Premier Inn London County Hall

For a hotel costing $365 a night, I expected more. Our premier room had a small sitting area with just one chair, a mini-fridge and a Nespresso maker. The window was high and small, with hardly any view, and the bed felt like a full size, too tight for two, though comfortable. The hotel was old, worn and a bit dingy. There’s no pool, exercise room, ice or microwave. Staff were friendly, but beyond checking you in, there don’t seem to be any real services. There is an on-site restaurant for breakfast and dinner, but apparently people here don’t drink regular brewed coffee. They serve Americanos, hot water with espresso, but no regular coffee. There’s a Starbucks across the street. The location is the best part, right by the London Eye and Southbank / Queens Walk, and across the Thames from Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. My wife and I didn’t find it very “premier.”

The staff were friendly, helpful and easy to reach, which made a real difference while travelling. The room was spotless, comfortable and surprisingly quiet for somewhere so central, and everything was functional and well organized with what you need for an easy stay. The bed was so comfortable it made getting up in the morning a struggle. The location is ideal, just steps from the London Eye and within walking distance of loads of iconic places. The price felt more than fair for the location and quality. A reliable, comfortable choice for visiting London. I’d absolutely come back.

The breakfast was a hit with all of us, and the location worked well. We had a family room, but both it and the hotel felt very basic. I also really missed having a mini fridge. It did the job, though I wouldn't hurry back.

The staff made this stay stand out. At check-in, the man tried to arrange rooms on the same floor for me and my friend, even though it didn't work out. Richard was lovely at breakfast, sorting out tables and making hot chocolate for the kids. They even made vegan sausages fresh for us, and they were so good I had to look up which ones they use. The team were always smiling, and they kept our bags while we went sightseeing. Our room was much more spacious than most I've had in London, and it looked out toward the London Eye. The central location was handy for the Merlin attractions, too. Really good value for a chain hotel. I was pleasantly surprised and would stay here again when I'm in London.