London (Fodor's 2012) - Fodor's [141]
London Bridge Hotel.
£££–££££ | Just steps away from the London Bridge rail and Tube station, this thoroughly modern, stylish hotel is popular with business travelers, but leisure travelers find it just as handy. Most of the South Bank’s attractions are within easy walking distance, and it’s a short stroll to London Bridge station to catch the Tube. Each diminutive but sleek room is understated and contemporary, with a calming, neutral decor. Three spacious two-bedroom apartments (£££££) come with kitchen, living room, and dining room. Pros: good location to visit South Bank attractions; good deals available on its Web site in the off-season. Cons: small rooms; bathrooms underwhelming for the price. TripAdvisor: “small but well stocked,” “we felt like royalty,” “a glimpse of “real” London.” | 8–18 London Bridge St., South Bank | SE1 9SG | 020/7855–2200 | www.london-bridge-hotel.co.uk | 138 rooms, 3 apartments | In-room: a/c, safe, kitchen (some), refrigerator, Wi-Fi (free). In-hotel: restaurant, room service, bar, gym, laundry service, parking (paid) | AE, DC, MC, V | London Bridge
London Marriott Hotel County Hall.
£££–££££ | Housed in part of what was, until the 1980s, the seat of London’s government, this grand hotel on the Thames has perhaps the most iconic view of any in London: right next door is the London Eye, and directly across the River Thames are Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. The public areas are suitably grand, full of pedimented archways, bronze doors, and acres of polished mahogany. Rooms have been renovated in recent years, and most have a warm modern decor, with beige-and-taupe fabrics and walls, and all the businesslike bells and whistles you could ever want. Pros: handy location for South Bank arts scene, London Eye and Westminster; great gym; good weekend discounts. Cons: decor is overdone; breakfasts are pricey; rooms facing Parliament inevitably cost extra. TripAdvisor: “unbeatable location,” “first class service,” “surprisingly child-friendly.” | County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd., South Bank | SE1 7PB | 020/7928–5200 | www.marriott.com | 200 rooms | In-room: a/c, safe, refrigerator, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: 2 restaurants, room service, bars, pool, gym, spa, laundry service, parking (paid) | AE, DC, MC, V | Westminster
Premier Travel Inn County Hall.
££ | Although part of the same former County Hall complex as the London Marriott Hotel County Hall, it shares none of its spectacular riverside views; that said, it is every bit as convenient a location, and decidedly cheaper, too. Rooms are not very big, but they’re nicely decorated, and the staff are helpful. Best of all for families on a budget are the foldout beds that let you accommodate two kids at no extra charge. Pros: good location for the South Bank; bargains to be had if you book in advance. Cons: denied great views by other buildings nearby; limited services. TripAdvisor: “staff are extremely courteous,” “excellent value and great location,” “bedroom was clean and comfortable.” | Belvedere Rd., South Bank | SE1 7PB | 0871/527–8648 | www.premiertravelinn.com | 313 rooms | In-room: no a/c, Internet. In-hotel: 2 restaurants, bar, parking (paid) | AE, DC, MC, V | Westminster
Premier Travel Inn Southwark.
££ | This excellent branch of the Premier Travel Inn chain is a bit out of the way on the South Bank, but it sits on a quiet cobbled lane, and is ideally located for visiting the Tate Modern or the Globe Theatre. Rooms are simply decorated, and all have the chain’s signature 6-foot-wide beds (really two 3-foot-wide beds zipped together). Ask for a room away from the elevators, which can be a little noisy. Pros: great location for the South Bank; quiet street. Cons: small rooms; limited customer services. TripAdvisor: “beautifully decorated rooms,” “excellent value,” “location was superb.” | 34 Park St., South Bank | SE1 9EF | 0871/527–8676