Premier Inn London County Hall Hotel

The hotel is housed within the County Hall, a large and attractive stone building that was built in the early 1900s in the Edwardian Baroque style. It was originally home to part of the London government, but it now houses restaurants, apartments, some tourist attractions, and one other hotel. The lobby has a bank of computers to allow guests to check themselves in and cut out the customary line of people waiting to get their room keys. There is also a tiny reception desk for those who prefer to check in the old-fashioned way. The lobby is bright and clean, but has a typical chain hotel feel, with lots of advertising on the walls, but the information board is a useful touch and there are maps and leaflets on hand. The hotel is quiet and has a calm feel to it, which is surprising given its bustling location. It’s also family-friendly with perks for those traveling with kids, but its central location make it an equally good choice for business travelers. 

The Premier Inn is conveniently situated in London's South Bank, directly behind the London Eye, and Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament are just across the River Thames from the hotel. The London Sea Life Aquarium, the London Dungeon, and the Namco Station video game arcade are within the same building as the hotel. Downing Street, Westminster Abbey, and St. James's Park are all a 10-minute walk away. Within 20 minutes are Buckingham Palace, The National Gallery, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, and Hyde Park. Waterloo railway and underground station is just across the street. 

Guest rooms are of the ordinary chain variety and the plain decor is nothing to get excited about, but for a hotel in central London, the size of the rooms is exceptional. Many of those on the river-facing side also have spectacular views of the London Eye, the River Thames, and the Jubilee Gardens. Rooms have small flat-screen TVs, safes, and tea- and coffee-making facilities, but lack extras such as minibars. This is one of Premier Inn’s properties to have the chain's special "Hypnos" beds, which get great reviews from guests for their comfort. Big bathrooms have shower/tub combos with excellent water pressure.

The hotel has limited facilities and lacks public areas, and while there is a small seating area in the lobby, there's no actual lounge to sit and relax. There is, however, one small meeting room for up to 12 people and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. The on-site restaurant offers a cooked or continental breakfast, light snacks, dinner, and a separate children's menu. Breakfast is not included in the room rate, but is a good value and offers a huge selection of breakfast dishes ranging from toasted crumpets to vegetarian sausages. It works out really well for families, as children under 16 get free breakfast when eating with an adult. Lunch and dinner includes a range of options, including chicken wings, burgers, pizzas, pasta, and salads. There is a bar here too, but it’s tiny. Guests will find plenty of bars and pubs with more atmosphere within a short walk of the hotel.