an idyllic retreat from the hustle and bustle of the busy road. And I certainly felt relaxed and revived after my 30-minute, Swedish massage! The spa also offers a range of massages, manicures and pedicures if you wanted an afternoon of pampering.
For those who prefer a more scenic experience, you can easily take a stroll along Tower Bridge, Sky Garden, St Paul’s Cathedral or the famous Brick Lane. Alternatively, if you wanted to do a bit of retail therapy, Tower Suites are close to several transportation links that head into Central London or Westfield Stratford.
In a nutshell
Tower Suites is the luxury ‘home from home’ in picturesque settings. The contemporary apartments offer stunning views of the Tower of London and City skyline. What’s more, its contemporary style and ample space makes it ideal for long-term stays or families wanting a relaxing break. Set in a prime, tourist location, you will never be short of exciting places to visit and things to do.
Factbox
Rates for Suites start from £149 for an executive suite and signature suite starts from £329 per night.
Address: 100 Minories, London, EC3N 1JY
Phone: +44 (0) 203 972 1600
Website: blueorchid.com
Photography courtesy of Tower Suites
