Park Plaza, Westminster, London

From the Park Plaza, you're conveniently located to check out all the sights along the South Bank, while across the river lie the Houses of Parliament.

The hotel sits on the eastern end of Westminster Bridge, where Westminster Bridge Road meets Lambeth Palace Road. Waterloo station is close by, as is Westminster, making it easy to get around by public transport.

By car: over 4 hours from Manchester and 2 hours 30 minutes from Bristol. On-site parking costs £65 per day.

By train: Westminster tube station is a 5-minute walk. London Waterloo station is less than a 10-minute walk. Book trains to London.

Step inside the huge glass-fronted elliptical building and you'd be forgiven for thinking you'd accidentally entered a shopping centre - you're in one of Europe's largest conference hotels. On arrival, escalators lead to the reception and lobby. In the reception and bar areas, you'll find shiny floors and squeaky faux-leather armchairs.

With over 1,000 rooms, it's no surprise reception is busy at virtually all times of day - but staff do a good job at trying to accommodate everyone as swiftly as possible. Guests will enjoy the spa, home to a heated swimming pool, sauna, steam room and 24hr fitness centre. If you're here on business, you'll have no shortage of event spaces to choose from to host meetings and conferences.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Swimming pool
• Gym
• Spa
• Family-friendly
• Parking on-site
• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms generally come as standard, with the same desk, bed, bathroom and burgundy carpets - and floor-to-ceiling windows. The panoramas are what differentiate them - with views of the river, London Eye and Houses of Parliament. Despite the hotel's size and location, rooms are quiet.

Room types: Superior, Studio, One-Bed Suite, Two-Bed Suite, Duplex Suite, Presidential Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, hairdryer, tea and coffee-making facilities, TV, free Wi-Fi

Brasserie Joël is where French chef Jonathan Castaing rustles up French specialities - the lamb shank was tender and succulent. Intimate Ichi is great for fish lovers; and Primo Bar is a lively spot to enjoy a good cocktail.

Brasserie Joël: 2 AA-Rosette restaurant, open Tue-Sat for dinner.

ICHI: sushi & sashimi bar. Open Thu-Sat for lunch, daily for dinner.

Primo Bar: lobby bar-lounge, open daily from 12pm.