You’re walking through the City of London—The Square Mile—and everything feels a bit stiff. Suits. Glass skyscrapers. People power-walking with espresso. Then you turn onto Seething Lane, and the vibe just... shifts. It’s quieter. There’s a park right there called Seething Lane Garden that feels like a private sanctuary. Right in the middle of this weirdly peaceful pocket is the Apex City of London Hotel, and honestly, if you’re staying in the City, this is probably where you want to be.
Location matters. It’s not just a cliché real estate agents use to justify a price hike. At the Apex Hotel Seething Lane (as locals often call it), you’re literally a four-minute walk from Tower Hill station. You can see the Tower of London from the end of the street. But unlike the hotels right on the main road, you don't have the roar of tour buses waking you up at 6:00 AM.
The hotel itself is a four-star "deluxe" property. That usually means it's trying to be fancy without being stuffy. Does it succeed? Mostly. It’s got that dark, moody aesthetic in the lobby that says "I have a mortgage and a favorite Scotch," but the staff are surprisingly chill.
The Reality of Staying on Seething Lane
History nerds will love this part. Samuel Pepys, the famous diarist who chronicled the Great Fire of London, lived and worked right on this street. The hotel actually sits on the site where his office, the Navy Board, used to be. There’s a bust of him in the garden across the street. It’s cool because you aren't just staying in a generic glass box; you’re sleeping on a site that’s been central to London’s pulse for centuries.
The rooms at the Apex City of London Hotel are bigger than the average shoebox you find in Central London. That’s a huge win. If you’ve ever stayed in a "budget" London hotel where you have to jump over your suitcase to get to the bathroom, you’ll appreciate the floor space here. They have these walk-in showers that could probably fit a small family, and most rooms come with the brand’s signature rubber duck. It's a bit of a gimmick, sure, but it's a nice touch that makes the place feel less like a corporate dormitory.
Let's talk about the windows. In London, old buildings often mean thin glass. You hear every siren. But the Apex on Seething Lane has some pretty solid soundproofing. You’re in the heart of the financial district, yet it feels weirdly disconnected from the chaos outside.
What the Rooms are Actually Like
Standard rooms are fine, but the City Rooms are where it starts feeling worth the extra cash. You get a Nespresso machine—essential for surviving a London morning—and usually a bit more breathing room.
- The Beds: They're firm. If you like sleeping on a cloud, you might find them a bit stiff, but they’re great for your back after a day of walking 20,000 steps.
- The Tech: High-speed Wi-Fi that actually works. None of that "log in every 20 minutes" nonsense.
- The Bathroom: Elemis toiletries. If you know, you know. It's the good stuff.
Food, Drink, and the Paternoster Queen
The on-site restaurant is called The Paternoster Queen. It’s a bit of a mouthful to say. The food is British-inspired, which basically means a lot of elevated pub classics. The breakfast buffet is the real star here. It isn't just a sad tray of cold scrambled eggs. They do a full English that actually tastes like it was cooked by someone who cares.
If you want to venture out, you’re spoiled. You’ve got The Liberty Bounds (a massive Wetherspoons in an old bank) just around the corner if you want a cheap pint. Or, if you’re feeling flush, The Sky Garden is a ten-minute walk away.
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Pro tip: Don’t bother with the hotel bar for your "big night out." It’s great for a nightcap, but Seething Lane is surrounded by some of the coolest hidden bars in London. Walk toward St. Dunstan in the East—a ruined church turned park—and you’ll find plenty of spots with way more character.
Is the Apex Hotel Seething Lane Right for You?
Honestly? It depends on what you're doing in London.
If you are a first-time tourist who wants to see the Tower, Tower Bridge, and HMS Belfast, this location is unbeatable. You can walk to most of the big hitters. If you’re a business traveler with meetings at Lloyd's or any of the big banks, you're literally minutes away.
However, if you want the "West End" experience—theaters, Soho, shopping on Oxford Street—you’re going to be spending a lot of time on the District Line or in Ubers. The City gets very quiet on weekends. Some people love that (no crowds!), but others find it a bit "ghost town-ish." Personally, I think the quiet is a blessing. London is loud. Having a silent base to return to is a luxury people underestimate.
The Logistics You Actually Need
Check-in is usually at 2:30 PM. They’re pretty strict about it unless your room happens to be ready. You can drop your bags off early, though. The gym is in the basement. It’s small. Don’t expect a CrossFit box, but it has enough dumbbells and a couple of treadmills to keep your heart rate up.
Transport links:
- Tower Hill (District/Circle Line): 4 mins walk.
- Fenchurch Street (Trains): 2 mins walk.
- Tower Gateway (DLR for Canary Wharf/ExCeL): 5 mins walk.
- London Bridge: 12 mins walk across the bridge.
The walk across London Bridge at sunset? Stunning. Do it once. Even if you’re tired.
Common Misconceptions
People often confuse this hotel with the Apex Temple Court or the Apex Wall Street. Make sure you're heading to Seething Lane. I’ve seen more than one confused traveler trying to check in at the wrong property. They’re all under the Apex brand, but the Seething Lane one is arguably the best for tourists because of the proximity to the river.
Also, don't expect a "view" from every room. Some rooms look out over the internal courtyard or other buildings. If you want a view of the garden or the street, you need to ask for it specifically, and even then, it's not guaranteed.
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
If you’ve decided to book the Apex City of London Hotel, here is how to make the most of it:
- Book Direct: Sometimes they throw in a late checkout or a drink voucher if you book through their site instead of a massive booking engine.
- Visit Seething Lane Garden: It’s right across the street. Perfect for a morning coffee or decompressing after a long flight. It’s built on the site of the old Navy Office and has some great local history plaques.
- The "Secret" Exit: Use the side exit toward Byward Street if you’re heading to the Tower of London; it shaves a minute off the walk and avoids the main road traffic for a bit longer.
- Explore St. Olave’s Church: Just down the road. It’s one of the few medieval churches to survive the Great Fire. Samuel Pepys is buried there. It’s tiny, quiet, and hauntingly beautiful.
- Weekend Strategy: If you stay Friday-Sunday, check out the nearby Leadenhall Market. It’s famously where they filmed parts of Diagon Alley in Harry Potter. On weekends, it's empty, making it perfect for photos without 500 people in the background.
The Apex Hotel Seething Lane isn't the flashiest hotel in London. It’s not the Savoy. But it’s consistent, clean, and the location is a 10/10 for anyone who wants to be in the historic heart of the city without the historic noise. It’s a solid choice that rarely disappoints.