Thistle City Barbican Hotel - London

Christopher C.

I stayed here on business in January. The staff were very friendly and welcoming. The communal areas, foyer etc. were all clean and of a good, modern standard. The room however was poor. Wallpaper was peeling off, the bedside table was hanging off the wall on one side so couldn't be used and the bathroom was good enough but old and tired. Also the one morning I got up to use the gym and pool, the attendant hadn't turned up and there was a queue of people going up the stairs waiting for it to open. After 10 minutes I gave up. Let me finish with a positive as the restaurant was excellent, especially for breakfast, service was a little slow on the Sunday evening, but in the morning everything was quick and efficient with a great variety and a really good coffee machine. I also liked that there was a selection of fruit, sandwiches, drinks etc., that could be purchased to any time of day to take with you.
All-in-all, I'd be wanting a better room if I was to stay again and I wouldn't choose this hotel over another on the basis of the gym/pool.

Kastian G.

The room was great, everything you need including iron and board decent size TV with good channels. Bed was comfy bathroom was old but smart and very clean. Located in the Barbican its just minutes to anywhere really good links. The breakfast is really good and it set us up for the afternoon so just had to get a main meal. It has a swimming pool, jacuzzi steam room and sauna. Overall a really nice hotel and a brilliant stay.

Lisa T.

Spacious rooms with complimentary mini bar. The rooms are rather tired and in need of refurbishment, especially the noisy air con. On the plus side, the rooms were very clean and breakfast was great. Staff very nice, especially Molly on reception. The one major blip was that we requested the mini bar was topped up after breakfast with cokes/water and this did not happen. Overall good experience, however it was a business booking....I wouldn't book it for a city break as it is clearly geared towards the business traveller.

Ben A.

I only stayed for one night, but I thought it was a very nice hotel. There were plenty of places for food and drink in the surrounding area but fortunately I felt this hotel was a bit out of the way meaning that it wasn't too noisy throughout the night. The room I stayed in was an executive king which was very spacious with a comfortable bed. I do think the look of the hotel can be seen as slightly dated, but this wasn't an issue for me. I had breakfast at the hotel. The wide selection available was very appealing, but unfortunately I wasn't very hungry so I couldn't try as much as I would have liked. The staff were very friendly, and I interacted with some of the other guests staying at the hotel who were also very friendly. Overall it was a very good stay and I would be happy to return if I find myself in the area.

Aaron J.

Good price, nice rooms, gave me a double bed for a room with 2 singles. Pool is quite nice but the hot tub was full the whole time I was there. There's a steam room and a sauna, changing room, showers. Nice big smart TV in the room, free fast WiFi with email address. Regular room service. Only issues were that the flush didn't work well and the 24 hour room service wasn't available. Expensive drink prices in the night. You may have to go through doors that say keep closed to get to your room

Nadine S.

Decent value for money. Stayed here for one night in a deluxe double room (the standard ones don't have air conditioning). The decor was basic but it had everything needed and was very comfortable and generally clean. The food was also surprisingly good, both at room service and at breakfast. The staff were also really helpful.

The downsides:
The air conditioner in the room had seen better days; it was loud and dusty. We tried to go to the pool, but it was too busy so we weren't allowed in - I think it's also open to non-hotel guests which makes it crowded. From what I could see it looked nice, but it was small.

As a Londoner, I didn't find it difficult to get to by bus, but I think tourists may find it a bit confusing. It's also known to be a bit of a dodgy area so I'd advise any visitors to keep their wits about them and not walk around with their phones out.

Bindu S.

We stayed here for 11days. The rooms are of decent size.. Not too small. Bathrooms r neat n have a shower n tub. Hot water was available at all times. Towels r provided along with other toiletries. The house keeping was good too. We had breakfast every morn. Though the food menu was repetitive it was good. Overall a good decent place to stay. We enjoyed our stay. The hotel staff were also were helpful at all times. I would definitely come stay here again.

Tom D.

Pizza was stonebaked and tasted amazing. Breakfast was brilliant. Pool was nice (smallish, but none of the other local hotels had one, so full marks for fitting it in). Gym was crowded with equipment, but fine as not crowded with people! Bedroom was spotless, furniture was a little older, soft furnishings were newer, bright and overall the room was pleasant.