Name: Holiday Inn Express Southwark by IHG
Address: 103 - 109 Southwark Street, Cathedrals, London, England, United Kingdom, London, Greater London, GB
Price range: $132–$429 per night
Rating: 8.27

What guests think

Holiday Inn Express Southwark by IHG earns praise for its central, walkable location and generally friendly staff, with many guests appreciating the included breakfast and clean, comfortable rooms despite compact layouts and limited storage.

Repeated concerns include ongoing exterior renovations with scaffolding, occasional daytime noise, blocked views, and elevator outages. Breakfast is frequently busy with a cramped dining area, and some guests noted room assignment issues, billing confusion, fire alarm disturbances, and inconsistent air conditioning. Expect a convenient base with good basics and some renovation-related compromises.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Ongoing exterior renovations with scaffolding are widely reported, sometimes causing daytime noise, blocked windows, and tricky building access. A few guests also encountered elevator outages.

Related guest reviews

6

Elisabeth Margarethe

Nov 4, 2024

·

Stayed 7 nights

Unfortunately the hotel was a construction site. We had no daylight in our room because of a foil over the window. Also we had a sofa changed into a bed in our room for 2 so we actually couldn't sit at the desk or move properly in the room at all. Most of the time one of the 2 coffeemachines in the breakfast area was out of order and there were long queues to get a hot beverage. Breakfast was fine though. The elevator was out of order, too, but we only stayed in the 3rd floor, so that extra bit of exercise was ok for us. The hotel was quiet in the night, but because of the construction works going on in the day it was pretty loud. So we only really stayed in the hotel for the night... The staff was lovely though and very helpful!

4

Julia

Jun 5, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

On two consecutive nights the fire alarm went off and woke us up. Recording to other guests the same did happen two nights before that as well. The staff seemed quite stressed und unsure on what to do. It's tools some guests getting quite upset for them to tell us what was going on. We went for breakfast a bit later and many things were empty and it felt quite messy in general. There was some construction going on that didn't bother us but the halls smelled very strongly of glue. Our clothes smelled like that as well which wasn't really pleasant. The location was great and very convenient. With more care it could be a great place but at this time we didn't feel like our experience matched the expense of our stay.

8

Sean

Apr 26, 2025

·

The rooms at the hotel were clean and looked modern. Unfortunately the building was having some renovations done during my stay so it was a bit awkward to find the front door, other than that the hotel is located in a really nice area with easy access to transport links.

8

Avery

Nov 14, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Service and breakfast was wonderful. However, hotel remodeling was noisy.

6

Robin

Oct 23, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Good location just across river from Blackfriars station. Hotel is under construction. Lift did not work and shower drain was plugged. Breakfast area was crowded and small.

8

Mark

Jan 30, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Booked for my birthday, and although we enjoyed our stay, we had called the hotel direct back in December to check when the scaffolding would be coming down. We were told it would be down the following week, so went ahead with our booking. When we arrived, the whole hotel was scaffolded and our room was in total darkness! As it was a special weekend we would not have stayed here if we had been told this. Breakfast was good, but far too small an area, which made it uncomfortable for everyone trying to get their food. The bedroom and bathroom was very comfortable, despite the darkness and staff were very friendly and helpful.

2

Silkys

Oct 26, 2024

·

I liked the proximity to all of the attractions. I felt that the hotel was not transparent and did not inform on the website a full disclosure that the hotel was being remodeled. There was scaffolding everywhere and was unable to open windows. Also, the hotel was full to capacity and I was given a handicap room which it was not what I booked. I have stayed and have booked multiple rooms in the past, but I was extremely disappointed. An email was sent to the hotel expressing my grievances and I didint even receive an apology

8

Luis

May 28, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The hotel was nice friendly staff. They were doing construction during our stay so it was a bit noisy during the day. Room was small but I was told that was the standard.

6

Ernesto

Oct 24, 2024

·

Stayed 5 nights

The general service is a little rude, especially for a girl on the reception named Tsiana she is not quite nice, overall all the other members are nice and kind. It seems there’s a lack of training for some staff members. Additionally, the lift was out of service all weekdays and you needed use stairs, in my personal case I was on the first floor and I didn’t have issues dealing with that. All the outside of this building it’s been repaired, but during night there’s quite. Labors starts at 9 AM but those weren’t noise

8

Nicola

Nov 27, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The hotel was good, however we were unaware at time of booking that there was building work going on, this is why we have only given it 4 stars. My husband was getting changed in our room during the day, curtains open and a builder walked right by our window (we were on the 4th floor). We felt we had to leave the curtains closed after this occurred for privacy.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Cleanliness

Rooms and bathrooms are generally clean and modern. A minority reported issues such as a dirty room, stained linens, and strong odors from renovation materials or cleaning products.

Related guest reviews

8

Heather

Feb 20, 2023

·

Stayed 4 nights

Great location to explore from. Walkable to loads of attractions, places to see yet close enough to a tube should you wish to ride that. Variety of food places in the vicinity or short walk to riverfront. Nice clean, quiet room. Staff helpful & friendly.

4

Julia

Jun 5, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

On two consecutive nights the fire alarm went off and woke us up. Recording to other guests the same did happen two nights before that as well. The staff seemed quite stressed und unsure on what to do. It's tools some guests getting quite upset for them to tell us what was going on. We went for breakfast a bit later and many things were empty and it felt quite messy in general. There was some construction going on that didn't bother us but the halls smelled very strongly of glue. Our clothes smelled like that as well which wasn't really pleasant. The location was great and very convenient. With more care it could be a great place but at this time we didn't feel like our experience matched the expense of our stay.

6

Alison

Oct 23, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean. Bed comfortable. Staff excellent and helpful. Very basic amenities in room. It’s functional. Scaffolding and polythene covering of hotel made it hard to find in dark.

10

marjorie

Mar 11, 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

The place was clean. Close to transportation and near by a few restaurants.

6

Yi-Lynn Beatrice

Mar 29, 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

Disappointed that the bath towel and bedsheet has stains on them. Housekeeping also not great as room not that clean with no attention to detail. Otherwise location is great.

10

Nicola

Nov 6, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Clean, comfortable, modern rooms. The complimentary breakfast was a great bonus. I would definitely book to stay here again.

10

Sue

Aug 23, 2024

·

Stayed 5 nights

Clean and comfy- easy access to anywhere in the city.

6

guy

Sep 24, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

My first room was very humidity and very dirty.

6

Allister

Nov 26, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The heating was very noisy, and the room very warm despite turning the radiator down to zero. The cleaning solution used in the room was very acrid in smell and has transferred to all of our clothes.

10

Keith

Mar 4, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

We really enjoyed our stay. The room was clean and contemporary and the bathroom had been updated recently giving it a very modern feel. Breakfast was more than adequate. Cereals, bakery items and good cooked breakfast selection. We would use this hotel again.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Rooms are compact with limited storage, and many note the absence of a safe or mini fridge. Beds are comfortable, but AC performance can be inconsistent or noisy, and renovation scaffolding has reduced light or views for some.

Related guest reviews

6

Elisabeth Margarethe

Nov 4, 2024

·

Stayed 7 nights

Unfortunately the hotel was a construction site. We had no daylight in our room because of a foil over the window. Also we had a sofa changed into a bed in our room for 2 so we actually couldn't sit at the desk or move properly in the room at all. Most of the time one of the 2 coffeemachines in the breakfast area was out of order and there were long queues to get a hot beverage. Breakfast was fine though. The elevator was out of order, too, but we only stayed in the 3rd floor, so that extra bit of exercise was ok for us. The hotel was quiet in the night, but because of the construction works going on in the day it was pretty loud. So we only really stayed in the hotel for the night... The staff was lovely though and very helpful!

8

Thintia

Jul 31, 2024

·

Stayed 7 nights

This is a property for travelers staying no more than 2 nights. We stayed for 8 nights. The room didn’t have any closet or dresser. Imagine trying to store a week’s worth of clothing for 3 individuals in luggage! It was very cumbersome. Otherwise, it was a quiet hotel, breakfast every morning and transport nearby.

8

Edmond

Jun 28, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Very good breakfast. Room does not have a safe. No place to organize clothings except a few cloth hangers. No place to put your changed clothing in the bathroom. Faucet is awkward.

4

Yuri

Aug 30, 2023

·

Stayed 5 nights

Couldn’t run the air conditioning at night because the condensate pump was to noisy every time it activated. Heard the same noise coming from other units after shutting off mine. Spoke with staff and they were aware of the problem but nothing was done about it for some time and nothing will be done because the owners don’t care. Would never stay there unless this problem is solved. Btw I own air conditioning company so I know what I’m talking about and real estate investor. I feel sorry for future guests.

6

Sam

Jul 10, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The air conditioning in the room did not do anything. That was very disappointing. The staff was nice and helpful. Breakfast was fine.

4

Joanna

Nov 30, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Check in was utter chaos as was breakfast time. Beds comfy, pillows lumpy, room a bit shabby, bathroom nice and new.

10

Sunil

Apr 22, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Rooms are way too small

8

jordan

Jun 28, 2023

·

Stayed 4 nights

AC did not work on some days

6

Arlene

Aug 27, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Very Small room, no safe, no fridge, no closet, no wash cloths.

8

Nicola

Nov 27, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The hotel was good, however we were unaware at time of booking that there was building work going on, this is why we have only given it 4 stars. My husband was getting changed in our room during the day, curtains open and a builder walked right by our window (we were on the 4th floor). We felt we had to leave the curtains closed after this occurred for privacy.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Service

Staff are frequently described as friendly and helpful. However, experiences are inconsistent, with reports of rude or indifferent reception, room type or billing mishaps, poor communication during fire alarms, and slow check in resolution.

Related guest reviews

6

Steven

Dec 23, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

We were not told about the external scaffolding which wasn’t a great issue. We tried to call reception about some banging around in a bedroom above us at 11pm. It was continuously enguaged - even the Emergancy button did not work. We had to google the hotel number to get an answer. Overall nice hotel in the middle of ever thing.

10

Aaron

Feb 20, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Brilliant friendly staff going above and beyond for us

4

Julia

Jun 5, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

On two consecutive nights the fire alarm went off and woke us up. Recording to other guests the same did happen two nights before that as well. The staff seemed quite stressed und unsure on what to do. It's tools some guests getting quite upset for them to tell us what was going on. We went for breakfast a bit later and many things were empty and it felt quite messy in general. There was some construction going on that didn't bother us but the halls smelled very strongly of glue. Our clothes smelled like that as well which wasn't really pleasant. The location was great and very convenient. With more care it could be a great place but at this time we didn't feel like our experience matched the expense of our stay.

10

Scott

Jul 25, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Everything was great! Check was fast, friendly and professional. (Tony was great!) Every interaction we had with staff was terrific. The room was great - comfortable and very clean. Breakfast was fantastic and very well managed. The location is also very convenient to transportation. We would definitely stay here again.

2

Francis

Apr 24, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We were charged for 2 rooms the night before we were to check in. When we reserved the rooms, was told to pay when we checked in. Then, when checking in, we were charged again for the 2 rooms. We were traveling with my sister who was to pay for her own room. Waited a long time at check in to get it straightened out. Later, I received a notice from my credit card company that all rooms for both nights were still charged to my card. Had to go back to the front desk and get it changed, again. We were not informed of the construction going on. Our room had no view out the window because of the scaffolding and workers so had to keep the curtains closed at all times. Reserved a king room and ended up with a queen. My sister had the room next door, great view, no scaffolding and a king bed. Very disappointed.

6

Carlos Alberto

Oct 6, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Typical Express Hotel (so as expected no fridge in the room). Well located, plenty of convenience facilities nearby. I have booked a Standard Twin room and during check in I was informed that there were no twin rooms available ao I had to share a Small double bed with a friend. The Recepcionist Alexis was very rude! Couldn’t care less about this legitim complain. According the property our preference for the type of room on Hoteis.com/expedia are no guaranteed! So be aware if this is a problem for you.

10

Viviane

Jul 5, 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

Good hotel in a great location and close to transport. Breakfast is good and plenty of restaurants around. Staff were friendly and helpful.

10

Marcelo Bueno

Jul 5, 2024

·

Stayed 6 nights

Great location! Attentive and friendly staff.

6

Jorge

May 20, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Poor customer service , one of Spanish managers was not friendly at all, and seems that he was rushing on everything all the time We were unsatisfied with the service

10

Samantha

Sep 1, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great room, comfortable bed and lovely shower. The staff were friendly, welcoming and very helpful. Breakfast was great, good selection for everyone to enjoy.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Location

Consistently praised as central and walkable, close to the South Bank, Tate Modern, Borough Market, and multiple Tube and rail stations. Handy for exploring by foot or public transport.

Related guest reviews

8

Heather

Feb 20, 2023

·

Stayed 4 nights

Great location to explore from. Walkable to loads of attractions, places to see yet close enough to a tube should you wish to ride that. Variety of food places in the vicinity or short walk to riverfront. Nice clean, quiet room. Staff helpful & friendly.

8

Justyna

Aug 27, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Good location

10

Julie

Oct 11, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Convenient to station & many attractions. Better than expected for price. Staff were all very friendly room was very clean. Nice to have breakfast included which was excellent. Could leave luggage in secure room when arriving early & on day of leaving. Room was a bit noisy but to be expected in London.

8

Elizabeth

Oct 8, 2023

·

Stayed 5 nights

This hotel was exceedingly convenient for the Southwark and Waterloo tube stations. It was a short walk to the river, the Tate Modern, and numerous restaurants. The hotel was very clean and the staff was friendly and helpful. We loved the beds and the bathroom. You don’t have control of your own thermostat so if you’re accustomed to USA levels of cold with your A/C you might struggle. We will definitely stay here again because we love the neighborhood. It’s safe and exciting.

10

Mary

May 1, 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

Easy access to tube and train. Walking distance to Borough market and not far from Southbank. Breakfast included which was excellent as so expensive to eat out in London

8

Joanne

Aug 3, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

A convenient location with good access to the Southbank

10

Alvaro

May 5, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Great hotel near downtown London, and close to attractions

8

Scott

Jul 13, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great location in a nice part of town. Plenty of shops to buy food, supplies etc... Excellent coffee shop across the street. Birds Hill. Micro-roasting what is possible the best coffee in all of London. 10 minute walk to Borough Market and the London Bridge tube line. Tate Modern is a few minutes away which makes it easy to go early before the crowds and its free! Staff is friendly, communal fridge is offered that staff control, room is efficient but comfy and climate control is good. They could use some art on the walls of the rooms. Breakfast is sufficient but the coffee across the street it so much better. Lobby is cute.

8

Meredith

Aug 16, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

5 minute walk to Blackfriars station . Breakfast included and was good. Good location

8

Horst

Apr 5, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

The location of the hotel was great. Only a few minute walk to the Thames in close to the Millenium Bridge. Underground stations near by, so that all important sights were easily accessible.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

Breakfast is included and often rated good to excellent with adequate variety. Recurrent drawbacks are a crowded, cramped dining area, occasional coffee machine issues, and, in a few cases, undercooked items.

Related guest reviews

10

Ma Guendolyn

Dec 15, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Breakfast food were great. Lots of options, big dining room. Convenient store near by. Close to underground transport. Staff very accommodating.

6

Elisabeth Margarethe

Nov 4, 2024

·

Stayed 7 nights

Unfortunately the hotel was a construction site. We had no daylight in our room because of a foil over the window. Also we had a sofa changed into a bed in our room for 2 so we actually couldn't sit at the desk or move properly in the room at all. Most of the time one of the 2 coffeemachines in the breakfast area was out of order and there were long queues to get a hot beverage. Breakfast was fine though. The elevator was out of order, too, but we only stayed in the 3rd floor, so that extra bit of exercise was ok for us. The hotel was quiet in the night, but because of the construction works going on in the day it was pretty loud. So we only really stayed in the hotel for the night... The staff was lovely though and very helpful!

6

Robin

Oct 23, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Good location just across river from Blackfriars station. Hotel is under construction. Lift did not work and shower drain was plugged. Breakfast area was crowded and small.

10

Timothy

Jul 30, 2024

·

Stayed 7 nights

So Holiday Inn US can sometimes be not very good, but not this property, it was very clean, nicely furnished, great breakfast, extremely friendly and helpful staff. Amazon Store across the street, great for sandwiches, snacks and drinks. The Tube is a 5 minute walk. I would recommend and definitely stay at this property again.

8

Katrine

Nov 4, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Okay room, quiet and clean. Hotel very busy, too many people for small breakfast area.

6

Ekaterina

Jan 4, 2025

·

Stayed 9 nights

Shower had cold water after 5pm to up until the morning. Food was bad hash browns undercooked and weird bacon a bit undercooked too. When we asked about if the sausages had milk they said of course because it is made of cow but then we found out that it doesn’t have milk.

8

Faye

Feb 27, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Exactly what you would expect for the price. Breakfast was a bonus but be warned it was very busy.

10

Ian

Sep 7, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

A good hotel with great location. Excellent breakfast.

6

Susan

Jan 7, 2023

·

Stayed 19,363 nights

Bed too small, only a double. TV static in far corner of room, not able to face bed. Room was very hot, air con inefficient. Windows didn’t have any openings. Bathroom very good. Breakfast: food good but area SO cramped and overcrowded; people waiting for tables. Could hardly move in food area which was the smallest breakfast area I’ve ever come across. No decaf drinks in machine - this can be provided abroad, why not here.

10

Samantha

Sep 1, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great room, comfortable bed and lovely shower. The staff were friendly, welcoming and very helpful. Breakfast was great, good selection for everyone to enjoy.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	$151
February	$160
March	$186
April	$200
May	$218
June	$265
July	$258
August	$191
September	$300
October	$256
November	$258
December	$256

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4 $207	5 $283
6 $138	7 $371	8 $393	9 $365	10 $269	11 $222	12 $228
13 $169	14 $289	15 $395	16 $429	17 $289	18 $217	19
20 $157	21 $252	22 $305	23 $364	24 $289	25 $230	26 $295
27 $141	28 $222	29 $305	30 $305

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $274	2 $227	3 $253
4 $146	5 $234	6 $309	7 $312	8 $222	9 $209	10 $287
11 $170	12 $230	13 $293	14 $314	15 $237	16 $177	17 $227
18 $133	19 $214	20 $309	21 $280	22 $225	23 $171	24 $212
25 $132	26 $247	27 $238	28 $222	29 $253	30 $151	31 $196

Select dates to see prices and availability

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Guest reviews

Very good

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Holiday Inn Express Southwark by IHG

Have a question?

Considering this hotel for your London trip?

Prices for upcoming dates