Finding a place to sleep in Central London that doesn't cost your entire life savings is honestly a bit of a nightmare. You’ve probably seen the Premier Inn London Eye London popping up on every booking site imaginable. It’s right there. Right in the thick of it. But let’s be real for a second—usually, when a hotel is that close to a major landmark like the South Bank, it’s either a total dump or priced for royalty.
So, what’s the catch here?
I’ve spent enough time navigating the weirdly expensive world of London hospitality to know that "value" is a relative term. You’re looking at a massive, repurposed building—the County Hall—which has some of the thickest walls in the city. Seriously. You could probably set off a firework in the room next door and barely hear a whistle. That’s the beauty of these old administrative buildings.
What Most People Get Wrong About Premier Inn London Eye London
People assume that because it’s a "budget" brand, you’re going to be shoved into a tiny box in a back alley. That's not the case at the South Bank. Because this hotel occupies part of the historic County Hall, the layout is kind of sprawling and unpredictable. You might find yourself walking down a hallway that feels like it’s half a mile long just to get to your room. It’s quirky. It’s not your standard cookie-cutter hotel layout where every floor is a perfect rectangle.
One thing to keep in mind: there are actually two Premier Inns right next to each other here. There’s the London Eye one and the County Hall one. They are basically neighbors. If you book the Premier Inn London Eye London, you’re technically on the Belvedere Road side, but you’re still within a literal two-minute walk of the Thames.
Don't expect a view.
If you want to wake up and see the London Eye spinning outside your window, you’re probably going to be disappointed. Most rooms look inward toward a courtyard or out onto the street. If you want those "Grammable" views, you usually have to pay quadruple the price at the Marriott next door. Here, you’re paying for the ability to walk outside and be at the ticket booth in sixty seconds.
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The Room Situation
The rooms are exactly what you’d expect if you’ve ever stayed in a Premier Inn, but with that high-ceilinged County Hall vibe. You get the purple lights. You get the "Good Night’s Sleep" guarantee. Honestly, the beds—the Hypnos mattresses—are better than what I’ve found in some five-star boutiques in Mayfair. It’s weirdly consistent.
The bathrooms are basic. Clean, functional, white tile, decent water pressure. It’s not a spa. It’s a place to wash off the London grime after walking ten miles through museums.
Why the Location is Actually a Double-Edged Sword
Location is everything. But it’s also a lot. Being at the Premier Inn London Eye London means you are at the epicenter of London tourism. The moment you step out the door, you are greeted by crowds, street performers, and the smell of roasted sugar nuts.
It’s loud outside.
Thankfully, as I mentioned, the building is a fortress. Once you’re inside, the chaos of the South Bank vanishes. It’s a relief. You’re close to Waterloo Station, which is a massive plus. You can get anywhere in the city from Waterloo—the Jubilee, Northern, and Bakerloo lines are all right there. Plus, the national rail links if you’re heading out to Hampton Court or somewhere similarly leafy.
But here’s the thing: eating near the hotel is a trap.
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Most of the restaurants directly on the South Bank are chains. You’ve got your Wagamamas and your Giraffes. They’re fine, especially for kids, but they’re always packed. If you walk just ten minutes back toward Lower Marsh, you find the "real" London. Local cafes, independent pubs, and a street market that’s been there forever. That’s where the value is.
Navigating the "Premier Plus" Factor
Recently, they’ve started rolling out these "Premier Plus" rooms. Is it a scam? Not really. You get faster Wi-Fi (which you actually need because the standard stuff can be sluggish), a better showerhead, and a Nespresso machine. If you’re working while traveling, the upgrade is basically mandatory. If you’re just crashing after a long day of sightseeing, the standard room is perfectly fine.
The Logistics Nobody Tells You About
Checking in at the Premier Inn London Eye London can be a bit of a zoo during peak hours. 3 PM is chaos. If you can, arrive earlier and drop your bags. They have a luggage room. Use it. Go explore the Tate Modern or walk across Westminster Bridge while everyone else is standing in line at the kiosks.
Speaking of Westminster Bridge, it’s right there. You can see Big Ben from the corner of the building. It never gets old, even if you’ve seen it a thousand times.
A Note on Families
This specific hotel is a magnet for families. If you hate children, you might want to reconsider. The breakfast room in the morning sounds like a playground. But for parents, it’s a godsend. The "kids eat free" breakfast deal is one of the few genuine bargains left in Central London. The sausages are decent, the hash browns are crunchy, and the coffee... well, it’s caffeine.
- Check your booking twice—ensure you aren't actually at the "County Hall" branch if you meant "London Eye."
- Request a room away from the elevators; those hallways are long and sound travels.
- Skip the hotel dinner. Walk to Lower Marsh for better food.
- Use the self-service kiosks for check-out to save twenty minutes of your life.
The Verdict on Cost and Reality
Look, London is expensive. In 2026, prices haven't exactly plummeted. Staying at the Premier Inn London Eye London is a strategic move. You aren't paying for luxury; you're paying for the ability to roll out of bed and be at the Sea Life Aquarium or the Dungeon before the queues get insane.
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It's a "no-surprises" hotel. Sometimes, in a city as chaotic as London, no surprises is exactly what you need. You know the bed will be comfy. You know the room will be clean. You know you won't have to take a 40-minute Tube ride just to see the sights.
Actionable Insights for Your Stay
If you are planning to book, do it as far in advance as possible. These "hub" locations fill up months ahead of time, especially during school holidays or the summer months.
- Avoid the South Bank "Tourist Tax": Buy your water and snacks at the Boots or M&S inside Waterloo Station rather than the small kiosks by the river. You’ll save 50% easily.
- Walking is Faster: Don't bother with a taxi to get across the river to Covent Garden. Just walk across the Golden Jubilee Bridges. It’s a 15-minute stroll and the views are better.
- The App is Better: Download the Premier Inn app. It’s much easier to manage your booking or add breakfast last minute than trying to do it at the front desk.
- Noise Management: While the walls are thick, the doors are heavy. They slam. If you’re a light sleeper, bring earplugs just in case of "hallway runners" in the morning.
For those looking for a solid, dependable base of operations in the heart of the tourist district, this hotel hits the mark. It isn't fancy, it isn't "boutique," and it certainly isn't a secret. But it works. And in London, sometimes "it works" is the highest praise you can give.
To make the most of your trip, prioritize your morning. The South Bank is magical at 7 AM before the crowds arrive. Walk along the river while the sun comes up over St. Paul’s, then head back for breakfast before the rush. That’s how you do London right.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
Check the current rates specifically for "Premier Plus" rooms on your dates, as the price gap sometimes shrinks to less than £10, making the upgrade a no-brainer. Additionally, map out the walking route from Waterloo Station's "Victory Arch" exit—it's the most direct way to reach the hotel entrance on Belvedere Road without getting tangled in the station's main concourse crowds. Finally, pre-book any South Bank attractions like the London Eye at least 48 hours in advance, as "walk-up" prices are significantly higher than the digital rates available to hotel guests.