Park Plaza Riverbank
18 Albert Embankment
London, SE1 7TJ
T: 020 7958 8000
Web: parkplaza.com/riverbank
Hotel Review by: Sandra Jones
WITH the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee quickly approaching, London has become the place to be – and if you want to be right in the heart of the celebrations this June then the Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel is the perfect location to raise a teacup for the Queen.
Indeed, when I was invited to spend a night at the four-star hotel, which boasts a prime south bank Thames location, I noted it as an ideal spot to see the Diamond Jubilee Flotilla as it passes by.
Welcomed by the concierge, who arranged for our car to be parked for the evening (£26 per overnight stay), my husband and I were escorted through the spacious lobby to the 10th floor where our room was waiting.
Overlooking the river, with spectacular views of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye, the scenery was only made more impressive when the evening drew in and the sites came alive in stunning light shows.
Featuring Japanese influences with a modern twist, the décor was certainly appealing to the eye. And with all we could wish for in our room, including complementary wine, sparkling water, fresh fruit, selections of chocolates and tea and coffee making facilities, it was almost a shame to leave.
But with Pan-Asian cuisine waiting downstairs in the hotel’s restaurant Chino Latino, we couldn’t resist sampling the delights for afternoon tea.
Situated on the ground floor opposite the main entrance, the restaurant had a very relaxed ambiance, featuring comfortable seating, soft sofas and obliging staff.
Indulging in afternoon tea served in Japanese style, featuring warm scones, jam, clotted cream and various fresh fruits on top of Japanese style pastries – this was definitely a generous way to spend the afternoon.
In honour of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the hotel will also be hosting a special afternoon tea service on 3 June, complete with traditional British sandwiches, sweet delights from mini Victoria sponges, tarts and chocolate slices and of course clotted cream scones. Starting at 1pm, guests will be able to enjoy unlimited food and teas from the award winning Chino Latino team for just £55 including champagne and delicious teas.
As an ideal location to look out for the Queen, there will also be large screens around the hotel so guests can watch all of the parade after it passes the hotel and continues down the river.
But for those wanting to make the celebrations last into the night, I have to recommend an overnight stay.
With plush pillows and a soft duvet – and even chocolates left on our pillows – the stay at Park Plaza Riverbank was positively refreshing. Waking up to breakfast served in a dining room overlooking the River Thames, it became clear that everyone should enjoy a taste of London this year – and what better time that the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee?
Useful Facts:
a Mid-week prices start from £149 per room per night (excluding VAT and breakfast). Weekend prices start from £109 per room per night (excluding VAT and breakfast)
a The hotel is hosting an afternoon tea service in honour of the Queen on 3 June 2012. Tickets cost from £55 per person including champagne and teas. The afternoon starts from 1pm.
a Their sister accommodation, Park Plaza on the River is also supplying private river view suites with balconies available for up to 15 people. Suites start from £2,400 for the whole day on 3 June 2012.