If you’ve ever tried to book a room in Central London, you know the drill. You find a place that looks "charming" online, only to realize the "garden view" is a brick wall and the room is the size of a shoebox. London is notorious for it. But then there’s Hotel Park Plaza County Hall. It sits right there at the south end of Westminster Bridge, staring directly at Big Ben, yet it somehow feels like a secret that shouldn't be as accessible as it is.
Location matters. Obviously.
But it’s more than just being near the London Eye. Honestly, most people choose this spot because they want to walk out the door and be there. You aren't taking a twenty-minute tube ride to see the sights. You're just... present.
The Reality of Staying at Hotel Park Plaza County Hall
Most London hotels in this price bracket give you a bed and a tiny desk. This place is different because it was originally designed with a bit more breathing room in mind. The building itself is an award-winner, designed by BUJ Architects, and it has this distinct, curved glass facade that defines the South Bank skyline.
Check-in is usually a buzz. It’s a high-energy lobby. You’ve got tourists dragging suitcases, business travelers on laptops, and the occasional wedding party. It feels like a hub. Some people find that chaotic, but it’s the heartbeat of the South Bank.
The rooms? They're surprisingly big. We’re talking about "Studio Rooms" that actually have space for a sofa and a kitchenette. That’s a game-changer if you’re traveling with kids or if you just don’t want to spend £30 on a club sandwich every time you get a midnight craving. Having a microwave in a London hotel room is basically a luxury.
What Kind of View Are You Actually Getting?
Let’s be real for a second. Not every room looks at the Houses of Parliament. If you book the entry-level rooms, you might be looking at the internal atrium or the surrounding office buildings. It’s quiet, sure, but it’s not the postcard.
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If you want the "wow" factor, you have to aim for the higher floors on the front side of the building. Looking out at the Thames as the sun goes down and the London Eye starts glowing neon blue is something you won't forget. It’s iconic.
Why Families Obsess Over This Specific Location
Traveling with children in London is a logistical nightmare. The strollers, the snacks, the "I'm tired" meltdowns—it’s a lot. Hotel Park Plaza County Hall is arguably the best family hotel in the city because of the Junior Suites.
They have these pull-out sofa beds that don't feel like an afterthought. Plus, the hotel does this "Park Plaza Family Getaway" package which often includes goody bags for the kids. It sounds like a small thing, but keeping a seven-year-old occupied while you unpack is worth its weight in gold.
The proximity to the Sea Life Centre and Shrek’s Adventure is a massive win. You can walk there in three minutes. No buses. No underground. Just a short stroll past the buskers on the South Bank.
The Food Situation: Spectrum and Beyond
Breakfast is a massive buffet. It's the standard English spread—eggs, sausages, beans, those grilled tomatoes that nobody ever seems to eat but look nice. It gets crowded around 9:00 AM. If you hate queues, go early or go late.
For dinner, the Atrio Restaurant serves Italian-inspired dishes. It’s good. Is it the best pasta in London? Probably not. You’re in a city with some of the best food on the planet. But if you’ve just flown ten hours and you’re jet-lagged, having a decent carbonara and a glass of wine without leaving the building is a blessing.
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Navigating the South Bank Like a Local
One of the biggest mistakes people make when staying at Hotel Park Plaza County Hall is only turning left toward the London Eye. Turn right.
If you walk toward the Oxo Tower and Blackfriars, the crowds thin out. You’ll find the Southbank Centre, the BFI, and the National Theatre. There are second-hand book markets under the bridge that feel much more "real London" than the tourist traps near the pier.
- The Waterloo Shortcut: Don't just rely on Westminster Station. Waterloo is right behind the hotel. It’s one of the best-connected stations in the UK. You can get almost anywhere in the city from here in fifteen minutes.
- The Garden at 120: Want a view of the city for free? Take the bus across the bridge to the City of London. It’s a 15-minute ride to Fenchurch Street.
- Lower Marsh: This street is behind Waterloo station. It’s full of quirky coffee shops, vintage stores, and a street food market that is way cheaper and often better than the stuff on the riverfront.
Technical Details and Business Needs
For the folks here on business, the Wi-Fi is snappy. It works. That’s more than you can say for some of the grand old dame hotels in Mayfair where the walls are three feet thick and block every signal.
The meeting rooms are located on the lower levels. They’re functional and modern. It’s a popular spot for conferences because people can actually find the hotel. You tell a taxi driver "County Hall," and they know exactly where to go.
Dealing with the Crowds
The South Bank is busy. Really busy. On a Saturday in July, it’s a sea of people. If you have sensory issues or just hate crowds, the entrance to the hotel can feel a bit overwhelming.
The trick is to use the back exits or head out early in the morning. Seeing the sunrise over the Thames when the city is still silent is a completely different experience. You have the whole embankment to yourself.
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Is it Worth the Price Tag?
London is expensive. There’s no way around it. You’re going to pay a premium for this postcode. However, when you factor in the money you save on transport and the fact that the rooms are nearly double the size of a standard West End hotel, the value proposition starts to make a lot of sense.
It’s a 4-star superior hotel. It doesn’t try to be a 5-star palace with gold leaf and doormen in top hats. It’s modern, efficient, and comfortable.
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
To get the most out of your time at Hotel Park Plaza County Hall, follow this specific checklist to avoid the common pitfalls of Central London travel.
- Request a High Floor: Even if you haven't paid for a river view, the city-facing rooms on the upper floors offer a fascinating look at the London skyline and are generally quieter than the lower levels.
- Join the Radisson Rewards Program: Park Plaza is part of this group. Even if you aren't a frequent traveler, joining the free loyalty program often gets you a "members only" rate that is 5-10% cheaper than what you'll find on third-party booking sites.
- Check the Kitchenette: If you’re staying for more than two nights, hit the Marks & Spencer Simply Food in Waterloo Station. Grab some fresh fruit, milk, and snacks. Using that in-room microwave and fridge will save you £50 a day on incidental food costs.
- Walk the Bridge at Night: Wait until after 10:00 PM when the day-trippers have gone home. Walk across Westminster Bridge toward the Big Ben side. The lighting is spectacular, and the photo ops are infinitely better without a thousand people in your frame.
- Use the Sauna: The hotel has a fitness center with a sauna and steam room. Most guests forget it exists or are too busy sightseeing to use it. It’s a great way to decompress after walking ten miles on London pavement.
Staying here is about convenience. It’s about being in the middle of the action without feeling like you're trapped in a cupboard. It’s the safe, smart bet for anyone who wants the iconic London experience without the logistical headaches.
Plan your route from Waterloo station instead of trying to navigate the Westminster Bridge traffic in a car. You'll save time, money, and your sanity.
The South Bank is waiting. It’s loud, it’s bright, and from the windows of the County Hall, it looks exactly like the London you’ve seen in the movies.