Once home to 1,000 London County Council offices, the riverside hotel now contains 206 bedrooms and suites in a prime landmark-spotting location. We slept in one of its finest to see if it lives up to those views
We stayed
In one of London Marriott Hotel County Hall’s One Bedroom Executive Suites. It isn’t the hotel’s top offering (that’s the Westminster Suite) but when we awoke to the sight – and sound – of Big Ben from our bedroom window, we hardly felt short changed.
At 70sq m, the room is split proportionately between sociable and private areas. The first thing that hit us as we entered our suite was the six-seater dining room table that sits under a statement chandelier. We reckon a boardroom-style meeting or private dinner – complete with Westminster in the background – would be really rather special. The living room also features a more relaxed sofa and armchair setup; this is where we enjoyed our post-dinner cheese platter and G&Ts. The addition of a separate toilet also means that guests don’t have to venture into the private space.
A recent multi-million pound refurb now means that walls are lined with bowler hat and umbrella motifs
Behind a separating door is the bedroom, a walk-in wardrobe and the en-suite bathroom, where subtle wall coverings depicting the Thames are a clever touch and will no doubt make an impression on out-of-towners. While the living area featured a more varied colour palette (think burnt orange, royal blue and gold touches) the paired back, white-heavy aesthetic of the bedroom made it our favourite space to chill in after a long day at work.
We ate
In the sprawling Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar. It’s the only restaurant in the hotel but for groups looking for a private dining experience, there are 10 smaller spaces where menus can be tailored to fit your group’s size and the occasion.
We opted for the Market Menu (£29pp for three courses). We loved the cheesy Yorkshire puddings with horseradish that replaced the usual bread basket, while the crayfish cocktail, ham hock terrine and – of course – Gillray’s steak and chips all stood out as favourites.
We liked
The quintessentially British design that runs throughout the hotel. A recent multi-million pound refurb now means that walls are lined with bowler hat and umbrella motifs, while curtains feature pocket watch emblems. Our favourite touches though were the Penguin Books feature walls where covers of notable works by famous publishers adorn each of the hotel’s six lift lobbies.
The M Club Lounge was also a smart extra. Those staying in any of the hotel’s 12 suites had access to this exclusive space for breakfast, as well as complimentary drinks and canapés from 5.30-7.30pm. This would be a nice extra for pre-dinner get-togethers.
We heard
That Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution has extended its run in the building. Now booking until 16 September 2018, the popular production would be a fun extra for events. Opt for the VIP Jury Ticket which places audience members in the middle of the performance.
Prices for a One Bedroom Executive Suite at London Marriott Hotel County Hall start at £399 per night
London County Hall, SE1 7PB, 020 7928 5200