We stayed at the Park Plaza Riverbank on February 2 and 3, 2012. My husband had a business meeting that week and we decided to take a brief London break beforehand.

We were lodged in the suites part of the building (not their most expensive type of room, though), and maybe this is where the difference lies. Other reviewers seem had a less stellar experience but for us, it was outstanding. Everything was sensational: the bed was super comfy, the bathroom was new, very modern & clean, great toiletries!
We had a sitting area with an ample assortment of TV channels and he was able to watch the Super Bowl which was being directly shown by the BBC!

Their staff was very helpful and kind: they even came in on 2/2 at around 6 PM (when we returned from our sightseeing) to make our bed and clean up the room because we forgot to turn the door light (from red to green) to let them know the room could be entered for housekeeping!Compare THAT to our experience at the Milan hotel! Concierge was knowledgeable and always available for tips on dining and places to go. Definitely a "go back to" place for us.

The hotel looked good but the freezing temperature of the room took all enjoyment out of the stay. It was possible to use the heating system but it wasn't very powerful and took a while to heat my side of the room. I spent the night curled up under the covers shaking. The bathroom was absolutely freezing and should have had underfloor heating.

No lamps or anything in the room. Generally found the lighting inadequate.

Apart from that, as I say the design was nice and the staff were good. Its just for the price the experience could have been a lot better.

We booked a room via Lastminute and got a really good rate for an Executive Room.

The room was more than we expected with lovely bathroom, plenty of wardrobe space, very comfy bed, flat screen TV and a lot of space generally.

We've stayed at both of the other Park Plaza's (which are about 20 mins walk away), and prefer this hotel although you are therefore 20 mins further away from the London Eye for example.

Breakfast was busy but supplied a good selection of food all served in a basement room with no windows which is kind of strange; mostly English breakfast choices but a wide selection of pastries also.

Our room was sideways on to the river so we could just about see the Thames but there are riverfront rooms if you want them.

Reception staff were excellent: very friendly and went out of their way to make us feel welcome and offered an efficient check out service.

We would recommend this hotel but be aware you are a little way out of central London and it will involve either walking or tube travel to get to the centre. Not a big deal but it's not very near to the tube.

We really enjoyed our stay and would probably stay here again.

Stayed on the 9th floor with a direct view of Vauxhall Station. Great if you are a train buff not so good if you want a long night of undisturbed sleep. Personally, I love transport so it didn't bother me but beware they run till 11:30 and start again at 5. So if they give you 905 or 903 unless like me you don't mind looking at 6 lanes of the London Transport Network, ask for a front facing room of the Houses of Parliament. What was not good was the thickness of the walls. Ok, Hotel can't do much about it now, but I heard chapter and verse of a couples discussion and they weren't shouting. But it needs soundproofing - all of a sudden the trains didn't seem that bad. Bathroom was nice with a separate shower. Room is quite well appointed and quite chic. Gym is functional but acceptable. Breakfast likewise and Staff are pleasant. Without the noise it would be 4 rated or even maybe a 5 but if you can't sleep what's the point of staying at a hotel?