Have you ever found yourself scrambling to book a hotel room last minute? I know the feeling! I’ve been there, and that’s why I love using apps like Hotel Tonight. It’s a lifesaver when you need to find a place to stay quickly and often, you can score some amazing deals. Recently, I used Hotel Tonight to book a stay at the Park Plaza Hotel Westminster Bridge in London, and I’m excited to share my experience with you.
My trip to London was coming up, and I had my heart set on staying in the South Bank area. But I didn’t finalize my travel dates until a few days before my trip, leaving me with a bit of a booking crunch. That’s when Hotel Tonight came to the rescue. With only a few days to spare, finding a hotel in the bustling city of London seemed daunting, especially considering the peak season. Many hotels were already booked, and those that were available were charging hefty prices.
Booking a Last-Minute Stay
Thankfully, the Park Plaza South Bank hotels were within walking distance of my desired location, and they were still available. I spent some time browsing prices and noticed that they were hovering around £375-£499, with the cheapest option being the furthest from my preferred spot. These rates were pretty steep, even for London. I decided to wait a bit longer to see if any better deals popped up.
The day before my arrival, the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge was listed on Hotel Tonight for just £399, but it was completely sold out on every other website I checked! This confirmed that I had stumbled upon a truly incredible deal. The other option, the Novotel London Blackfriars, was slightly cheaper, but it was further out. The Park Plaza had excellent reviews on TripAdvisor (4.5/5), so I knew I was making a good choice.
Since my preferred area was quickly dwindling, I decided to go ahead and book that day. It was a wise move because the Park Plaza disappeared from Hotel Tonight shortly after I booked! This is the exciting and nerve-wracking part of using Hotel Tonight – you have to weigh the possibility of getting a better price if you wait versus the risk of losing the hotel you want. I had a similar experience with the Corinthia, my favorite hotel in London. Its standard rate was £906, but a few days before my stay, it was listed on the app for around £800. On the day of my arrival, the price dropped to roughly £600. In that case, it would have been worth waiting, but you never know!
Booking with Hotel Tonight: A Breeze
I have to say, the booking experience on Hotel Tonight was super quick and easy. It’s so user-friendly! On the homepage, you can either type in your desired location or use the interactive map for a more precise search. The app then displays a list of hotels categorized by type: luxe (5 stars), hip, solid (4 stars), and basic. You can click on a hotel’s photo to see more details, like any extra charges and amenities.
Once you click “book,” you’re taken to a page where the room type is displayed. This is often just “selected by hotel,” so keep in mind that you may not get your preferred room if you have specific requirements. In my case, the room type was specified as a room with two single beds. You can then proceed with the booking using your credit card, which you can conveniently store on the app. The whole process, from start to finish, can be completed in under 30 seconds, making it a super convenient option for last-minute travelers like me!
The Park Plaza Hotel Westminster Bridge: A Review
The Park Plaza Hotel Westminster Bridge is a fantastic choice if you’re visiting the South Bank area or want to be close to Waterloo Station. However, be aware that while it appears to be right next to Waterloo Station, it’s about a 7-minute walk, which could be a factor if you have a lot of luggage. But the upside is that you’re less than a 5-minute walk from the London Eye and South Bank, and right by the bridge leading to Westminster. The area is also home to a great selection of restaurants and cafes along the south bank. The nearest Tube station is a bit of a walk, but there are plenty of bus stops nearby.
I must admit that I was a little nervous when I booked the Park Plaza on Hotel Tonight because it was showing as sold out. But my nerves were quickly calmed when I arrived and checked in. The process was super smooth, and the receptionist was very welcoming. She gave me a tour of the facilities and explained everything in detail. I was assigned a room on the 11th floor with a view of an interior wall. While I usually prefer city views, I appreciate the quiet and peacefulness of an interior view. Besides, I can always head outside if I want to enjoy the sights! The room was impeccably clean and modern, with all the usual amenities like a kettle, iron, hairdryer, and complimentary Wi-Fi. One of the highlights was the free and fast Wi-Fi, a big plus in my book! The mini-bar was the sensor type, which I usually don’t like, but they thoughtfully provided a separate section for storing personal items, which was a nice touch.
The bed was comfortable, about the same quality as a Hilton bed, with a mix of soft and firm pillows. The room was a little noisy when people walked by in the corridor, but overall, I slept well. The bathroom was the highlight of the room. It had a large soaking tub and a separate shower, along with Elemis toiletries, which is surprising for a 4-star hotel! The shower water pressure was a little weak, but it was still perfectly adequate.
The hotel boasts a number of restaurants, cafes, and bars, including Brasserie Joel, a flagship French restaurant with 2 AA rosettes and a 9/10 rating from The Times. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to try any of these. I ordered room service, which was reasonably priced for most of the food, although the drinks were a bit expensive. The food quality wasn’t exceptional, but it was edible.
Amenities and Beyond
The hotel also has a Mandara Spa, with nine treatment rooms, a gym, and a 15-meter swimming pool. All in all, I would say that the Park Plaza Hotel Westminster Bridge is a solid choice if you’re looking for a hotel in a convenient location. The standard rates start around £180-£280, but you can save an extra 10% if you’re a member of Radisson Rewards. You can find more details about the hotel on their website.
If you’re interested in another option, you might want to check out the newly opened Park Plaza London Waterloo. Ironically, it’s actually slightly further from Waterloo Station than the Park Plaza Hotel Westminster Bridge, at a 10-minute walk. The hotel is also within a 10-minute walk of Lambeth North Tube station. The rates are slightly cheaper than the Park Plaza Hotel Westminster Bridge, starting around £150-£170. It’s a brand-new hotel with a heated indoor pool, so it might be worth considering. Personally, I would probably stick with the Park Plaza Hotel Westminster Bridge because I prefer its location.
So, there you have it! My experience with Hotel Tonight and the Park Plaza Hotel Westminster Bridge in London. If you’re looking for a last-minute hotel deal, give Hotel Tonight a try. It’s a great way to save money and find some incredible options!
