Honestly, if you've ever spent time in the Square Mile, you know the vibe. It’s all glass, suits, and that frantic energy of people trying to make a train at Liverpool Street. But then there’s the Clayton Hotel City of London. Tucked away on New Drum Street, right next to Aldgate East, it’s a bit of a weird one—in a good way. It isn’t just another soulless tower for consultants.
The hotel actually sits on a site with some serious history, even if the building itself feels shiny and new. Built around 2019, it was designed to echo the Victorian textile warehouses that used to dominate this part of East London. You see it in the little details: the copper finishes, the industrial-style windows, and the way the rooms feel more like high-end apartments than tiny boxes.
What the Clayton Hotel City of London Gets Right
Location is everything. If you’re staying here, you're literally steps from the District and Hammersmith & City lines. You can roll out of bed and be at the Tower of London or the Gherkin in ten minutes. But the real draw? It’s the gateway to the "cool" side of the city. Walk five minutes north and you’re in Spitalfields. Walk five minutes east and you’re hitting the curry houses and street art of Brick Lane.
The Room Situation
The rooms are surprisingly quiet. You’d expect the roar of Whitechapel Road to leak in, but it’s silent. Most people go for the Deluxe rooms, which have those massive King Koil mattresses—the kind that make it physically painful to get up for a 9:00 AM meeting.
If you’re feeling fancy, the Junior Suites have free-standing baths. It’s a bit of a flex, honestly.
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- Connectivity: The Wi-Fi is actually fast. No "spinning wheel of death" during Zoom calls.
- The Bathrooms: Think rainfall showers and marble-effect tiles. Very spa-like.
- The Little Things: There’s a fridge drawer in most rooms. It’s subtle, but way better than those noisy mini-bars that charge you £8 for a KitKat.
Dining at The Grill and Globe Bar
Look, hotel food can be hit or miss. At the Clayton Hotel City of London, they have "The Grill." It’s British-focused, using seasonal stuff. Is it the best meal you’ll ever have in London? Maybe not, given that some of the world's best restaurants are a 15-minute walk away. But for a Tuesday night when it’s raining and you can’t be bothered to leave? It’s solid.
The Globe Bar is where the action is. They do this Red Bean Roastery coffee which is actually decent—not that burnt office swill. In the evening, it pivots to cocktails and craft beers. It’s got a bit of an "urban retreat" vibe, with plenty of locals often mixing with the guests.
The 2025 Ownership Shift
Here is something most people don’t realize: the hotel recently went through a massive corporate change. For years, it was a flagship for the Dalata Hotel Group, an Irish powerhouse. However, in late 2025, a Scandinavian consortium led by Pandox and Eiendomsspar completed a massive €1.4 billion takeover of the whole group.
What does that mean for you? Probably not much on the surface. The branding is staying, but there’s a new "Chapter" starting with Scandic Hotels Group managing the day-to-day operations under a fresh agreement. Usually, when the Scandinavians take over, the breakfast gets even better and the sustainability standards go through the roof.
What’s Actually Nearby?
Don't just stay in the hotel. That’s a rookie move.
- Whitechapel Gallery: It’s right there. It’s free. It’s world-class.
- Borough Market: A bit further, but you can walk over Tower Bridge to get there.
- Sky Garden: You need to book weeks in advance, but it’s the best free view in the city.
- Jack the Ripper Tours: Love them or hate them, they start right around the corner.
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Skip the main roads. If you weave through the backstreets behind the hotel, you’ll find Petticoat Lane Market. It’s one of the oldest markets in London. On Sundays, it’s a chaotic, wonderful mess of clothes and street food that feels way more "real" than the polished stalls at Spitalfields.
Practical Logistics
Check-in is at 3:00 PM. Check-out is 11:00 AM.
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If you’re flying in, London City Airport is your best bet—about 20 minutes in a cab or a quick DLR/Tube hop. If you’re coming from Heathrow, the Elizabeth Line to Liverpool Street is the way to go. From there, it’s a 10-minute walk or one stop on the Tube.
One downside? No parking. This is Central London, after all. If you bring a car, you’re going to spend more on parking than on the room. Don't do it. Use the Tube.
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
- Book Direct: Sometimes they throw in a breakfast credit or a late check-out that you won't get on the big booking sites.
- Request a High Floor: The views of the City skyline (The Shard, The Gherkin) are much better once you get above the fifth floor.
- Explore Aldgate: Check out Emilia’s Crafted Pasta just down the street on Alie Street. It’s some of the best fresh pasta in the city and way more intimate than the hotel restaurant.
- Use the Gym: It’s open 24/7. It’s not huge, but it has enough free weights and cardio machines to burn off that Brick Lane bagel.
The Clayton Hotel City of London works because it doesn't try too hard to be "boutique" or "edgy." It’s just a high-quality, reliable base in a part of London that is constantly changing. Whether you're here to sign a contract or eat your way through East London, it holds its own.