Novotel London Blackfriars is a contemporary hotel situated in the Southwark district of London, just a short walk from the River Thames. The hotel features 182 modern rooms equipped with amenities such as 55-inch flat-screen TVs, minibars, and tea/coffee making facilities. Guests can enjoy an indoor heated swimming pool, a fitness center, and a sauna. The on-site restaurant serves international dishes, and a bar is available for relaxation. The hotel is conveniently located near Southwark Tube Station, providing easy access to London's major attractions.
What each source says
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Clean and Modern Rooms The rooms are well-maintained, clean, and equipped with modern amenities, providing a comfortable stay for guests.
- Excellent Location The hotel is conveniently located near Southwark tube station and within walking distance of major attractions like the London Eye and Borough Market, making it easy to explore the city.
- Family-Friendly Amenities The hotel offers amenities such as a swimming pool and family rooms, making it a suitable choice for families traveling with children.
- Friendly and Helpful Staff Many guests have praised the staff for being courteous, helpful, and accommodating to their needs, enhancing the overall experience.
- Good Breakfast The breakfast buffet offers a wide variety of options and is generally well-received by guests.
Criticised
- Bathroom Privacy Issues The design of the bathrooms, particularly the frosted glass walls and lack of a proper door, may not provide sufficient privacy for all guests.
- Breakfast Crowds The breakfast area can get very crowded, leading to a chaotic experience with slow refills and limited seating.
- Inconsistent Room Quality Some guests have reported issues such as non-working TVs and cleanliness concerns, suggesting there may be inconsistencies in room quality.
- Pool Temperature Some guests have found the swimming pool to be too cold, which can be a drawback for those looking to enjoy a relaxing swim.
- Room Service Delays Room service can be slow and unreliable, with orders sometimes taking a very long time to arrive.
The longer read
The Novotel London Blackfriars receives consistently high praise for its excellent location, cleanliness, and friendly, helpful staff. Its proximity to Southwark tube station (a 1-2 minute walk) and other transport links makes it easy to access various London attractions, with many within walking distance, including the South Bank, Borough Market, and the London Eye. The modern, well-maintained rooms are frequently described as comfortable, adequately sized, and well-equipped, often including amenities like coffee/tea making facilities, mini-fridges stocked with complimentary water and sometimes snacks, and reliable WiFi (though some mention occasional WiFi issues). Families, in particular, appreciate the hotel's family-friendly atmosphere, with spacious family rooms and the added bonus of a swimming pool. Many guests highlight the positive experiences with the staff, noting their attentiveness, professionalism, and willingness to go the extra mile to assist with requests and provide a warm welcome. The breakfast buffet receives positive feedback for its variety and quality, although some reviewers have mentioned that it can get crowded during peak times. A few reviewers noted minor maintenance issues, such as occasional problems with showers or bathroom design (glass walls affecting privacy), but these concerns are outweighed by the overall positive experiences reported. The pool area, while appreciated, can be crowded, and some guests found the pool temperature to be on the cooler side. Overall, the Novotel London Blackfriars is highly recommended for both leisure and business travelers seeking a convenient, comfortable, and well-serviced hotel in central London.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
Facilities
- 24 Hours
- Accepts Credit Cards
- Accessible
- Air Conditioning
- Bar
- Concierge
- Dining Area
- Electric Kettle
- Family Rooms
- Gym
- Heating
- Housekeeping
- Internet
- Ironing
- Laundry
- Non Smoking Rooms
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.3 against a median of 4.3 across the 131 venues we hold for London, where the most-reviewed is Liberty London.
Booking
Still deciding?
- What modern in‑room amenities does Novotel London Blackfriars provide for a short‑term stay?
- What on‑site facilities such as pool, gym, and sauna are available for guests at Novotel London Blackfriars?
- What dining options, including the restaurant’s cuisine and bar atmosphere, can a traveler expect at Novotel London Blackfriars?
- What nearby attractions and points of interest are within walking distance of Novotel London Blackfriars for a tourist?
- What public transport connections and airport links are most convenient for reaching Novotel London Blackfriars?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.