The hype
Travelers rave about the location and the breakfast buffet, but often find the service efficiency doesn't quite match the 5-star billing.
Leonardo Royal Hotel London St Pauls
$200-350/ night
Book this if You want to sleep in the literal shadow of St Paul's Cathedral and love a glass-heavy, modern corporate vibe.
Why People Love It
- Unbeatable location right next to St Paul's and the Millennium Bridge
- The 16.6m indoor pool and Rena Spa (a rarity in central London)
- Sabine Rooftop Bar offers some of the best cathedral views in the city
Quick Take: A slick, glass-and-steel business hotel that feels impressive in the lobby but can feel a bit impersonal in the corridors.
Reviewed by @melissacarterr_: I couldn't believe I found a 4-star hotel with a full spa and pool right next to St Paul's for this price. The atrium bar is stunning, and my room was super quiet despite being in the city center. It feels like a total hidden gem for budget luxury.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'Executive Lounge' gets mixed reviews—often crowded with limited snacks, making the upgrade questionable for some.
- You're a business traveler needing a reliable, well-equipped base in the City
- You want a hotel with a proper lap pool and gym
- You plan to explore the Tate Modern and Shakespeare's Globe (just a bridge walk away)
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally reliable daily service, though some reviews note dust in hard-to-reach corners.
- Bathroom hygiene: Bathrooms are modern and usually sparkling; grout and glass are well-maintained.
- Maintenance: The property is well-kept, though some wear and tear is visible in high-traffic corridors.
- Linens & towels: Crisp, white, and high quality. Towels are fluffy enough.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells expensive (signature scent); rooms are generally neutral/fresh.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Echo from the central atrium bar/restaurant
- Early morning city noise (construction/deliveries) in street-facing rooms
Before you book
Good to know
- Breakfast is ~£23/person if not included in your rate—excellent variety but pricey.
- Luggage storage is available but double-check if it's busy during peak checkout times.
- The hotel is in the 'City of London' (financial district), so the immediate area is very quiet on weekends.
What to pack
- Swimsuit for the 16.6m heated pool
- Smart casual outfits—the rooftop bar has a dress code
- Earplugs if you end up in an atrium room
Room Genie
Best picks
- Deluxe King with St Paul's View (worth the splurge for the view alone)
- Superior Rooms on higher floors facing outward (for natural light)
Rooms to avoid
- Lower floor atrium-facing rooms (privacy issues and noise)
- Rooms near the elevators (high foot traffic)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a room on a high floor, specifically facing OUTWARD towards the city/cathedral, not facing the internal atrium, to ensure privacy and quiet.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool open to kids?
Yes, but only during specific windows: Mon-Fri 9:30-11:30am, 2:30-4:30pm, and 8-10pm. Weekends are unrestricted.
Does the hotel have parking?
No on-site parking. You'll need to use the Baynard House Car Park nearby (~£4.50/hour).
Can I get into the Sabine Rooftop Bar easily?
No. It's incredibly popular. Book a table weeks in advance, even if you are a hotel guest.
Is breakfast included?
Not standard. It's a buffet style served in Leo's Restaurant, costing around £23 if you pay on the day.
How close is the Tube?
Extremely close. St Paul's (Central Line) is a 3-minute walk; Blackfriars (District/Circle) is 5 minutes away.
Is there a resort fee?
No hidden resort fees, but a credit card hold for incidentals is taken at check-in.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Executive Lounge' view of St Paul's is great, but you can get a similar view for free by walking to the One New Change roof terrace nearby.
- ✨
Ask for a 'handwritten' welcome note if celebrating—staff are good at these small touches.
- ✨
The hotel gym is better than average—Technogym equipment and weights, not just a treadmill in a closet.
5 things to know before you go
💡The glass elevators are cool but can be agonizingly slow during morning rush.
💡The 'Atrium' rooms have sheer blinds that might not block all the light from the lobby chandelier.
💡You can hear the church bells of St Paul's from some rooms (romantic for some, annoying for others).
💡Room service ordering via the QR code is notoriously glitchy; just call the front desk.
💡The spa treatment prices are high, but the facility access (sauna/steam) is a great free perk for guests.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Leonardo Royal Hotel London St Pauls is located and what's nearby.