We are considering staying at the Park Plaza County Hall London on July 18-20. We are seeking advice/experience on the hotel and the area, especially for convenience to main tourist attractions and tube connections in central London and general safety of the area. Thank you kindly.
It ticks all of those boxes. I stay there very often on business but it’s 90% tourists guests.
I've stayed in that area before, and really liked it. It's convenient to Waterloo Station, and it's an easy walk over Westminster Bridge to get to Westminster area, with many sights. The Westminster tube station, which has the Circle and District lines, is just across the river as well. Plus there are lots of places to see in South Bank, including Borough Market, Southwark Cathedral, the Old Globe Theatre, and much more.
And as a female solo traveler, I can vouch for its safety. I walked around in the late evening and never felt unsafe at all. It's beautiful there, too, with the lights illuminating the river.
I also have stayed in the area and one thing I really enjoyed was being near the river. I found the area felt less congested and was a welcome respite from busy London.
Thank you everyone. I appreciate your input.
you just have to watch out for the scammers on Westminster Bridge. Don't interact, don't be on your phone, take pickpocket aversion methods and you will be fine.
Thank you, Nigel. Will definitely be taking that sound advice.
I will say thatI never had any problems with anyone accosting me as I walked across the bridge; and I walked across it a lot as I was there for 5 nights.
That said, I was walking by myself and usually not paying much attention to the games and such going on, which does make a difference. The scammers will generally come after you if they think you're interested (and of course, many people are looking at what's going on). However, I think if you just focus on walking across the bridge and ignore the activity, they will generally leave you alone. :-)
But of course, it's always good to be aware of yourself and the space around you. Nigel's advice about pickpockets is good (and not just on Westminster Bridge, but any crowded place that attracts tourists).
Personally I’s consider walking along the Queens Walk ( adjacent to the Thames ) towards the Golden Jubilee Bridge and taking pictures from that bridge back towards Parliament and the London Eye.
But that’s just me.
I’d cross the Thames and then walk down the stairs to see if the Cabman’s shelter is open for a takeway coffee. That shelter is one of the few left in existence.
https://livinglondonhistory.com/the-amazing-history-behind-londons-green-cabmens-shelters/
I've stayed not far away at the Premier Inn Waterloo. I found the area safe and great for ease of transportation. I really enjoyed walking along the river as well. Waterloo gives you tube and train connections, Westminster the tube and Uber Boat connections.
I do appreciate the helpful feedback on the travel forum! Thank you fellow travelers! Great tips!!