Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London

This large, 16-story hotel was built in 2010 and the dramatic, curved glass and steel structure is an impressive sight. Inside, the huge lobby makes a big impression too, with contemporary decor and frequently artsy details (check out those chairs that are styled after masks of human faces) along with mood lighting and highly polished white tiled floors reflecting the spotlights above. There's a sleek look to it all, bumped up a notch by funky art installations used sparingly throughout the hotel's common areas. A vast glass atrium makes the most of the fantastic views over the River Thames, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament. The hotel is popular with both tourists and business guests due to its enviable central London location. The property also hosts a large number of conferences and business meetings, so many corporate clients stay at the hotel during those events, which can sometimes lead to a busy vibe. 

The hotel is located on London’s South Bank, in the center of a very large roundabout that's connected to Westminster Bridge, which crosses the River Thames. Many of the city’s top attractions are within a short walk. The London Eye, the SEA LIFE London Aquarium, and the London Dungeon are all within a seven-minute walk, and it's about 10 minutes on foot to the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the National Theatre, and Royal Festival Hall. Westminster Abbey is a 12-minute walk from the hotel. It’s also easy to get around the city by public transport from here, as Waterloo and Westminster train and underground stations are both within a five-minute walk. St. Paul's Cathedral is a 20-minute trip by tube, while Kensington Palace is about 30 minutes away. Heathrow International Airport is a 50-minute drive from the hotel depending on traffic, or an hour by tube. Gatwick Airport takes 50 minutes to reach by using the tube and Gatwick Express trains. 

There are 1,019 guest rooms at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge with a wide array of room categories, from basic Superior Rooms to more posh Penthouses. Superior Rooms overlook the internal atrium, while higher room categories have fantastic views over some of London's most iconic sights, such as Big Ben. The modern decor uses a burnt orange and black color scheme accentuated by dark wood veneer finishes. Rooms have a modern feel, with a vintage twist provided by details like leather mod chairs, although there are some signs of wear and tear in places, like on the leather headboard in the Superior Room that we visited. The overall look is a bit austere, too, as the minimalist aesthetic employs little to no wall art on the gray walls, some of which showed scuff marks. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, safes, minibars, air-conditioning, coffeemakers, and work desks. Many of the Suites and Penthouses have outdoor terraces with skyline views, and some have kitchenettes. The modern bathrooms are spacious and have a separate bathtub and shower. Vessel sinks with sharp fixtures sit on generous and eye-catching yellow vanities, and premium Elemis toiletries are provided.

With its massive footprint on the South Bank of the Thames, this hotel has a fairly expected large roster of on-site features. Dining options are good and varied. Brasserie Joel offers French cuisine with seasonal specialties, while Ichi Sushi and Sashimi serves authentic dishes from Tokyo. 1WB Lounge and Patisserie is popular for afternoon tea and light meals, and the hotel’s Primo Bar has an extensive cocktail list and live music every evening, with a sophisticated atmosphere. There’s also a cafe, Espressamente Illy, serving authentic Italian coffees. Breakfasts are offered, and the buffet includes fruit, yogurt, pastries, waffles, and eggs, but it's not included with room rates. The hotel's exclusive Executive Lounge is also available for an additional daily charge.

The hotel has a Balinese day spa which includes nine treatment rooms, a manicure and pedicure area, and relaxation lounge. There's an indoor swimming pool that has adult-only hours and is additionally open to those who aren't staying at the hotel, but are patronizing the spa. The hotel's fitness center is tiny for a hotel of this size, but cardio and weight equipment is modern. A sauna and steam room are available as well. There are excellent facilities for business guests, including a business center and 31 meeting rooms. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Car parking is available on-site, although the prices are steep, even by London standards.