Marlin Waterloo is a modern serviced apartment hotel situated in the vibrant Waterloo district of central London. The property offers a range of contemporary apartments equipped with fully fitted kitchens, comfortable living areas, and dedicated dining spaces, catering to both short and extended stays. Guests have access to amenities such as a fitness centre, 24-hour reception, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The hotel is conveniently located near major transport links, including Lambeth North and Waterloo Underground stations, providing easy access to London's attractions and business centres. Nearby landmarks include the London Eye, Southbank Centre, and the Houses of Parliament, making it an ideal base for exploring the capital.
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 generally reported as clean, modern, and well-maintained. This contributes to a comfortable and pleasant stay, enhancing the overall guest experience.
- Excellent Location The hotel is conveniently located near major attractions like the London Eye, Big Ben and Westminster, many within walking distance. It is also close to Waterloo and Lambeth North stations, providing easy access to public transportation throughout London.
- Friendly and Helpful Staff Guests consistently praise the hotel staff for being friendly, helpful, and attentive. They are readily available to assist with requests, provide directions, and ensure a comfortable stay.
- Spacious Rooms Many guests report that the rooms are spacious, particularly the studio apartments. The extra space is especially beneficial for families or those planning an extended stay.
- Well-Equipped Kitchenettes Many rooms feature a kitchenette, complete with a refrigerator, microwave, hob, toaster, dishwasher and basic cookware. This allows guests to prepare their own meals, saving money on dining out and catering to specific dietary needs.
Criticised
- AC Malfunctions Some guests have complained about the air conditioning turning off automatically at certain times of the day, leading to discomfort. The hotel may require requests to keep it running continuously.
- Cleanliness Inconsistencies Some guests have reported issues with cleanliness in the rooms, including unclean bathrooms, hair in the room, and stained linens. These inconsistencies can detract from the overall experience.
- Inaccessible Check-In The self-check-in kiosks are not accessible to wheelchair users. The payment devices were too high to see, so it was not possible to read the instructions on the handsets if seated
- Lack of Amenities/Services The absence of certain amenities such as complimentary water, daily sheet changes, or in-room telephones can be inconvenient. Limited housekeeping, especially over multiple days, can also be a drawback.
- Noise Issues Some guests have reported noise disturbances from neighboring rooms, loud guests, or nearby trains, potentially affecting sleep quality. The fire alarm also went off in the middle of the night with no explanation by staff.
The longer read
Marlin Waterloo is a conveniently located hotel that offers good value for money. Its proximity to public transportation, including Lambeth North tube station (across the street) and Waterloo Station (5-10 minute walk), makes it easy to access major London attractions. Many reviewers appreciated being within walking distance of the London Eye, Big Ben, Westminster Bridge, and the South Bank. The location is also praised for its nearness to grocery stores (Co-Op, Sainsbury's) and a variety of restaurants and cafes.
A key feature highlighted by guests is the well-equipped kitchenette in many rooms, complete with a refrigerator, microwave, hob, kettle, toaster, and dishwasher, along with basic cookware and crockery. This is particularly beneficial for longer stays and families, allowing guests to prepare their own meals and save on dining costs.
The staff is consistently described as friendly, helpful, and welcoming. Many reviewers specifically mentioned the positive and attentive service they received from the reception staff, who were quick to address requests and queries. Check-in is generally smooth, although some found the kiosk self-check-in impersonal and potentially inaccessible for wheelchair users.
The rooms are generally clean and modern, although some reviewers noted that the hotel is showing signs of wear. Some guests have reported issues with cleanliness, such as hair in the bathroom or uncleaned surfaces, while others found the rooms spotless. The rooms are described as spacious, particularly the studio apartments, and many offer nice city views. However, a few guests experienced noise issues from neighboring rooms or external sources, and some found the beds or sofa beds uncomfortable.
While most found the location safe, a few mentioned that the Waterloo neighborhood can feel a bit dodgy or that there are homeless people in the surrounding area. Some reviewers have also noted the presence of a nearby hospital, which can result in occasional siren noise. A few reviewers mentioned that the air conditioning in the rooms turns off automatically and needs to be manually restarted.
Overall, Marlin Waterloo is a well-regarded hotel for its location, value, and kitchenette facilities. While some guests have reported minor issues with cleanliness or maintenance, the positive feedback on staff, convenience, and room features suggests a generally pleasant stay.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 (020) 39085000
- Website
- marlin.com/locations/hotel-waterloo
- Check in
- 15:00 · out 11:00
| Mon | 24 Hours |
|---|---|
| Tue | 24 Hours |
| Wed | 24 Hours |
| Thu | 24 Hours |
| Fri | 24 Hours |
| Sat | 24 Hours |
| Sun | 24 Hours |
Facilities
- 24 Hours
- Accessible
- Air Conditioning
- Bar
- Family Rooms
- Heating
- Internet
- Laundry
- Non Smoking Rooms
- Parking
- Television
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.1 against a median of 4.2 across the 9 venues we hold for Lambeth, where the most-reviewed is Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge.
Booking
Still deciding?
- What types of apartment layouts and kitchen facilities does Marlin Waterloo provide for short stays?
- Is the fitness centre at Marlin Waterloo open 24 hours and what equipment does it include?
- How convenient is the access to public transport from Marlin Waterloo, especially the Lambeth North tube station and nearby bus routes?
- What are the main cultural and sightseeing attractions within walking distance of Marlin Waterloo?
- Does Marlin Waterloo offer on‑site dining or recommended nearby restaurants for tourists seeking local cuisine?
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.