County Hall

We have stayed at the London Marriott Hotel County Hall a couple of times while visiting London. Its location on the South Bank of the Thames, beside Westminster Bridge and directly across from the Houses of Parliament, makes it an especially convenient place from which to explore the city. Yet the building offers more than a central location. By staying there, we were also spending the night inside the former headquarters of London’s government.

County Hall was designed by architect Ralph Knott as the home of the London County Council. Construction began in 1911, but shortages and delays during the First World War slowed its completion. King George V and Queen Mary formally opened the building in 1922. Its long riverside façade, Portland stone exterior, formal arches, and steep roof created an appropriately imposing home for the government of one of the world’s largest cities.

County Hall’s position directly across the Thames from Parliament became especially significant during the 1980s. The Greater London Council, led by Ken Livingstone, frequently clashed with Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s national government. Large banners displaying political messages were hung from County Hall where they could be seen from Parliament. In 1986, Thatcher’s government abolished the Greater London Council, ending County Hall’s 64-year role as the center of London government.

The building remained largely empty until it was purchased and gradually converted to new uses. The London Marriott Hotel County Hall opened in 1998, occupying part of the historic complex. Former government offices became guest rooms and meeting spaces, while original architectural features, including wood paneling, high ceilings, and grand public rooms, preserved reminders of the building’s civic past. Other parts of County Hall now contain restaurants and visitor attractions.

We originally chose the hotel because its location made it easy to experience so much of London. Only later did we fully appreciate the history contained within the building itself. County Hall is no longer a seat of government, but it continues to occupy a commanding place beside the Thames. Staying there allowed us to experience a historic London landmark as guests within its walls.