THE HOTEL: The Park Plaza County Hall, 1 Addington Street, London, SE1 7RY. A 398-room property close to London Waterloo Station. The majority of rooms are designed with longer stays in mind.
The check-in: Arriving in the bright, airy lobby a few hours before the official check-in time, we asked at the reception if our room was available – unfortunately it wasn't but the friendly staff offered to store our luggage until we returned later.
The room: Having discovered our stay coincided with a special occasion, we'd been upgraded to a 14th-floor penthouse. Tastefully decorated with paintings, vases and black and white photos of the local area, the Penthouse was vast! A lounge featured a flatscreen TV, coffee table, sofabed, chair and a welcome tray of nibbles and drinks. The tuquoise-themed kitchen had a breakfast bar, table and chairs, kitchen sink, fridge, kettle, microwave, crockery, Nespresso machine, iron and ironing board, plus a small work desk with internet connection. The kitchen opened onto a big terrace with a table and four chairs and fantastic views across the London skyline – a real highlight. The bathroom had big mirrors, a walk-in 'rainfall' shower and myriad cosmetics by Gilchrist & Soames. The bedroom housed a desk, closet with wardrobe and full length mirror, safe, hairdryer, flatscreen TV, kingsize bed and door to the terrace. The bright ensuite bathroom had a deep bath, black and white marble tops and yet more cosmetics.
The business: There are six meeting rooms, the largest for up to 100 guests. All have natural daylight and wifi internet. An Executive Lounge (for guests in Executive Studios, Junior Suites and Penthouses) serves full English breakfast and all day snacks, and has a bar from 5-7pm.
The facilities: There's a gym and sauna; beauty treatments and massages are offered. The Spectrum Restaurant serves a buffet breakfast (good, but quite busy during our visit) plus Mediterranean cuisine for lunch and dinner. There's a bar on the ground floor.
The verdict: Everything a top city hotel should be – and more: a strategic location, classy, modern designs throughout, superbly equipped Penthouse, and personal but not stuffy service from wonderful staff. Loved it.
The details: Five room categories, from Superiors at £140 a night, to Penthouses from £280. Prices are per room and include VAT and breakfast. Tel: 020 7034 4835;
See: www.parkplazacountyhall.com Andy Hoskins
