Premier Inn London County Hall

The hotel is right by The Thames, Parliament and the London Eye, so it’s a handy base for central London. Breakfast had a good range of well-cooked food, Continental options and fresh fruit. We had a spotless, comfortable Premier Plus Room last night, and I enjoyed the waterfall shower. The staff were lovely at every point, from our evening arrival to the restaurant and checkout. They were professional but still friendly and easy to talk to.

The location is great, but I wouldn’t come back. I paid a lot for a central London room, and it still wasn’t ready when I arrived between 4.30 and 5pm, even though the booking said it would be ready from 3pm. The cleaners hadn’t finished. There was no apology, and I just had to wait. They wouldn’t have accepted me checking out Kate because I wasn’t ready, would they? That delay was the last thing I needed with a sick child in a nearby hospital, which I’m sure is why plenty of people book this place. Once I finally got in, the room was okay, but the bed was so uncomfortable that I woke up with a really sore back both mornings. I wouldn’t visit again.

Fay was so lovely and attentive throughout our trip. She greeted us and had lovely conversations with us, and really made the stay feel like a five-star one. The other staff were friendly too. Our room was clean, spacious and felt luxurious, with gorgeous lighting. Absolutely amazing stay.

The New Year’s Eve arrangements were the frustrating part of our stay. We picked this hotel over a cheaper one because the Green Zone was meant to be a one-minute walk away, so we thought we could watch the fireworks and head straight back. But security closed the roads afterwards, and we spent almost an hour walking around London to get back. That wasn’t directly the hotel’s fault. If you’re coming for New Year’s Eve, I wouldn’t recommend staying here, unless you plan not to leave the hotel that night. At other times of year, it’s a good, comfortable hotel in an excellent sightseeing spot, right by the London Eye. We stayed over New Year, so it cost more. The cleanliness could have been better.