The Houses of Parliament, sometimes known as the Palace of Westminster or Westminster Palace, is one of London's most famous visitor attractions. Home to the Parliament of the United Kingdom, it is here that the House of Lords and the House of Commons meet when parliament is in session. The Houses of Parliament and the adjacent Westminster Abbey and St. Margaret's are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Houses of Parliament are situated on the north bank of the River Thames in Westminster. The building was designed by Sir Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin after the original building was destroyed by a fire in 1834.
The Houses of Parliament contain almost 1,200 rooms, 100 staircases and over 3 kilometres of corridors. In August and September, when Parliament is not sitting, you can book a tour of the Houses of Parliament. Tours take 75 minutes and are open to UK residents and overseas visitors. You can also watch debates, committees, or judicial hearings from the public galleries. UK residents can request tickets in advance from their MP and both UK residents and overseas visitors can queue for admission on the day. When Parliament is sitting, UK residents can apply to their MP for a guided tour.
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Radisson Edwardian hotels in this area
If you're looking for a Radisson Edwardian hotel in London that's close to the Houses of Parliament, you'll be spoilt for choice.
The Mayfair is a 5 star hotel located in Stratton Street in London's exclusive Mayfair. This historic building, opened by King George V in 1927, recently underwent a £70 million refurbishment. The result is an oasis of contemporary chic, with sofas and chairs by Fendi, chandeliers by Baccarat, and paintings from St Petersburg. The May Fair is superbly located for the sights of London and is close to Green Park tube station. It also has its own attractions in the form of the award-winning Amba Bar and Grill, the May Fair Bar and the Palm Beach Casino. The Mayfair is equipped with a luxury spa, complimentary wireless broadband and a 24 hour business centre, so whether you're planning a trip for business or pleasure, this hotel is sure to please.
The Radisson Edwardian Hampshire Hotel is a 5 star hotel in Leicester Square, the heart of London's theatreland. It offers grandeur and comfort, with mahogany-panelled walls, classic art, and bedrooms decorated with English fabrics and marble. The Hampshire's location, on the corner of Leicester Square, makes it an excellent base for exploring London, and it has a lively bar and restaurant serving the finest modern British and Mediterranean cuisine. The hotel has complimentary wireless Internet access, a 24 hour business centre and a fitness centre, so whether you're in London to work or to play, the Hampshire makes the perfect place to stay.
The Radisson Edwardian Leicester Square Hotel is a new 4 star hotel in St. Martin's Street, just off Leicester Square. Tucked away in a quiet backstreet, this intimate boutique hotel offers all the benefits of a central location just off London's theatreland. Its luxurious rooms offer sleek black slate bathrooms, Bang & Olufsen plasma TVs, and beautiful Baccarat lighting. The hotel has a bar and restaurant, a fitness centre, a 24 hour business centre, 24 hour room service and complimentary wireless internet access. If you're looking for a relaxing hideaway in a central location, the Radisson Edwardian Leicester Square Hotel is the one for you.
The Radisson Edwardian Mercer Street Hotel is a 4 star hotel in Seven Dials, Covent Garden. This discreet, boutique hotel is a byword for understated elegance, and its public areas feature silk chenille fabrics, 'leopard' hide chairs, Phillipe Hurel chocolate leather sofas and a collection of framed Japanese artefacts. The Mountbatten has a business centre, fitness centre and complimentary wireless access. The hotel's deluxe facilities and prime location make it the perfect London base for the business or leisure traveller.
