This new and smart hotel is part of the polished Crowne Plaza group and it sits next to the Thames on the historic Albert Embankment. That location might sound, to the untutored, like a mound of earth or what those who hail from across the pond call a levee.
Albert Embankment was created by the celebrated Victorian engineer Sir Joseph Bazalgette, he of sewer-building fame, in the late 1860s. Much of this is made of land reclaimed from the river and was designed to protect from flooding the low-lying areas of Lambeth. It became a new road to avoid streets which were, even in those days, congested with traffic. One can still find the ornamental sturgeon lamp standards by George Vulliamy.
The Crowne Plaza London – Albert Embankment hotel has a superb location for anybody needing connections from Vauxhall station, which is only a comfortable 10-minute walk away. One has magnificent views of the River Thames, several bridges, the MI5 building and the Houses of Parliament. It’s just opposite Tamesis Dock, a 1930s Dutch barge which has been converted into a pub, with live music and events space. The Tate Britain building is visible, as is the very top of Westminster Abbey; the new US Embassy isn’t far away, either.
City and river views
The hotel reception boasts a striking blown-glass ceiling installation and open access to an equally impressive bar and through to the POTUS restaurant (more of that in a future article). The hotel boasts 142 rooms (many with stunning, unobstructed city and river views), and these offer truly 5-star accommodations. Yes, it helps that the tasteful paint has only recently dried, but even so this hotel is charming.
The colour palate offers muted and restful hues with accents of bolder colours. The design is crisp with thoughtful use of textures and finishes. The flat-screen TV morphs into a mirror at the touch of a button. All of the rooms and suites are equipped with all of the expected amenities such as Nespresso machines, fully-stocked mini-bars, a shower with a rain-shower head, bathroom toiletries and fluffy dressing gowns. The room service menu looks reasonable too, and that’s not a phrase oft used by this reviewer. I note that there were ample electric points and USB outlets, and light switches were intuitive.
Other features at Crowne Plaza London – Albert Embankment include complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel, a 24-hour fitness centre for those with bodies like temples, and a couple of rather good restaurants for the rest of us. There is also a quiet lounge which offers snacks and drinks. One can enjoy a reviving glass of something in the evening partnered by, perhaps, a little pasta or some fresh canapes.
Groups of the less fortunate are considered, with the provision of 3 meeting rooms, the largest having space for 62 delegates.
POTUS Bar and Restaurant
Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Dessert
Hours: 6:30 AM-10:00 PM
Crowne Plaza London – Albert Embankment
10-11 Albert Embankment
London
SE1 7SP
United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (0)20 3146 0370
Visit Crowne Plaza London – Albert Embankment here