Modern yet comfortable? Check.

Central but quiet? Check.

Luxurious AND friendly? Yes.

The Park Plaza at London Waterloo has it all. With a pool and spa, this family friendly hotel also has an on-site restaurant and bar and is beautifully decorated.

Going to London is always a treat, and it’s even better when you have somewhere as comfortable and friendly as the Park Plaza.

Just a few minutes from Waterloo station, the hotel is also very close to Westminster Bridge, the Houses of Parliament and all the attractions on South Bank.

And if you need to get anywhere else, Lambeth North underground station is over the road from the hotel.

Staff on reception are ready to greet you with a warm smile, and despite a short queue, no wait at all.

Our room was on the top floor of the thirteen storey building and upon rounding the corner from the lift, we had a spectacular view of the London Eye from large floor to ceiling windows in the corridor.

The first thing that hit us as soon as we entered our room was the incredible view. The entire side of the room was glass with a view of The Shard and beyond. It was mesmerising.

Beautifully appointed with a sofa, mini bar, huge bed and flat screen television, the room had remotes for lighting and blinds, along with complimentary water, a desk, large sink and vanity unit in the bathroom and a good sized wardrobe.

Thankfully, there was both a kettle and coffee machine with everything else you needed at a press of a button, as well as free Wi-Fi and Netflix (if you can remember your password).

Down in the Florentine restaurant and bar, there was an extensive cocktail menu with some mouth-watering choices and something to suit everyone’s (alcohol) tastes.

The menu at Florentine restaurant was brasserie style and had a bit of everything from flatbreads to two kilo truffle burgers.

Other options included delicious aubergine tempura nibbles and tuna carpaccio, as well as a Sunday roast menu.

The room service menu was also extensive, with everything from sandwiches to full meals and desserts.

Furnishings in the room were deluxe, with soft, fresh sheets and plenty of pillows, towels and top-notch toiletries by Elemis.

And so, after a delicious night’s sleep (and surprisingly quiet for such a central location), we headed down to breakfast.

Offered a free newspaper on arrival, we were immediately shown to our table and offered coffee or tea.

The dining room was bustling with families on half term, tourists and people of all ages. Set-out in a buffet style, the choices on offer were extensive. You also had the choice of freshly cooked eggs benedict, royale or Florentine or egg white omelette, avocado and poached eggs and pancakes.

We explored the buffet options which included fresh fruit, juices, yoghurt, muesli, cereal and granola with all types of nuts and seeds, pastries, meats, cheeses and smoked fish.

The traditional full English was also on offer along with toast and plenty of toppings.

You couldn’t have asked for anything more, but if you had, I’m convinced they would have provided it.

All the food was fresh, hot and plentiful. What more could you ask for from this wonderful hotel?

FACTFILE

Park Plaza London Waterloo, 6 Hercules Road.

There are three types of rooms on offer at the Park Plaza including superior, studio and one-bedroom suites.

They also offer a complimentary kids’ club.

Coming complete with a 15-metre swimming pool, Mandara Spa and a selection of family friendly dining options, families can take advantage of the hotel’s very special family getaway package that includes accommodation for two adults and two children (aged 12 and under) in a range of rooms, free children’s meals, a complimentary Children’s Gift Bag with activities and Park Plaza Children’s vouchers that can be redeemed against selected food and drink items in the hotel. To book, visit: www.parkplaza.com/familyuk.

Rates can start from £119.