IT’S all about the view. The stunning view. Anyone who grew up in the UK in the 1980s, will have heard of the iconic County Hall building on the South Bank of the Thames, the headquarters of London County Council, from where this great city was governed from 1922 until ‘86.
Converted into London Marriott Hotel County Hall in 1998, it has now recently completed a multi-million-pound renovation to all the rooms and many of the public areas. There are numerous fun references to the city throughout the hotel design, with bowler-hat artwork, pocket-watch print curtains, newspaper cuttings of topical events that happened in the building – catnip to a journalist – and wallpaper based on maps of London which enriched my knowledge of the capital.
London Marriott Hotel County Hall exterior
Balcony King Guest Room
The ground floor retains the original vaulted ceilings and dark wood-panelled chambers that have witnessed many significant moments of London’s history, while the windows offer up sweeping dramatic cinematic views of river, Westminster Bridge and also Parliament and the London Eye.
Delicious meals are served in the Library, where we enjoyed a Big Ben-inspired afternoon tea, which celebrated the famous clock tower’s conservation. I enjoyed sitting in Gillray’s Bar reading the papers and having a coffee in a window seat, contemplating the view, while my friend swam in the dreamy light-filled swimming pool on the upper floors – at 25m, the longest in a London hotel.
Gillray’s Bar
Our spacious airy room – with its breathtaking terrace views – was charmingly appointed with everything we needed for our stay. The beds are so comfortable that my companion was googling the Marriott site to find out what mattresses they use. Needless to say, we received five-star service from the cheerful and helpful staff, who were only too happy to respond to questions and requests.
As Londoners, we weren’t on holiday but had tickets for a play in the West End, making it the perfect base for a night out without the commute home. It is so central that on the next day we were able to explore museums and galleries that were in easy walking distance as if we were tourists down in London for the weekend.
by Caroline Simpson
The Big Ben Balcony and South Bank Balcony suites at London Marriott Hotel County Hall are priced from £900 per night, including breakfast and M Club access; The Balcony Rooms are priced from £460 per night, including breakfast; The Loft Rooms are priced from £300 per night, including breakfast