If you’re researching family hotels London for your next city break, it’s hard to beat the location and experience of Bankside Hotel Autograph Collection — part of the Marriott Bonvoy group — right in the heart of London’s vibrant Southbank. I realised I’d not taken my children to this part of London for many years and as my ten year old had never visited the Tate Modern I felt like a little family mini break would be a great idea!
Why Bankside Hotel Autograph Collection Was Perfect for Our Family
From the minute we arrived at Bankside Hotel London, it was clear this wasn’t just another place to drop luggage — it was a warm, welcoming base for our London adventure. Located just steps from the bustling riverside, it’s one of the most convenient hotels on the Southbank to explore the city with kids.
Children get their own easel shaped room key which my daughter was thrilled about and wanted to use at every occasion she could. In fact all the staff at the hotel were incredibly welcoming towards young people.
A Brilliant Location for Exploring London
One of the biggest advantages of staying at this London hotel is how much you can see without ever getting on a bus or tube. Walk to see street performers along the Thames, stroll to world-renowned museums and galleries, or join the flow of families exploring nearby Borough Market and the creative streets around Tate Modern.
For visiting London with kids, having so much right outside the door makes life so much easier. You’re within easy reach of classic attractions, riverside walks, and plenty of cafes in Southbank for relaxed snacks or early breakfasts before a long day of sightseeing.
Comfortable, Child-Friendly Rooms
At many child friendly hotels London, families can feel squeezed into undersized rooms — but not at Bankside. The hotel offers spacious family-ready rooms and collections designed for groups of all sizes, so everyone can rest comfortably after a day of adventures. There’s something for families from cozy doubles to larger rooms with multiple beds that make evenings and early mornings more manageable.
We were lucky enough to stay in the Collectors Suite which featured a king size bed and sofa bed which was perfect for our family of four (with our ten year old bunking in with us and the teen getting the sofa bed!). We weren’t so lucky with the rain over the weekend so I was very thankful for the luxurious stand alone bath after we arrived a little wet and bedraggled!
Dining on the Southbank Without Leaving the Hotel
One of our favourite parts of the Bankside stay was dining on the Southbank without venturing too far from our room. The hotel’s Art Yard Bar & Kitchen is a highlight — combining delicious food with an artistic, lively atmosphere that beautifully complements the hotel’s creative vibe.
As vegetarians we found there was a wide variety of choice and my daughter who is dairy free and also pretty fussy also find enough choices for her to have a delicious meal. Side note get the warm focaccia as a starter, it’s SO good.
The Service That Makes It Feel Like Home
What really stood out during our stay at Bankside Hotel was how welcomed our whole family felt. From friendly check-in to helpful local tips, the staff made a genuine effort to ensure our stay felt special and stress-free — a hallmark of the Autograph Collection hospitality
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning your first city break or are seasoned travellers searching for inspiring family friendly hotels, Bankside Hotel London stands out as a beautifully located, artful and comfortable choice among hotels on the Southbank. With great access to culture, riverside strolls, tasty dining and cosy nights, it’s an excellent base for visiting London with kids and making unforgettable family memories.
Book here.
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