The hotel was designed by the Renton Howard Wood Partnership, constructed by Taylor Woodrow for owners J. Lyons & Co., and opened in September 1973 by the Constable of the Tower of London, Sir Richard Hull.

[1] It was built in a Brutalist style[2] and was voted the second most hated building in London in a 2006 BBC poll.

[3] J. Lyons operated the hotel until July 1977 when it was sold for £6.5m to EMI Leisure.

[1][4] In 1980, EMI Leisure properties, including the Tower Hotel, were sold to Trusthouse Forte.

[citation needed] The nearest London Underground station is Tower Hill.