Residence Inn London Bridge With Kids (2024): My Honest Review as a Solo Parent
After a quick trip to London this summer, I knew I had to share this review of the Residence Inn London Bridge. As a solo parent traveling with two toddlers, I found this Marriott Bonvoy property to be a surprisingly perfect fit for our family—and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a family-friendly hotel in London.
One of our nights here was completely free thanks to Marriott Bonvoy points! If you’re curious how that works, check out How We Travel for Free (and How You Can Too).
Location: Central, Walkable, and Family-Friendly
The Residence Inn by Marriott London Bridge is located in the Bermondsey neighborhood, part of the London Borough of Southwark. It’s a trendy, residential area known for great restaurants, bars, and Borough Market—and it’s an easy walk to Tower Bridge and The Shard.
We loved the area. There was a fully fenced-in playground right across the street from the hotel, which turned out to be a huge hit with my kids. Swings, slides, grassy areas—it gave them space to burn off energy, and gave me a chance to sit down with a coffee.
Public transit was super accessible too. We had no problem getting around the city via the London Underground, and the central location made it easy to return to the hotel mid-day for naps or snacks.
The Room: Spacious, Clean, and Great for Toddlers
We stayed in a One-Bedroom Open Plan room, and it offered way more space than I expected for London. There was a double bed, a sofa bed (we paid £10/day to use it for my toddler), and a full kitchen—complete with a dining table, refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, oven, and all the coffee and tea you could want.
I requested a crib in advance, and the hotel delivered the most padded, comfortable Pack ‘n Play I’ve ever seen. The room’s natural light and layout made it feel airy and comfortable, and everything felt very clean—which gave me peace of mind as my toddlers crawled and played.
The room’s official occupancy was three, but other options at this Marriott London Bridge location can accommodate up to five guests—something that’s not easy to find in London.
Want a closer look at our room? I filmed a quick tour so you can see exactly what to expect.
Hotel Amenities: Great Breakfast and Family-Friendly Touches
This Residence Inn London Bridge had a trendier feel than other Residence Inn’s I’ve stayed at, but it was still welcoming and relaxed. Everything was spotless, and the staff went out of their way to make us feel like VIPs.
The hotel doesn’t have a full-service restaurant, but it offers a free hot breakfast buffet each morning—and honestly, it was the best free hotel breakfast I’ve ever had. The variety was impressive, the quality was great, and the fact that it was complimentary made a big difference in an expensive city like London. We arrived early after an overnight flight and were even invited to enjoy breakfast before we could even check into our room.
Another highlight? Free laundry facilities. After a week of travel with toddlers and just one carry-on, being able to wash everything without extra cost or hassle was a game-changer.
There was one elevator in the lobby—small and sometimes slow—but it was just big enough to fit me, the kids in their double stroller, and our carry-on. In a city like London, having an elevator that could actually accommodate all of us at once (without folding the stroller!) was a big win.
The hotel felt very safe and well-lit, and there was always someone at the front desk when we came or went—even when I ordered food once in the middle of the night.
Staying at Residence Inn London Bridge With Toddlers: Pros & Cons
What I Loved:
- Super clean—so important with toddlers on the floor!
- A very comfortable Pack ‘n Play provided for free.
- Sofa bed setup for my older toddler.
- Huge breakfast spread with lots of toddler-friendly options.
- Great location near parks, transit, and key attractions.
- A playground across the street for daily run-around time.
- Spacious room and full kitchen made meals easy.
- The hotel felt safe and welcoming at all times.
- Free laundry and fast elevators made solo travel so much smoother.
What I Didn’t Love:
- The room wasn’t toddler-proof—everything was low and within reach (phones, coffee stuff, etc.).
- There was only a shower, no bathtub, which made washing toddlers a bit tricky.
Final Thoughts
I would absolutely stay at the Residence Inn London Bridge again—and I’ve already recommended it to friends. The thoughtful amenities, prime location, and Marriott perks made it one of the best hotels in London for families I’ve ever experienced.
Whether you’re solo parenting like me or visiting with a larger crew, this hotel checks so many boxes. It was clean, convenient, and made our short time in London feel special.