we are first time travelers to london with 2 children (age 8 & 12). we are considering both these hotels and i was hoping for some advice. can someone tell me which location is better for touristing? we'd like to be able to walk as much as possible to the sights. i realize we won't be able to walk to all. thank you!

At the County Hall (which has an indoor pool BTW) you will have to walk across a bridge to get to the nearest Tube stop; at the Chancery Court the Tube stop is much closer to the hotel.

Is one significantly cheaper than the other or are you using points?

The Chancery Court routinely gets better reviews on TripAdvisor than does the County Hall.

I've stayed at the County Hall and if you don't mind the walk across the bridge then no problem; it is right next to the Eye and for some within walking distance of several sites.

Both are fine properties. But W/ kids - I'd probably choose County Hall. The Aquarium, Eye, a dock for boat trips, are right ON your doorstep.

Yes - you do have to cross the river to get to Westminster tube station. But Waterloo tube/train station is about the same distance w/o having to walk across a bridge.

thank you for the replies! unfortunately, we are paying for the hotel there is not a large difference between the 2 monetarily. i thought i read that the county hall had a shuttle.

a shuttle to what?

i have to find out. i was thinking maybe a shuttle across the bridge?

Maybe so - but it is only about a 5-7 minute walk. Or 20 if you stop to take photos every few yards.

LOL oh it will take an hour for me then!

I have stayed at both and Renaissance Chancery Court is a far superior hotel in both quality and service than county hall. It is also closer to the nearest tube stop. For the money you cannot beat Chancery Court as we have received better service there than Ritz or Four Seasons anywhere.

And don't overlook the fact that London has 20 times as many bus as tube lines, and there's a stop right at the front door of the County Hall.

I agree with Janis about the time it takes to get across that bridge.

I somehow doubt the County Hall would have a shuttle to the Tube stop...in fact I am willing to bet that they don't.

It does not take long to walk it and in fact you can continue on in the area and without taking the tube once you've crossed over.

True - the Chancery Court is a really nice property. But for a first time visit for a family w/ kids that age there is nothing like having a view of Big Ben out your bedroom window (be sure to ask for a river view room), or being on the Eye 5 mins after walking out of the hotel lobby.

Thanks everyone for all of your input. It really helps to hear from people who know the city!

any other really great hotel in the same price range you'd care to suggest?

since i am not obsessed with TUBES, the bus stops right in front of the eye and takes you to tower bridge or covent garden. great connections near county hall if my memory doesn´t fail me!

We stayed at County Hall last year with our 2 kids. We loved it! One of the Hop on- Hop Off buses has a stop right across the street from County Hall. Sorry I can't remember which one!

Also there is a street nearby with some small restaurants. They have outdoor and indoor seating. Prices were reasonable and the food was good.
I am sure that you have a great time.
Sandy

Thanks everyone..i think county hall is the direction we are leaning towards.

Here's the bus situation at County Hall: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/gettingaro...yhall-2060.pdf

The Marriott is the building north of bus stop D on Westminster Bridge Road. Find your destination on a colored line, then follow it to the end and read off the route number. Or use the index at the bottom of the page.

Happy wandering!

I stayed with my kids at the County Hall last summer. It was a great choice. From our window we could see Big Ben, the Parliament Buildings, the Eye, etc. There is a bus stop right behind the hotel, as well as a couple of restaurants, and the walk to the Westminster tube stop was 5 minutes. It was a perfect choice with kids.

I don't think that your other choice is bad either.

I've stayed at the County Hall and the walk to the tube stop is absolutely nothing at all...plus you get to see the Thames, Big Ben, Westminster and Parliament each day. I loved it, loved their bar, loved the walk and the bridge. Might just be me though.