Why it’s good for business

This landmark building on the Thames was previously the home of the Greater London Council (GLC), and still has the original council chamber. The hotel faces the Houses of Parliament, and is handily placed for the Shell headquarters and Waterloo station as well as government departments. Has a combination of impressive meeting rooms and an excellent spa, huge gym and possibly London's biggest hotel swimming pool.

The room

Many rooms have unbeatable views across the river to Big Ben. They are well-equipped and spacious with over-sized beds, and an armchair for bedside reading. All the usual facilities - tea/coffee making, bathrobes, shoe shine and ironing board - are provided. Little touches – such as the light coming on in the wardrobe when you open it, umbrella, and the super-sized bath towels - are comforting.

The hairdryer is handily placed outside the bathroom at a small vanity table. Reasonable sized desk with accessible modem points, plus paid-for wi-fi. Strangely there seemed not to be anywhere to perch your open suitcase, rather than have to unpack completely. My room was over-heated on arrival but the thermostat quickly responded to instructions. Bathrooms are straightforward – well supplied with the usual toiletries, plus mouthwash, although the power shower could have done with a little more oomph.

A place to meet

Impressive, unusual meeting options with a classic touch. The former members' library can be hired completely for a reception or dinner, or take an individual book-lined booth for an informal afternoon gathering. Across the hall the Leaders' bar with balcony retains a traditional feel, and is another unusual option for a small meeting. While the boardroom has wood-panelling and large antique dark-wood table, and the Parliament Suite has views across the river towards Big Ben. All have ISDN lines, wi-fi and microphone points.

Technology credentials

All rooms and public spaces have wi-fi at £15 per 24 hours. Not cheap if you just want to check your emails. The executive lounge has a PC you can use, but again you need to pay for Internet use. Meeting rooms all have ISDN. Rooms have British and American plug sockets. Desks are a decent size for working, and well situated, close to plug points.

Fed and watered

The Library has a lovely atmosphere for a classic afternoon tea with or without champagne, and with river views. A cocktail in the firmly traditional Leader's Bar is definitely worth a try at the end of a tiring day. Views from the County Hall Restaurant are exceptional and food is classic with a twist, serving dishes such as rib eye steak, kale and new potatoes, and pan-fried rainbow trout with saffron potatoes. Breakfast choices are the full English, or the continental with fruit buffet, or a choice of a la carte options. Although poached eggs were beautifully presented, there was a long wait, and other diners around us were getting stressed by the delay, too. Best to opt for executive lounge breakfast if you are in a rush.

In the know

Nearby, for smart dim sum, Ping Pong, a modern open-kitchen with excellent herbal teas and beautifully presented platters, is close to the riverside. Take a walk or jog along the riverside walkway to the Royal Festival Hall, where there's often a chance to catch a free concert or art exhibition, or there's a smart cafe and shop with quirky gifts.

Business class

Stylish meeting rooms and very large gym and swimming pool (open 5.30am – 11pm).

Business farce

Concierge desk appeared unstaffed in the evening after 8pm, although doormen stepped in to help, there's no substitute for a well-informed concierge.

The bottom line

Rooms from £229 plus VAT, midweek. Full English breakfast £20.95, continental £18.95. Three-course dinner in The County Hall Restaurant (£27.50). Same-day dry cleaning – suit (£18), laundry, shirt (£7), in by 10am, back by 6pm. 24-hour room service: steak and eggs (£11); deli sandwich (£9.75). Executive lounge: glass of Chablis (£8).

Need to know

Marriott County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7PB. Tel: 0207 928 5200, www.marriott.com. Check in: 3pm. Check out: noon.