Earlier in my life, I only seemed to go to London, England for conferences, interviews and to travel to other places. Now both my daughters live in London, at different parts of the city. So, when I go there it is usually to visit them. My husband and I usually choose a central hotel that is mutually inconvenient for them. On a recent visit this resulted in us choosing the Hotel Mercure, London Bridge, 71-79 Southwark St, London, England. We use public transport to get around the city, however prking is available at this hotel for an additional charge above the room rates.
Mercure Hotel is set in London’s arty South Bank district. This modern hotel is an 8-minute walk from Southwark 
tube station and about 12 minutes walk from London Bridge tube station. It is also only 5 minutes walk from the Menier Chocolate Factory. This is a 180 seat off-West End theatre, which comprises a restaurant, bar and rehearsal rooms located in a former 1870s Menier Chocolate Company factory, close to the Tate Modern Gallery and only 1.3 miles from the medieval Tower of London.
The Mercure Hotel offers courteous service and contemporary rooms. We received a free upgrade to a premier room on the 7th floor of the hotel. It was very spacious and had complimentary Wi-Fi, 2 flat-screen TVs and work desks, a bathroom, 
additional shower room well as tea and coffeemaking facilities and a Nespresso machines but the fridge did not contain the advertised complimentary drinks and these were not added throughout our stay. In this chain, children aged 11 and under stay for free with a parent. The king sized bed was very comfortable and we enjoyed the spacious sitting area.
We chose the Hotel Mercure primarily on its location. However, we enjoyed the amenities too. They include a chic bar and a restaurant. At the Mercure Hotel London Bridge the restaurant is being up-graded to incorporate a kitchen and dining room under the auspices of 
Marco Pierre White. A 24-hour room service is offered. There is also an exercise room, a business centre and 3 meeting rooms, although we did not have cause to use these.
My husband and I very much enjoyed our stay at Hotel Mercure, London Bridge and we would use it again.
Valerie Penny
Val Penny's Hotel and Restaurant Reviews 