Junior in London / 1 February 2026

Junior in London: The Ultimate Family Suite at The Park Plaza Riverbank

Junior slept over at the capital’s first-ever hotel room designed by families, for families at the Park Plaza London Riverbank. From clever kid-first details to comforts parents really care about - we put it to the ultimate test with a team of mini testers...

By Bonita Turner

Junior Magazine Junior in London Junior in London: The Ultimate Family Suite at The Park Plaza Riverbank

A Family Staycation in London
The ultimate suite for mini guests

Overlooking the South Bank of the River Thames, the Park Plaza London Riverbank is quietly becoming a go-to hotel for families who want a central London stay without the crowds. Perfectly located to get in and out of the city, its generous sized rooms and extra touches that actually feel like they are designed for families – rather than simply ‘making room for kids’ – and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere, keep families returning again and again.

With skyline-worthy river views (children will love seeing the London Eye and Big Ben), a heated indoor swimming pool that really welcomes children rather than just tolerating them, free Wi-Fi and Smart TVS and relaxed dining options that takes away any meal time stress, make this a great family base for exploring London or just a great change of scene.

What really sets this family-friendly hotel apart is the Ultimate Family Suite, which complete with bunk beds, games, chalkboards and a much-loved treat trolley, is designed to delight younger guests while giving parents the breathing space they crave in the adjoining room. And, did we mention kids eat and stay for free with the Family Experience package?

Kid's Check-In

From the moment we arrived, our young travellers were treated like VIPs. It starts at reception – where a dedicated family check-in desk ensured a smooth, stress-free welcome (there are even little steps at  reception so that kids can reach up and ring the service bell!). Children ‘check-in’ and then receive a special goody bag filled with activity books, vouchers and surprises designed just for them*. It’s a simple idea, done well – children feel part of the experience and it means parents can relax a little as they officially check in.

Check in : 3:00pm | Check out: 12:00pm 

* During school holidays

Junior Magazine Junior in London Junior in London: The Ultimate Family Suite at The Park Plaza Riverbank
Junior Magazine Junior in London Junior in London: The Ultimate Family Suite at The Park Plaza Riverbank

The Park Plaza Riverbank, London

Junior Magazine Junior in London Junior in London: The Ultimate Family Suite at The Park Plaza Riverbank

The Ultimate Family Suite at The Park Plaza Riverbank, London 

Junior Magazine Junior in London Junior in London: The Ultimate Family Suite at The Park Plaza Riverbank

The Park Plaza Riverbank’s generous  two bedroom family suite was a huge hit with our young testers

Junior Magazine Junior in London Junior in London: The Ultimate Family Suite at The Park Plaza Riverbank
Junior Magazine Junior in London Junior in London: The Ultimate Family Suite at The Park Plaza Riverbank
Junior Magazine Junior in London Junior in London: The Ultimate Family Suite at The Park Plaza Riverbank
Junior Magazine Junior in London Junior in London: The Ultimate Family Suite at The Park Plaza Riverbank
Junior Magazine Junior in London Junior in London: The Ultimate Family Suite at The Park Plaza Riverbank
Junior Magazine Junior in London Junior in London: The Ultimate Family Suite at The Park Plaza Riverbank

Family Rooms to Suit

At the Park Plaza London Riverbank, all rooms have been designed with families in mind. The family rooms, studio rooms (which include pull-out sofa beds) and suites (with a separate lounge, second TV, kitchenette and dining area) which can also be inter-connected, are thoughtfully laid out to make shared stays feel comfortable, not crowded, with practical touches that make all the difference.

Junior stayed in the Ultimate Family Suite  – a suite that is perfect for the best city sleepover. The 2-bedroom suite includes a master double bedroom and a separate children’s room with a single bed and bunk beds. And thats not all – it boasts chalkboard walls, a selection of games, beanbags, cushions and throws, books, teddies and bath toys -and,  as well as TVs in both bedrooms there is a treat trolley for the kids – and parents!

GOOD TO KNOW: When Families book the Ultimate Family Suite you receive a personal concierge service before and during your stay. They can help with planning days out, securing tickets to family-friendly attractions, recommending places to eat and most importantly stocking the room with all your favourite snacks and treats. 
Junior Magazine Junior in London Junior in London: The Ultimate Family Suite at The Park Plaza Riverbank
Junior Magazine Junior in London Junior in London: The Ultimate Family Suite at The Park Plaza Riverbank
Junior Magazine Junior in London Junior in London: The Ultimate Family Suite at The Park Plaza Riverbank

Family Dining

Located on the first floor of the hotel, Chino Latino  pan-Asian restaurant offers sweeping 180-degree panoramic views across the River Thames. The setting alone makes it worth a visit, but the menu offers lots of choice  for adventurous mini eaters. With a mix of dim sum, sushi rolls, tempura, and  black cod or  steak served on hot rocks.  It’s worth noting the kitchen is more than happy to prepare off-menu dishes for children.

Seeking a quieter evening? The 24-hr Room Service menu means dining in the comfort of your room. This proved a winning option for our mini Junior reviewers who went for classic burgers, pizzas and ice cream sundaes – the perfect pairing to our relaxed movie night in pyjamas.

A vast buffet breakfast is served in the restaurant – and offers plenty of variety from cooked, continental and baked goods to please the whole family. Served from from 6:30 am – 10:30 am weekdays; 7:00 am – 11:00 am weekends.

GOOD TO KNOW: Park Plaza is launching a luxury-but-fun dining alternative to busy restaurants available for those staying: a curated picnic basket designed for a relaxing lunch outdoors. Each basket includes a premium picnic blanket, a specially crafted set menu, and a handy park guide; everything you need to enjoy a laid-back meal in one of London’s many beautiful parks, far from the lunchtime crowds. Families can collect their picnic at their leisure and head to the likes of St James’s Park or Battersea Park for a wholesome day out. Pricing starts at £145 for two adults and one child, or £170 for two adults and two children. (The baskets are exclusively available at Park Plaza County Hall, Park Plaza Riverbank and Park Plaza Westminster Bridge.)
Junior Magazine Junior in London Junior in London: The Ultimate Family Suite at The Park Plaza Riverbank
Junior Magazine Junior in London Junior in London: The Ultimate Family Suite at The Park Plaza Riverbank
Junior Magazine Junior in London Junior in London: The Ultimate Family Suite at The Park Plaza Riverbank

What to do with Children...
When you don't want to leave the hotel

There is, of course, no shortage of things to do with families in London – and as mentioned, this hotel makes a brilliant base for sightseeing, catching a show or indulging in a little retail therapy. But on this occasion, we decided the real luxury was not going anywhere at all! Instead, we chose to fully embrace the hotel life and spend the afternoon happily staying put.

Beyond the generous comforts of the suite, the hotel goes the extra mile during school holidays. While there may not be a permanent kids’ club, one of the large meeting rooms is cleverly transformed into a pop-up family hub filled with games, colouring stations, oversized garden-style games, soft play areas, a treat stand and even a cosy reading corner. It feels thoughtful rather than over-the-top, striking that sweet spot between a luxury setting and genuine child-friendly fun.

Another plus point is the heated indoor swimming pool. The 12-metre pool is ideal for children to splash and unwind, while the surrounding loungers allows the adults to relax nearby. (TIP: You need to pre-book time slots)

Junior Magazine Junior in London Junior in London: The Ultimate Family Suite at The Park Plaza Riverbank
Junior Magazine Junior in London Junior in London: The Ultimate Family Suite at The Park Plaza Riverbank

“This unhurried family time meant we could truly make the most of the hotel and enjoy all the thoughtful family perks. The leisurely check-in and check-out times made the whole experience feel like an indulgent getaway — without trying too hard. Sometimes, the best hotel stays are the ones where you simply don’t leave the hotel at all!"

Bonita Turner, Editor of Junior

Junior Fact File

The Family Experience package is designed to help families make meaningful memories by taking away the stress and expense – whether that’s through complimentary meals for kids, a special gift on arrival, their first ride on the London Eye, or just having space to relax together after a day exploring.

What’s included in the Family Experience package:

  • Up to 25% off your stay (10% for non-members plus an extra 15% for Radisson Rewards members) – based on 2 adults and up to 2 children
  • Kids under 12 stay and eat free – and daily breakfast is included for the whole family
  • Family-sized rooms with space to spread out
  • A special Check-in and welcome treats for kids
  • A fantastic array of kids’ activities during school holidays
  • Lead in price of £414 a night based on a Suite River View for 2 adults and 2 children.

This package is available at all Park Plaza hotels across the UK, Netherlands, and Germany.