First of all, this is not a hotel, it is a serviced residence. Therefore it doesn't have a spa or a pool or anything else one would expect from a 5 star hotel in London. It's also really tacky with nasty cheep furniture and far too many rough people on cheep "mystery hotel" deals. The staff can't speak English very well and come across as very rude and condescending. I will not be returning.

Situated close to Vauxhall station for the train to Twickenham, handy for friends and close enough to the West End to make the whole thing work.

A very helpful receptionist realised we were at the wrong check in and took us to the one for the apartments, whilst the view wasn't , the room was more than adequate for our stay.

We ate out with friends so can't comment on the restaurant but we enjoyed the stay and the staff were attentive.

I stayed here mid-week before an early meeting the next day. It's a hotel I've used previously and enough time has elapsed to be able to write another review on here.

The good news is that it is still brilliant and completely deserving of its very high ranking for all London hotels.

Sitting in the armchair in the cavernous lounge of the suite, looking out through the floor to ceiling window, across the Thames to the Houses of Parliament, I've been trying to work out just why this property gets it so bang on in terms of delivery a unique and exceptional guest experience.

Firstly, the suites are huge. A 1 bedroom suite is - according to the website - 65m2 and a 2-bedroom suite is 85m2 which for any hotel, let alone one in the centre of London, are simply massive. However, it is the way that the space is laid out; the interior design is beautifully implemented, with high quality fixtures & furnishings that are laid out in a way that makes you feel that you are always at the centre of the room. With the hardwood floors, just walking around feels almost regal.

Secondly, the staff. Plaza on the River is integrated with Park Plaza Riverbank and I imagine shares a lot of front and back end guest services but the staff in the POTR side have that little extra something. I think it is an awareness of the profile of their guests and how to deliver customer service that is professional & personal without being intrusive or sycophantic. All the staff greet you in passing with a genuine hello and those on the front desk are very diligent and attentive. They are clearly very aware of their position as a premier London hotel destination and that having got into the top percentile of all London accommodation, in order to stay there you have to deliver excellent customer service on a consistent basis.

On this stay, there were a couple of very small observations I would highlight; the complimentary water has changed. It used to be Voss (still served in the restaurant) but the 2 bottles in the room are now - from memory - Hildon. The bottles are a smaller size and it doesn't taste as good (crickey, I'm beginning to start to sound like Michael Winner). Also there didn't appear to be the usual in-room welcome gift that is afforded to Concierge level guests. This can be something as simple as a little box of chocolates or a dessert treat from the chef's considerable repertoire. As well, the pens on the notepads have changed from POTR branded ones to unbranded and inferior quality thinner ones.

These are small points and perhaps unlikely to be noticed by most people. I reference them to show that guests do notice these things and I hope that they aren't a putative attempt at cost saving.

The location and view could sell a stay here on their own and I've never grown tired of sitting out on the balcony having an early morning Nespresso and reading the paper. However, I think the real selling point is that the overall guest proposition makes you feel relaxed & refreshed like no other hotel.

It is a true home from home.

Stayed for 6 nights in a one bedroom apt with view of the Thames. Very clean and spacious. Well appointed bathroom with good shower and separate tub. Well equipped kitchen with Nesspro coffee maker, dishwasher and even a washing machine. The plates and glassware were good quality and in excellent condition. Every morning there were free newspapers, pastries and orange juice near the elevator. At check-in we were given a voucher for 2 free beer/wine, and also a 25% off coupon for dinner in the hotel restaurant. Nightly turn down service with chocolates. Housecoats provided. Very comfortable place. Flat screen tvs in living room and bedroom. Welcoming and friendly staff. The cleaning staff did a very good job every day. 15 minute walk to the Parliament bldgs, 10-15 minutes to Vauxhaul station, 15 minutes to Imperial War Museum. About 30 minutes walk to Tate Modern, right across river from Tate Britain.