The London Marriott Hotel County Hall Hotel

A beautiful and stately stone building that is positioned at the foot of Westminster Bridge, the grand, 5-star London Marriott Hotel County Hall Hotel is just a stone’s throw from London’s leading sights, attractions, and cultural landmarks. And it’s not just its location that makes the hotel a must-stay while in the city, the luxurious County Hall offers a range of facilities and amenities (cue the impressive pool), dining options in the form of The Library (be sure to visit for a regal afternoon tea), and Gillray’s Steakhouse and Bar, and that is teamed with attentive service, and enviable views of central London — all coming together to make for a wonderful stay.

At the helm are Marriott aficionado and General Manager, Govert Deketh, who also shares his insight into this heritage hotel.

What is the USP of the London Marriott Hotel County Hall hotel?

London Marriott Hotel County Hall is set in the former home of the London Government, with unspoiled views of Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, and The London Eye. The iconic hotel embodies London’s rich history and quintessentially British spirit, and you can honestly feel it throughout the hotel. From the custom wallpaper and carpets to the art curation, the hotel truly encapsulates the life and charm of the city.

You’ve been with various Marriott hotels during your career, what can guests expect when staying at a Marriott establishment?

Guests can always expect a warm welcome into a space that has been designed to inspire and stimulate new ideas; combined with hints of locality, echoing the local neighborhood in the hotel’s design. Every bedroom has been created to allow people to unwind, disconnect and feel at home. Our hotels are of course nothing without our people. Our hotels are made even more special by the passionate people who deliver the hospitality.

What are your favorite aspects of this particular hotel?

You cannot find a hotel better located for visitors to the city. Just a few steps from The London Eye and with views from our Balcony suites over the Houses of Parliament. There is a certain pride from the team when we tell the history of our building. One such example is The Library, where we serve our afternoon tea, it was originally home to the official library of the London Government and features Grade II listed bookshelves, filled with original books dating back to their former past.

How would you sum up the guest experience?

The guest experience starts from the moment of arrival. Guests enter through an impressive archway that opens up into a magnificent courtyard. Whether its location, design, or cuisine, we ensure guests experience true British charm in style. We also encourage every guest to make the most of our celebrated and award-winning culinary offerings, including Gillray’s steakhouse, who are the masters of steak on the Southbank, to a traditional afternoon tea surrounded by history and overlooking Big Ben in The Library – which recently underwent a milestone renovation and restoration, offering a completely redesigned home to an afternoon tea that reflects its rich history. The hotel acts as the starting point for many adventures across the city and our team is always passionate about sharing the best things to do and places to go.

Location

The 5-star London Marriott Hotel County Hall is situated in central London and comes complete with incredible views of leading landmarks, from the London Eye to Big Ben opposite, and Westminster Bridge. Occupying London’s former City Hall, the hotel overlooks the Houses of Parliament, and in keeping with this, the aesthetic of the hotel exudes this rich history and quintessentially British spirit.

History

There is history aplenty with this establishment. A very British landmark, the Grade II listed building, County Hall first opened back in 1922 by King George V and Queen Mary, and it was the headquarters of the local government in London. This rich history is felt throughout the hotel and is thoroughly embraced, adding to the stay experience.

Rooms

Having undergone a full renovation in 2016, the hotel boasts 206 spacious guest rooms and 12 unique event rooms, all of which embody London’s rich history and British elegance. Each of the guest room’s entrances and bathrooms is adorned with mosaic flooring, dating back to the building’s early 20th-century style. And here, the classic is merged with the contemporary, as both the rooms and suites feature quirky characteristics that represent British eccentricity, and so, cue pocket watches print curtains, bowler hat artwork, and a map of London acting as wallpaper.

F&B

When it comes to dining, there’s the signature restaurant, Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar, which serves up locally sourced steaks from O’Shea’s Butchers, and the bar, which impressively, showcases over 100 gins. Ideally located on the banks of the River Thames, it provides stunning views of the London Eye and is also open for lunch and dinner.

There is also the historic Library, which transports guests back to the 1920s, with opulent décors, such as oak bookcases stacked with the classics, along with busts of literary and historical figures. Here, diners will find the quintessential Afternoon Tea with ingredients sourced from English farms, and enviable views overlooking the River Thames, Houses of Parliament, and London’s well-known landmark, Big Ben. Jamie Welch is the Executive Chef at the hotel and takes the opportunity to showcase the breadth of contemporary British cuisine where possible.

London Marriott Hotel County Hall
Address: County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London, SE1 7PB, UK
Socials: @londonmarriottcountyhall
Telephone: 020 7928 5200
Website: www.marriott.com