Before it became the Leonardo Hotel London Aldgate, this property operated as the Hotel Saint — a 4-star hotel in the Aldgate district known for its rooftop bar and proximity to the Sky Garden. This review draws on guest ratings from multiple platforms, official property listings, and industry reports to help you decide whether this rebranded hotel suits your next stay.
Last checked: 2026-05-15
Star rating: 4-star · Rooms: 254 rooms, 18 suites · Nearest landmark: Sky Garden (8-minute walk) · Current operator: Leonardo Hotels (formerly Hotel Saint)
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-05-15.
Sources reviewed: official property/operator site, Booking.com listing, Expedia listing, TripAdvisor reviews, Trivago aggregator, Hotels.com listing, YouTube review, blog review.
We conducted no on-site visit, no staff interview, and no independent price verification across dates.
Snapshot: Hotel Saint London / Leonardo Hotel London Aldgate
- 254 rooms and 18 suites (Booking.com)
- 8-minute walk from the Sky Garden (Expedia)
- Acquired as Leonardo Hotels’ 11th London location (Booking.com)
Star rating: 4-star | Rooms: 254 rooms and 18 suites | Walk to Sky Garden: 8 minutes | Portfolio rank: 11th London location for Leonardo Hotels
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Star rating | 4-star |
| Rooms | 254 rooms, 18 suites |
| Nearest landmark | Sky Garden (8-minute walk) |
| Current operator | Leonardo Hotels (formerly Hotel Saint) |
| Rooftop bar | Jin Bo Law Skybar |
| On-site restaurant | The Cardinal Bar & Kitchen |
| Fitness | 24-hour gym |
| Meeting rooms | 4 |
| Check-in / out | 24-hour front desk |
| Smoking policy | Smoke-free property |
Is Hotel Saint London good?
Guest opinion, drawn from multiple platforms, paints a largely positive picture. On Expedia, the property holds an overall rating of 9.2 out of 10, with 9.4 for both cleanliness and staff attentiveness. Booking.com users give the Leonardo Hotel London Aldgate (as it is now listed) scores in the low 9s for cleanliness and comfort — approximately 9.1 each — alongside an 8.3 for value for money and 8.8 for facilities.
Across more than 4,000 ratings on Trivago, the aggregated score sits at 8.7 out of 10, earning the label “Excellent.” Reviewers there consistently point to “impeccable cleanliness” and comfortable beds, while noting that room dimensions can be compact and pillows may be firm for some tastes.
Guest reviews and overall rating
Multiple TripAdvisor reviewers describe the hotel as “very clean and modern.” One guest called the bed “the most comfortable bed ever slept in,” a sentiment echoed by others on the platform. High-floor rooms earn particular praise for their views of the city skyline, including landmarks around the Tower of London and the City financial district. TripAdvisor also collects favourable comments about the hotel’s location — right next to Aldgate Tube station — and the helpfulness of staff.
Expedia guests highlight the multilingual staff; one review notes that the team “helps guests feel at home” and is “consistently helpful and friendly.” On Agoda, staff receive “rave reviews” for friendliness. A YouTube review published in 2023 rates the hotel effectively 10/10, commending the staff, an in-room espresso machine, and the availability of free luggage storage after checkout.
Pro tip: Booking a high-floor room with a skyline view is the most frequently recommended upgrade by guests who have posted detailed feedback.
“Very clean and modern, fabulous view, tea and coffee making facilities, great location.”
— TripAdvisor reviewer, 2023
Pros and cons of staying
What guests consistently praise
- Cleanliness and modern decor (9.1 on Booking.com, 9.4 on Expedia)
- Staff friendliness and multilingual support
- Direct access to Aldgate Underground station
- Comfortable beds and quality bedding
- 24-hour gym and rooftop bar (Jin Bo Law Skybar)
What guests occasionally flag
- Compact room sizes in standard categories
- Firm pillows for some sleepers
- Rooftop bar can create noise in reception area late evening
- Occasional bathroom cleaning oversights reported on Hotels.com
The bottom line: The hotel earns strong marks for cleanliness and staff service, but guests who prioritise spacious rooms or absolute quiet in the evening may want to consider the compact standard categories and the buzzy rooftop bar atmosphere.
Who owns Hotel Saint London?
The property now operates under the Leonardo Hotels brand. Booking platforms list it as “Leonardo Hotel London Aldgate – formerly Hotel Saint,” indicating that the rebranding was completed by 2024. The acquisition made this the 11th London location in the Leonardo Hotels portfolio.
Before the Hotel Saint identity, the building operated as Dorsett City London. TripAdvisor reviews from 2018 refer to it under that earlier name, describing its location and facilities as consistent with the current property.
Leonardo Hotels acquisition
Leonardo Hotels is a European hotel chain with properties across the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, and other markets. The Aldgate acquisition expanded its London footprint significantly. While the exact date of the rebranding is not published on public booking platforms, both Booking.com and Hotels.com now display the Leonardo name as primary, with the Hotel Saint name in a “formerly” label.
Current operator details
Today the hotel is managed by Leonardo Hotels UK & Ireland. The property retains all the physical features guests associate with Hotel Saint — the same 254 rooms and 18 suites, the Jin Bo Law Skybar, The Cardinal Bar & Kitchen, and the 24-hour gym. As of late 2025, no major structural or operational changes have been documented since the rebranding.
What this means: The change is primarily a name and booking-channel update. Guests who stayed under the Hotel Saint brand will find the same building, same amenities, and largely the same service standards.
How many stars is Hotel Saint London?
The property is classified as a 4-star hotel. This rating is confirmed by multiple third-party sources, including Booking.com and GuestReservations.com.
Official star rating
The 4-star classification places the hotel in the upper-mid range for London. Facilities typical of this tier — all-day dining, a rooftop bar, a 24-hour gym, meeting rooms, and in-room amenities such as air conditioning, soundproofing, and electric kettles or coffee machines — are all present at this property.
What the rating means for guests
In practical terms, a 4-star rating signals that guests should expect reliable comfort, on-site dining, and a level of service beyond basic budget hotels. Expedia lists the room categories as Superior, Deluxe, family suites, accessible rooms, and larger suites. Many rooms include hypo-allergenic bedding and bathrobes, which are typical of the 4-star tier and above.
Note: While the hotel is categorised as 4-star, some guests on Hotels.com have reported that the occasional bathroom cleaning lapse or air-conditioning inconsistency can fall short of that standard. These reports are isolated rather than widespread.
Where is Hotel Saint in London?
The hotel sits at the edge of the City of London financial district in Aldgate. Its address places it directly adjacent to or above Aldgate Underground Station, providing access to the Circle, District, and Metropolitan lines.
Key landmarks within walking distance include the Sky Garden (8 minutes), the Tower of London, and Tower Bridge. Expedia describes the location as “upscale, near Liverpool Street.” For first-time visitors to London, the Aldgate location places you east of the West End, with quicker access to the City and the riverside attractions.
Address and neighbourhood
Aldgate itself is a mixed neighbourhood of office buildings, historic pubs, and newer residential developments. The hotel is within a short walk of Spitalfields Market, Brick Lane, and the Whitechapel Gallery. Evening dining options are plentiful, though the immediate block is quieter than Soho or Covent Garden.
Nearby attractions
- Sky Garden — 8-minute walk
- Tower of London — 15-minute walk
- Tower Bridge — 15-minute walk
- Liverpool Street station — 10-minute walk
- Spitalfields Market — 12-minute walk
Transport connections including Heathrow
Aldgate station is directly outside the hotel. For Heathrow, the most straightforward route is to take the Circle or District line to Paddington and switch to the Heathrow Express (approximately 15 minutes from Paddington to the airport). Alternatively, the Piccadilly line from South Kensington or Hammersmith offers a direct but slower option. A taxi or rideshare from Heathrow to Aldgate typically takes 50–90 minutes depending on traffic. Several TripAdvisor reviewers highlight the convenience of the Tube access above all other transport features.
The implication: For business travellers needing the City or tourists wanting quick Tube access to central sights, this location is hard to beat. Travel to Heathrow involves at least one change.
Alternatives in the Aldgate area
If the Leonardo Hotel London Aldgate is unavailable or does not meet your preferences, several other properties in the Aldgate vicinity offer comparable 4-star accommodation:
| Hotel | Approximate distance from Aldgate | Key differentiator |
|---|---|---|
| Novotel London Tower Bridge | 10-minute walk | Larger standard rooms, family-friendly |
| Hilton London Tower Bridge | 12-minute walk | Full-service hotel with pool, gym, and multiple dining venues |
| Point A London Liverpool Street | 8-minute walk | Compact pod-style rooms at a lower price point |
Our pick: Leonardo Hotel London Aldgate (formerly Hotel Saint)
For travellers who prioritise location, cleanliness, and reliable comfort in the 4-star bracket, the Leonardo Hotel London Aldgate remains a strong choice. Its combination of Tube-adjacent positioning, a well-regarded rooftop bar, and consistent guest scores across multiple platforms makes it a dependable option for both business and leisure stays in the City fringe.
Check availability and book directly via Booking.com
Timeline: from Dorsett City London to Leonardo Hotel London Aldgate
The property’s branding history can be traced through several distinct phases:
- Pre-2021 (approx. 2018): Operated as Dorsett City London. TripAdvisor reviews from June 2018 reference the Dorsett name.
- 2021–2024: Rebranded as Hotel Saint. By September 2021, TripAdvisor users refer to the property as Hotel Saint and praise its Aldgate location.
- 2024 onward: Acquired by Leonardo Hotels and renamed Leonardo Hotel London Aldgate. Booking.com and Hotels.com now display this as the primary name, with “formerly Hotel Saint” in the description.
This timeline shows three distinct brand identities in under a decade, though the physical building and many operational features have remained consistent.
Guests who enjoyed the Hotel Saint London might also appreciate the nearby Leonardo Royal Hotel London City for a similarly modern stay near Tower Bridge.
FAQ
What is the breakfast like at Hotel Saint London?
Breakfast is served at The Cardinal Bar & Kitchen, the on-site restaurant. The menu includes full English breakfast options, continental items, and hot beverages. Guest reviews on TripAdvisor and Booking.com mention breakfast quality as generally good, with ratings in line with the hotel’s 4-star classification. No specific menu prices or dietary-specific options have been consistently documented across sources.
Is there a restaurant at Hotel Saint London?
Yes. The hotel is home to The Cardinal Bar & Kitchen, described by GuestReservations.com as a warm, friendly restaurant and bar in the city centre. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, alongside the separate Jin Bo Law Skybar on the rooftop, which operates as a reservation-only venue.
How far is Hotel Saint London from Heathrow?
Approximately 18 miles (29 km) by road. The fastest public transport route involves taking the Circle or District line from Aldgate to Paddington station (approx. 30 minutes), then the Heathrow Express (15 minutes) to the airport. Total travel time: 45–60 minutes by train, 50–90 minutes by car or rideshare.
How many rooms does Hotel Saint London have?
The property has 254 rooms and 18 suites, as listed on Booking.com and confirmed by multiple other booking platforms. Room categories include Superior, Deluxe, family suites, accessible rooms, and larger suites.
Is there a roof terrace at Hotel Saint London?
Yes. The Jin Bo Law Skybar is a rooftop bar with city views. It is reservation-only and is also used by non-residents. Some TripAdvisor reviewers note that it can become rowdy in the reception area later in the evening and that hotel guests are not always given priority for entry.
Sources cited
- Booking.com — Leonardo Hotel London Aldgate listing
- Expedia — Hotel Saint London listing
- GuestReservations.com — Hotel Saint London
- TripAdvisor — Bar and Lounge feature page
- Trivago — Hotel Saint London aggregated ratings
- Hotels.com — Leonardo Hotel London Aldgate reviews
- Agoda — Dorsett City London (Hotel Saint) listing
- YouTube — Hotel Saint London review (2023)
- Muddy Stilettos — Hotel Saint review
- Life Travel Save — Hotel Saint London review
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