Lambeth, United States
Central location within walking distance of several top sights, restaurants, and shops
Four-minute walk to Waterloo railway station
Clean, pleasant rooms with comfortable beds, Freeview TV, and coffee/tea facilities
Some rooms have views of the London Eye
On-site restaurant and bar serves pub classics
Free breakfast for kids under 16
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Bland, chain decor lacks character
Breakfast not included
No parking on-site
No business or fitness facilities on-site
A five-minute walk from the London Eye with views across the River Thames to Big Ben, the Premier Inn London Waterloo is a mid-range chain hotel that brushes shoulders with some of London's most iconic scenery. The 234 purpose-built guest rooms typify Premier Inn decor with bland purple, white, and wooden furnishings throughout. Amenities are limited to an on-site bar and restaurant that serves pub classics, and though breakfast incurs and added charge, it is free for kids under 16. For something with more character, travelers might want to consider the Mad Hatter Hotel, which is also centrally located and has a lovely, atmospheric pub on-site.
Scene
Chain hotel with contemporary decor and signature purple and white color scheme
The Premier Inn London Waterloo is a marriage of both new and old London architecture split across two buildings; the first occupies converted hospital grounds with over 120 years of history and the second is a modern, less charismatic, purpose-built addition. Interiors are contemporary and feature the chain's signature purple and white color scheme, though decor is chainlike and lacks character. The hotel lobby has interactive check-in screens and a minimalist approach to furnishings, which means the space is functional, but bland. Thankfully this lackluster approach is not continued in the Thyme restaurant and bar, which is warm and inviting with a fresh lime and eggplant color scheme, stylish patterned wallpaper, and a cozy ambience. Guests are a mix of business and leisure travelers in the market for a central location and a reasonably priced room.
Location
Located close to Waterloo Station and the London Eye
Guests that prioritize good transport links via London Waterloo Station, ample eateries and bars along the Southbank, and iconic London scenery in close proximity will appreciate the location of the Premier Inn London Waterloo. The hotel sits opposite the County Hall on a street lined with London-centric stone facades. Guests are a five-minute walk from the London Eye and a 12-minute walk from Westminster Abby. The Queens Walk, which runs along the River Thames, is a five-minute walk from the hotel and a regular host to markets and creative arts festivals. Guests that follow the river along The Queens Walk will eventually stumble upon the Tate Modern, and further ahead is the Millennium Bridge leading to St Paul’s Cathedral.
Rooms
Clean, pleasant rooms with comfortable beds and modern bathrooms
Guests accustomed to staying in a Premier Inn Chain hotel will know just what to expect of the brand, from the color scheme and room amenities, right down to the in-room breakfast menu; it's predictable but reliable. The decor in all rooms consists of royal purple throws, headboards, and carpets paired with wooden furniture and white walls. Free Wi-Fi, Freeview TV, and coffee- and tea-making facilities are available in all rooms, as well as black-out curtains, a choice of soft or firm pillows, and bespoke hypnosis mattresses (the hotel even promises a money back guarantee for guests that don’t experience a good night’s sleep). Single, Double, Triple, or Family Rooms are available, some of which have views of the London Eye. Bathrooms are modern and bright with walk-in showers or shower/tub combos and toiletries that are limited to wall-mounted shower gel.
Features
Restaurant and bar with pub food, free breakfast for kids, and free Wi-Fi
The hotel's Thyme restaurant and bar serves reasonably priced pub grub including fish and chips, burgers, Indian curries, pies, and steak, and will allow guests to take meals to their room as there’s no room service available. Breakfast is available for an added fee (though free for kids under 16). There is no parking on-site, but it is available nearby with an additional fee. The hotel has no fitness or business facilities; Wi-Fi is free throughout.