The hype
Guests love the location and modern vibe but are divided on the noise levels and pool temperature.
Park Plaza Waterloo
$180-280/ night
Book this if You want a modern, American-style hotel base near the South Bank that handles families brilliantly but lacks old-world London charm.
Why People Love It
- Incredible connectivity: Lambeth North tube is literally across the street
- Rare indoor pool in central London (a hit with kids)
- Ultramodern rooms with smart controls and floor-to-ceiling windows
Quick Take: A slick, high-volume machine that trades character for convenience and train station proximity.
Reviewed by @conciergekate: My weekend here was exactly the reset I needed. We spent hours just lounging by the pool and the steam room was a lifesaver. Dinner was delicious, but honestly, just sipping wine by the fireplace was my favorite part. It felt like a total escape from the busy city outside.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'City View' often means 'Train View' with accompanying soundtrack, and the elevators can be slow during the morning rush.
- You are traveling with kids and need a pool to burn off energy
- You prefer modern, predictable chain hotels over quirky B&Bs
- You need to be at Waterloo Station in 10 minutes flat
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally reliable daily service, though some reports of missed dusting on high shelves.
- Bathroom hygiene: Modern and usually spotless; rainfall showers are a highlight, though grout issues appear in older reviews.
- Maintenance: Good condition overall (built in 2016), but watch for worn carpets in high-traffic hallways.
- Linens & towels: Standard high-thread-count hotel white; crisp but not luxurious.
- Odors & scents: Lobby has a signature 'spa' scent; rooms are generally neutral but some complain of mustiness in carpeted areas.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Trains entering/leaving Waterloo Station
- Ambulance sirens (nearby hospital)
- Hallway noise from families
Before you book
Good to know
- The pool requires booking a slot in advance during busy periods
- Luggage storage is available with porters, usually free for guests
- A £50 security deposit is often taken at check-in
What to pack
- Earplugs (essential for city-facing rooms)
- UK power adapter (though some rooms have US/EU sockets, don't risk it)
- Swim cap (sometimes enforced in the pool)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Studio Rooms (more floor space, worth the upgrade)
- High-floor rooms (10+) facing away from the tracks for views of the London Eye without the decibels
Rooms to avoid
- Lower floors on the railway side (constant screeching)
- Rooms near the elevators (high foot traffic noise)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am a light sleeper. Please assign a room on a high floor (10+) facing the Atrium or away from the railway lines. I would prefer a darker, quiet Atrium room over a noisy City View room.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool actually warm?
Reviews consistently describe it as 'tepid' or 'cold' rather than heated. Don't expect a warm bath.
Can I hear the trains from the room?
Yes. If you are on the station side, you will hear the screech of wheels on tracks from 5 AM to midnight.
Is breakfast included?
Usually not. It costs around £25 per person. It's a good buffet, but expensive.
How far is the tube?
Lambeth North (Bakerloo line) is literally across the street. Waterloo (Jubilee, Northern, National Rail) is a 5-10 minute walk.
Is it safe at night?
Generally yes, but the immediate area around Hercules Road can feel a bit desolate late at night. Stick to the main roads.
Do the windows open?
No. The building is sealed for climate control.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Join the Radisson Rewards program before booking; members often get free water or late checkout.
- ✨
Skip the hotel breakfast and walk 5 minutes to Lower Marsh for excellent cafes.
- ✨
The 'Atrium View' rooms have no external view (they look into the hotel interior) but are the quietest options available.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'City View' is technically a view of the railway tracks with the city in the background.
💡The elevators have a smart control system that confuses first-time guests—select your floor *outside* the lift.
💡There is a 'mood lighting' panel in the rooms that can be frustratingly complex to turn off completely.
💡The sauna is often full of unsupervised children despite rules against it.
💡You can walk to the Imperial War Museum in 5 minutes—it's an underrated, free, and quiet neighbor.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Park Plaza Waterloo is located and what's nearby.