Apex Hotel London: Compare City & Temple Court

Travellers researching a stay near the Tower of London or the financial district often land on the two Apex Hotels properties in central London. This guide compares the Apex City of London Hotel and the Apex Temple Court Hotel side by side, covering verified facts about their locations, transport links, and the chain’s famously playful rubber-duck request policy. The information here draws from the official Apex Hotels website, major booking platforms, and independent editorial reviews including a 2024 assessment by The Telegraph.

Last checked: 2026-07-06

Chain: Apex Hotels · London properties: Apex City of London (Seething Lane) & Apex Temple Court (Fleet Street) · Star rating: 4-star · Known for: Quirky requests like ducks; proximity to Tower Bridge and St Paul’s

Is Apex a hotel chain?

Yes — Apex is a hotel chain operating multiple 4-star properties across the United Kingdom. The portfolio includes two London hotels: the Apex City of London Hotel near Tower Hill and the Apex Temple Court Hotel in the Fleet Street/Temple district. Beyond London, Apex has properties in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, and Bath, among other cities, as confirmed on the official Apex Hotels website.

What is the Apex Hotels portfolio?

The chain comprises roughly a dozen properties concentrated in Scotland and England. In London, both hotels offer similar core amenities: restaurants, bars, 24-hour gyms, air-conditioned rooms, and meeting facilities. Booking.com data shows the Apex City of London Hotel sits 2.1 miles from the centre of London, placing it in the eastern financial district rather than the West End.

The pattern: For travellers who value a consistent brand experience, booking either London Apex hotel means getting the same standard of room fixtures, complimentary Wi-Fi, and service approach — the main variable is which part of central London suits the itinerary.

What is the Apex City hotel in London?

The Apex City of London Hotel is a 4-star property at 1 Seething Lane, EC3N 4AX, within walking distance of the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. Multiple booking platforms — including Expedia and KAYAK — confirm its 4-star rating and describe the style as contemporary with eco-friendly design elements. Guest scores fall between 8.9 and 9.4 out of 10 on major platforms, with cleanliness and staff friendliness receiving the highest marks.

The on-site restaurant, The Lampery, serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. The Telegraph’s travel reviewer wrote in July 2024: “This Apex is spacious, functional and peaceful, and makes a great base. The Lampery restaurant is well worth seeking out, too.” Breakfast is offered in Full English/Irish, vegetarian, vegan and gluten‑free options, with the English breakfast priced at approximately GBP 22.50 per person, according to Expedia’s listing.

How does it compare to Apex Temple Court?

While both hotels share the Apex brand identity, their neighbourhoods serve different traveller needs. Apex City of London sits in the eastern financial district near Tower Hill, ideal for guests attending meetings in the City or visiting riverside attractions. Apex Temple Court, located near Fleet Street in the historic Temple legal district, places guests closer to St Paul’s Cathedral and the South Bank. TripAdvisor reviewers give Temple Court a 4.6/5 overall rating, with cleanliness at 4.8/5 and room comfort at 4.7/5 — very similar to City of London’s reported scores.

“The look and feel of the properties is very modern and stylish.”

— Appetites Abroad travel blogger, on Apex Temple Court

How far is Apex hotel from Heathrow Airport?

Both Apex London hotels lie approximately 15 to 16 miles from Heathrow Airport, depending on the exact route. The journey into central London via the Heathrow Express to Paddington Station takes about 15 to 20 minutes, followed by a Tube ride on the District or Circle line. Other options include the Piccadilly Tube line (direct to central London but slower), a private taxi (45 minutes to over an hour in traffic), and coach services. Seven distinct travel methods connect Heathrow to central London, according to transit operator information.

For Apex City of London, alight at Tower Hill or Monument stations. For Apex Temple Court, Temple or Chancery Lane stations are nearest. Budget-conscious travellers often use the Piccadilly Line (approximately GBP 5–6 for a single fare with an Oyster card), while those prioritising speed choose the Heathrow Express (about GBP 25–30 one-way).

What to watch: Check for rail strikes or engineering works before travel, especially on weekends. The Tube remains the most reliable option during disruptions.

What is the closest tube to the apex hotel London?

The nearest Tube stations differ for each property. For the Apex City of London Hotel at 1 Seething Lane, Tower Hill (District and Circle lines) and Monument (District and Circle lines) are both within a 5 to 10-minute walk. The Docklands Light Railway at Tower Gateway provides additional connectivity eastward. For the Apex Temple Court Hotel, Temple Station (District and Circle lines) is closest, with Chancery Lane (Central line) also nearby. Facebook posts from the London Travel Tips & Hacks group confirm the City of London location is considered “fantastic” for bus, Tube and DLR access.

The implication: Both hotels sit within the Zone 1 fare zone, meaning no extra surcharge for central London travel. For sightseers, the Tower Hill and Monument stations near Apex City of London offer direct access to Westminster, Kensington, and the City.

Do all Apex hotels have ducks?

The signature rubber duck is associated with the Apex brand, but availability may vary by property. Multiple independent blog reviews — including an account from Appetites Abroad and Tales of Annie Bean — note that guests can request a duck at Apex Temple Court and collect them across different Apex locations as a branded keepsake. The duck is part of what the company calls its “top 5 unique hotel requests,” alongside items such as extra pillows or ironing boards.

“After much research, we decided on the Apex Temple Court Hotel in the Temple borough of London… The look and feel of the properties is very modern and stylish.”

— Appetites Abroad travel blogger

The bottom line: The duck is a real and documented feature of the Apex brand in London, but treat it as a bonus rather than a guarantee. The hotels’ primary value lies in their location, cleanliness, and consistent 4-star service.

Comparing the two Apex London hotels

Pros and cons at a glance

Best for different traveller segments

Business travellers will find the Apex City of London well-suited to the eastern financial district, with meeting facilities, a business centre, and proximity to Fenchurch Street and Monument stations. The hotel’s contemporary rooms, free Wi-Fi, and 24-hour gym make it a practical base for work trips. Apex Temple Court, meanwhile, serves legal professionals visiting the courts and chambers around Temple and Fleet Street.

Sightseers visiting London for the first time benefit more from the Apex City of London’s location near the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and the HMS Belfast. The DLR and Tube connections offer quick access to Greenwich and Docklands. The Apex Temple Court positions guests well for walking to St Paul’s Cathedral, the Millennium Bridge, and the Tate Modern.