Review: We stayed at the Leonardo Royal in London as their Glasgow hotel reopens

What was the Jury Inn’s first four star establishment located at the foot of Jamaica Street on the edge of the River Clyde has transformed into a Leonardo Royal following a £6.8 million refurbishment. All 321 guest rooms have been renovated with updated furnishings, soft and bold colour palettes designed to ignite calmness and relaxation. The lobby has been expanded to reflect other branches of the premium brand, and a gym, bar and restaurant has been added.

Service and sophistication are at the heart of the hotel which has moulded itself as an attraction for both corporate and leisure customers. The brand now has 54 hotels across the UK and Ireland, each one committed to presenting attractive rooms at reasonable prices.

On a recent trip to London I stayed at the brand’s Tower Bridge location, a Royal branch such is the Glasgow City Centre location. Thus, they adopt equating standards of experience and share similar signature details.

Leonardo Royal Tower Bridge

Arriving at the Leonardo Royal in Tower Bridge the initial scene is impressive, through the sliding doors you come to a reception area flooded in natural light from high windows while the decor uses bold block furnishings against warm wooden panels and dark walls, establishing a sense of sophistication that runs consistently over the stay. The area provided free fruit and infused water stations which was a welcome refresher after the travel. I checked in during the afternoon and found the process to be quick and simple.

Room

In this case even the lift was notable - a glass structure that provides a view of the city which opens wider the further up you travel. Excellent for establishing bearings.

I stayed in the King Room. It was modern and spacious with a floor to ceiling window that covered the back wall, soft bed sheets, a thick grey carpet, a television, writing desk and sofa. The washroom was tastefully tiled checked monochrome and held a separate bath and shower, the latter included layers of body jets.

I found the room to be an extremely comfortable and peaceful place to spend time in. It felt modestly luxurious. One of the most pleasant hotel experiences I’ve had, tied together by the finer details.

Facilities

Almost immediately after accessing the room I headed down to the basement where the spa is located. A warmed toned tiled space, each area generous in size including a 25 metre heated swimming pool with an infinity edge spa pool, a steam room and sauna. A nice space to relax while both using these facilities and sitting poolside with a book. There were other people when I visited midday but I wouldn’t have described it as busy. I was able to access each part without interference and at my own leisure.

The spa does also offer treatment packages and hosts a gym though I did not use these.

Signature to the Leonardo brand is Leo’s bar and restaurant. The Tower Bridge edition is a high ceilinged open space with a tastefully designed clean interior and maximalist printing, brought together by detailed furnishings, an ode to the city’s historic symbolic infrastructure. A cocktail menu based on classics paired with a creative snack menu. They also serve grill, à la carte, and tapas dishes.

I had breakfast here the following morning featuring a multicultural buffet, an omelette bar and gluten/dairy free section.

Service

I found service to be swift and attentive. There was concierge in the lobby ready to offer assistance from arrival. In my experience they had a friendly demeanour and were patient, not too insistent and respected my pace. When I called the following morning for items on the concierge menu a receptionist took the order and someone was at more door within five minutes. They were helpful with local recommendations.

Location

A short walk from a number of popular tourist spots with convenient public transport links to most major stations the hotel is in an ideal location. Just 15 minutes from Brick Lane by foot, it was this area in which I spent most of my time.