London: Tea Time in Wonderland

Love London? Fancy discovering it in the most amazing way, stars in your eyes?

Then book a room at the 4 star Park Plaza County Hall hotel. Just a few minutes from Waterloo, its situation is just ideal as you can be in no time along the Thames, at Westminster, Trafalgar… When staying only a week-end, you do not want to waste time in public transport, there is so much to see!

For a wow effect and make the love of your life gasp in amazement, choose the penthouses on the last floor. Just a few steps into the room are enough to enjoy the sumptuous view:

The corridor then opens on a natural light bathed lounge, comfy sofas, a second plasma screen -  the luxury of space. Imagine sitting there with a glass of wine in your hands, looking over London.

Even better a kitchenette is on the side. You will find the usual mini-bar and kettle are there, of course, as well as a microwave and a good selection of plates, glasses, cutlery. Pretty handy if you love strolling through local markets such as the Borough one and end up with all kind of treats.

Coffee lovers will be delighted to find a Nespresso too -  it makes a hell of a difference whenever you need a caffeine kick or are looking for high quality aromas.

Very few guests can resist more than a few minutes before stepping on their private balcony:

You may have been in London a thousand times, may know it by heart -  you will fall in love again. Stunning sight, precious ones, nothing like a ride on the London Eye. It feels as if you could touch everything. Mesmerising. You will not even feel like sitting but will stay hours there, noticing new details, rooftops you had never glimpsed before.

The atmosphere varies constantly. Tender, bubbly, glittering, sleepy. Television and internet do not seem to make sense. My balcony was at the corner of the building, offering double the panorama. You can never tire of this…

When the sky started to turn pink, I reluctantly went back inside – it was dinner time. Luckily, there was no need to go far: the hotel restaurant, The Spectrum has a delicious menu. Large room, each table giving you plenty of space for your bags or a pushchair, beautiful design touches and soft light. Bonus points: the only ceiling is 14 floors above, with a glass roof for extra light during the day. Most importantly - conversation do not resonate against concrete above your head which means a quieter atmosphere.

If you are a parent, you probably dread the first look from waiters. Little ones are not always that welcome. I was totally charmed by the staff at the Part Plaza County Hall who took such a loving care of the toddler at the next table, playing and laughing with him. I sincerely could not say who was the most adorable: them or the little boy! They did everything they could to make the meal easy. Not surprising that the hotel has recently been Best Family Friendly Hotel at the HRS Hotel Excellence Awards 2011. They also offer family rooms for parents of two, a dedicated page in the room leaflet with activities adapted to the young ones. You will even find kids slipper in one of your cupboards!

Absorbing the atmosphere, I started reading through the list of mouthwatering dishes. Perfect timing -  I was brought some yummy ciabatta and delicate spirals of butter:

I decided on a classic – Beef Wellington (£19.50). Quite a modern version as this starts with nice buttery pastry gorged on the juices, followed by Portbello mushrooms, a generous portion of the most tender meat… sublimed by a topping of foie gras  and some red wine jus. How could you not melt?

This goes very well with a side dish of samphire salad (£3.50). Such an unusual ingredient yet quite an explosion of flavours and so refreshing too. This was matched with sweet beetroot. Worth trying.

Quite a discovery -  this Merlot Granfort will make you think of juicy red fruit and plums, balanced with a cocktail of spices – pepper, cinnamon, cumin… Sip on it throughout the whole meal – I would even recommend getting a bottle back to your room to be finished on the balcony.

Rather than an espresso which can leave a bitter note, I preferred the creaminess of a coffee crême brûlée (£6.50). Rich, strong flavour in which you can dip with homemade vanilla biscuit. You could almost have two in a row!

I went back to my room incredibly relaxed. The night team had stopped by and  prepared the bed -  oh, so inviting! The mattress was a perfect consistency -  I had not slept so well in months. Different kind of pillows also are available on demand.

The bathroom is particularly pleasant – grey and white marble, shower and bath are separated and two people can get ready without being in the way of the other. The beauty products are by Elemis -  the leading spa brand -  very fragrant and soft on the skin. Nice touch to have added bath salts. It is worth noting that the hotel also has its own spa, Aurora -  I have head a lot of praise on their chocolate massage…

The following morning – it all fell like a dream. I attempted to look for my watch…

Checking the time on Big Ben, your head still on the pillow. That, my friends, is absolutely priceless!

My best advice would be to pay the extra £3 for room service and have your breakfast admiring the awakening city.

However, a copious buffet is available too -  lots of pastries, cured meat, yogurts, fruit salad, and so much more. Your selection of hot food will be prepared on order and the eggs cooked to your preference straight away. Waitresses butterfly from one table to the other with a radiant smile. How can they have so much energy at 07.00am?

Sadly, it was already time to leave. I waited a few more minutes, dreaming, savouring a Nespresso coffee and watching the commuters – little ants form here – struggle to pile in their bus.

A last look. Now, where to go?

An unforgettable experience, first class comfort. An excellent address for a first stay in London especiallay when you have no idea where to start. The concierge is very friendly too -  do not hesitate to ask for his help: he can even help with booking for musicals.

Park Plaza County Hall
1 Addington Street
London
SE1 7RY

Teatime in Wonderland was invited by Park Plaza County Hall

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