The London Eye, sometimes called the 'Millennium Wheel' or the 'British Airways London Eye', is the tallest observation wheel in the world. Its 135 metres tall, and its sealed, air-conditioned pods give passengers a 40km view in all directions. Each year the London Eye attracts over 3.5 million visitors, making it the most popular paid-for visitor attraction in the UK.
The London Eye opened in 2000 and is situated on the south bank of the Thames next to County Hall. It was designed by Marks Barfield Architects and has won over sixty-five awards for tourism, architectural quality, and engineering. It has thirty-two pods, each of which takes approximately twenty-five people. A full rotation of the wheel takes thirty minutes - the approximate length of the 'flight' (a trip on the Eye is sometimes referred to as a flight).
If you're planning something special you can take romantic champagne or wine flights, book a private capsule just for two, or even hold a party on the London Eye. There is a boat service which runs from Westminster Bridge Pier, next to the London Eye, to Tower Bridge and back. The forty minute boat ride takes in some of the most famous visitor attractions in London, including the Houses of Parliament, St Paul's Cathedral, and the Tower of London.
The London Eye is open daily from October to May, and from June to September. It is closed on the 25th December and from 10th to 17th January for annual maintenance. If you want to avoid the queues at busy periods, such as weekends in August, you can pre-book a Fast Track ticket online getting a 10% discount in the process. The nearest tube stations for the London Eye are Waterloo and Westminster.
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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 London Eye, 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 Mountbatten 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.
