Name: The Lalit London
Address: 181 Tooley Street, London, SE1 2JR, England
Telephone: 020 3765 0000
Price range: $$

Fodor's Expert Review

Housed in a stunning, centuries old grammar school, the hotel is the first international offering from the luxury Indian hotel group, Lalit. English heritage meets Indian opulence as the Lalit offers a refreshing slant on the luxury hotel experience. An architectural dream, grand wooden paneling, and vaulted ceilings are stand out features of this Tower Bridge hotel which will appeal to both tourists and business travelers.

You Should Know While the building is beautiful, the traffic that can build up outside around Tooley Street and London Bridge during the week is not. However, weekends are relatively serene.

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Room

Housed in former classrooms and offices of the old St. Olave’s School, the main appeal of the super-comfortable rooms are the architectural features that continue to shine through in this neo-Baroque building. Bathed in soothing hues of cream with orange detailing, even the so-called ‘Cosy Rooms’ are relatively spacious, flooded with light by large windows.

Tip That adorable stuffed elephant toy you see on the bed? There’s one in every room for guests to take as a memento. Free elephant? Nice.

Bathroom

If the décor of the rooms feels a bit demure, with the cornicing and ceiling rose features left to provide a substantial percentage of the wow factor, then the bathrooms up the ante. Monochrome geometric patterned tiles, marble countertops, and huge walk-in rainforest showers add to the opulence.

Lobby

Remember that feeling of getting called to the head teacher’s office? Well, you won’t get that here, but you might recall some memory of your school days—even if you didn’t happen to receive an education in a beautiful mid 19^th century edifice. Formal and efficient, the lobby is hardly buzzing but offers the perfect intro to the building’s grandeur.

Spa

Mixing both Eastern and Western therapies, the Rejuve Spa is a point of pride for the Lalit—and so it should be. Body treatments, massage therapy, and facials are offered for the full holistic wellness experience.

Gym

A well-equipped gym provides everything you’ll need for a full throttle workout but lacks the beauty and design consideration of the spa.

Dining

Housed in the building’s cavernous Great Hall, Baluchi restaurant is all about gourmet Indian cuisine. For something a little less formal, the Naanery serves a selection of Indian breads, which can be paired with wines.

Drinking

Smart and sophisticated, as you’d expect from bars named the Teacher’s Room and the Headmaster’s Room, the drinking options at the Lalit provide for intimate engagements over rambunctious partying. Cocktails, brandy, and whiskey are the options to enjoy while reclining in your own huge armchair in one of the oak paneled bars.

What's Nearby

Getting Around

Located a few minutes from Tower Hill, the Tower of London is right on the doorstep, while Borough Market is a short walk to the west. With the large London Bridge train station and Tube nearby, the hotel is well positioned if you plan to embark on day trips out of London or want a quick trip to the West End. Slightly removed from the tourist buzz of London Bridge and Borough, it’s quiet on weekends.

Restaurants

Eat seasonal produce direct from Borough Market at Elliot’s (14-minute walk), or push the boat out with a trip to level 31 of the Shard, where Aqua Shard (9-minute walk) serves modern British cuisine with some of the best views in the city.

Bars

Head to the Garrison (7-minute walk) for a delightful gastro pub where drinking is fine, but you’ll probably want to eat too once you see the menu. Drink cocktails and craft beer with a young, good-looking crowd at the Hide (6-minute walk), a chic, industrial spot on Bermondsey Street.