You know what’s wild about the London Marriott County Hall? It’s literally inside the old government building where Churchill used to walk the halls during WWII – and somehow they’ve turned this massive, imposing structure into one of London’s most impressive hotels. I mean, when you’re checking in, you’re standing in what used to be the seat of London’s government, which is pretty surreal when you think about it.
The location is honestly unbeatable, though I should warn you that Westminster Bridge Road can get absolutely mental with traffic during rush hour. But here’s the thing – you’re literally a two-minute walk from Westminster Bridge, which means Big Ben and Parliament are right there across the Thames. The London Eye? It’s practically next door, which is great for photos but can mean crowds of tourists wandering around, especially on weekends. What I love though is that you can walk to Waterloo Station in about ten minutes, and the South Bank is right at your doorstep – perfect for those evening strolls along the river when the city lights start twinkling.
The rooms themselves are proper Marriott quality (it’s a 5-star for a reason), and if you can swing a river-view room, do it. Waking up to see the Thames and the Houses of Parliament from your window is worth every extra pound. The building’s got this incredible blend of historic grandeur and modern comfort – thick walls mean you won’t hear much street noise, which is a blessing given how busy this area gets. The staff actually know their stuff too; they’ll tell you the best times to visit attractions to avoid crowds, or point you toward Borough Market instead of the touristy spots if you ask nicely. One small thing – the elevators can be slow during busy periods since it’s such a massive building, but honestly, with an 8.4 rating, they’re clearly doing most things right. The gym’s decent if you need to work off all that British pub food, and there’s something quite posh about having a drink in their bar knowing you’re sitting where London’s political decisions used to be made.