Park Plaza, Westminster, London

You're at the eastern end of Westminster Bridge, where Westminster Bridge Road meets Lambeth Palace Road, a rather busy crossing (you can gaze at the lines of traffic forming along the bridge from your room's floor-to-ceiling glass windows). You're conveniently located to check out all the sights along the South Bank, while across the river lie the Houses of Parliament. Waterloo Station is a convenient five-minute walk away, while across the bridge is Westminster tube, making it very easy to get around by public transport.

By car: over 4 hours from Manchester and 2 hours 30 minutes from Bristol. On-site parking costs £65 per day.

By train: London Waterloo station is less than a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Book trains to London.

This is one of Europe's largest conference hotels. Step inside the huge glass-fronted elliptical building and you'd be forgiven for thinking you'd accidentally entered a shopping centre. Two escalators lead up to reception, taking you past walled glass panels that change hues. You'll find towering ceilings, shiny floors and squeaky faux-leather armchairs in the reception and bar area, while rooms give off seemingly endless carpeted corridors.

This place has over 1,000 rooms, so reception is unsurprisingly busy at most times. It's one of Europe's largest conference hotels, with 37 meeting rooms spread out over three floors, along with a meeting space on each floor of the hotel. There's also a spa, home to a heated swimming pool, sauna, steam room and 24hr fitness centre.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Swimming pool
• Gym
• Spa
• Family-friendly
• Parking on-site
• Free Wi-Fi

Spread over 15 floors, the 1,019 rooms come as standard, all with the same desk, bed, bathroom and burgundy carpet. The only feature that differentiates them is the panorama - some offer views of the river, the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament. All have floor-to-ceiling glass windows and are surprisingly quiet.

Room types: Superior, Studio, One-Bed Suite, Two-Bed Suite, Duplex Suite, Presidential Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, hairdryer, tea and coffee-making facilities, TV, free Wi-Fi

At Brasserie Joel, affable French chef Jonathan Castaing rustles up all manner of French specialities. If fish is more your thing, head to Ichi Sushi & Sashimi Bar, a small and intimate spot where you can watch the chefs at work. Come evening, Primo Bar is a lively spot to enjoy a good cocktail, while Illy Caffé is great to refuel during the day with an espresso or cappuccino.

Brasserie Joël: 2 AA-Rosette restaurant, French cuisine. Open Tue-Sat for dinner.

ICHI: sushi and sashimi bar. Open Thu-Sat for lunch, daily for dinner.