Residence Inn London Bridge With Kids: My Honest Review as a Solo Parent

When I was planning our trip to London, I wanted something that felt manageable. I didn’t need five-star luxury, I just needed space, a kitchen, and a location that would make solo travel with toddlers feel a little less exhausting.

We ended up booking a one-bedroom suite at the Residence Inn London Bridge, and honestly? It worked really well for our family.

The room gave us plenty of space to spread out, there was a playground right across the street, and the kitchen setup meant I could easily make snacks or quick breakfasts without dragging everyone out the door first thing.

In this review, I’ll walk you through what it’s like staying at the Residence Inn London Bridge with young kids, including what worked, what didn’t, and what I’d want other parents to know before booking.

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The Residence Inn by Marriott London Bridge is in Bermondsey, a residential neighborhood in the London Borough of Southwark. It’s known for its great restaurants, local cafés, and easy access to Borough Market. You’re also within walking distance of Tower Bridge and The Shard, which made it feel like the best of both worlds—quiet but still central.

We really liked the area. There was a fully fenced-in playground right across the street from the hotel, and it ended up being one of the highlights of our stay. My kids loved the swings and slides, and I loved being able to sip a coffee on a bench while they ran around safely.

Public transit was easy too. We had no trouble navigating the city on the London Underground, and the central location meant we could head back to the hotel mid-day for naps, snacks, or just a reset.

The Room: Spacious, Clean, and Great for Toddlers

We stayed in a One-Bedroom Open Plan suite, and it had 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 with a dining table, refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, and oven. They even stocked it with plenty of coffee and tea.

I requested a crib in advance, and the hotel brought up the most padded, comfortable Pack ‘n Play I’ve ever seen. The room had big windows and a layout that made it feel bright and open, and everything was super clean, which is always a relief when your toddlers are crawling around on the floor.

That said, toddler-proofing was a bit of a project. There were quite a few tempting things within reach when we walked in—like a phone on a low shelf, a whole box of sugar packets, decorative dishes, and even a piece of wall art my toddler could pull from the couch. Before I could really let them explore, I had to move all of that out of the way.

Also good to know: the bathroom only had a shower, no tub. That wasn’t a big deal for our short stay, but if bathtime is a key part of your routine, it’s something to plan for.

This specific room had an official occupancy of three, but the Residence Inn London Bridge does offer larger setups that can sleep up to five—something that’s surprisingly rare in London.

Want more ideas for exploring London with your kids?
If you’re planning a longer stay or looking for things to do nearby, I highly recommend checking out the London destination guides from The Little Adventure Club. It’s packed with practical tips, real parent insight, and kid-friendly ideas to help you make the most of your time in the city.

Vibe & Amenities

This Residence Inn felt trendier than others I’ve stayed at, but it was still laid-back and family-friendly. Everything was spotless, and the staff made us feel genuinely welcome from the moment we arrived.

There’s no full-service restaurant on-site, but the free hot breakfast each morning was honestly the best I’ve had at a Residence Inn. The variety was great, the food was actually good, and having it included made a big difference in a city as expensive as London. We arrived early after an overnight flight, and they even invited us to eat breakfast before we were able to check in—such a kind gesture after a long travel day.

There were lots of places to eat nearby, too. One night we picked up food from All That Falafel, a little takeout window just down the block. We brought it back to the room and ate around the kitchen table. It ended up being one of the best meals of the trip.

Another thing I really appreciated was the free laundry room. After a full week of travel with toddlers and just one carry-on bag, it was such a relief to wash everything without needing coins or tracking down a laundromat. I wheeled the kids right in with the stroller, kept them strapped in while I ran the machines, and even got a free detergent pod from the front desk. There was also a quiet bathroom next door, which came in handy when my son needed to go mid-laundry.

The elevator in the lobby was small and sometimes slow, but it fit all of us—me, the kids in the double stroller, and our carry-on—without needing to fold anything down. In London, that alone felt like a win.

The hotel felt safe, well-lit, and consistently staffed. No matter what time we came or went, there was always someone at the front desk which made me feel a lot more comfortable traveling solo with kids.

Staying at Residence Inn London Bridge With Toddlers: Pros & Cons

Want to Stay Here?

If you’re considering the Residence Inn London Bridge for your trip, here’s the easiest way to check current rates and availability. The rooms offer much more space than a typical London hotel, and the location is incredibly convenient for families.

Have questions about these tips or want advice from other solo parents? Join my free Facebook group for parents traveling alone with babies, toddlers, and young kids. You’ll find support, real-life answers, and tips from parents who’ve been there, wherever you’re headed in the world.