Life is Easy on the London Eye

Whoever markets the London Eye is a genius. There is not one single occasion that's is not catered for or covered in some way. You can spend Christmas on the London Eye, have a hen party and even get married in one of the huge glass balls that swirl above London's skyline. Yes, I do admit that when I first saw the wedding package I smiled inwardly at the blatant opportunism of the idea, deciding instantly that I could never possibly be interested by that sort of thing. Yet after looking at the photos and reading about the deluxe, gold and platinum wedding packages I must admit I was well and truly seduced.The website is beautifully designed and easy to navigate. It is clean and minimalist, including gorgeous atmospheric photos of the Eye and the panoramic views from the capsules. The classy writing makes even the tackiest seeming suggestions sound positively fascinating. After reading about the "private capsule experience", "Cupid's Capsule" and the "Vinopolis Wine Tasting Capsule" I am overcome with a wave of "I want I want I want!" I even want a child so that I can have a children's party capsule complete with Curly Wurly cake.The Eye offers package deals that are also available from London Eye website, which handily features other popular attractions such as Madame Tussauds and the London Dungeon.The London Eye has partner hotels that are recommended on the website. They include the County Hall Premier Inn, the Park Plaza Riverbank (a bit of a mouthful to pronounce) and the Marriot County Hall Hotel. The latter of whom the London Eye uses for honeymoon accommodation as part of its gold and platinum wedding package.I checked out a few independent reviews of the rather expensive but perfectly situated hotels. I will point out that although the Marriot County Hall Hotel is referred to on the London Eye's website as "Five Star" it is actually a four star hotel. TripAdvisor gives an overall review of four out of five.The cheaper County Hall Premier Inn has higher ratings of 4 and ½ on the same website with rave reviews and titles such as: "Brilliant location" and "Excellent for families." The Park Plaza Riverbank also has been given four stars but many pf the guests seem to have been complaining of noise and inhospitable staff. Also because the name is such a mouthful I would go for one of the other two.I fully intend to visit the London Eye the next time I get to enjoy a weekend off work; unfortunately I think I will have to stand in line with the rest of London's mere peasant tourists who can't afford the £25 fast track fee.