The London Hilton on Park Lane, the first Hilton hotel to open in the UK back in 1963, has recently undergone a major transformation. This iconic hotel, located in one of London’s most prestigious and famous areas, was once considered outdated and overpriced. However, the recent refurbishment has breathed new life into this landmark, turning it into a modern, luxurious oasis. I’ve had the pleasure of staying there twice in the last six weeks, once for a press trip hosted by Hilton, and the second time during New Year’s Eve, using my points. This review will focus mainly on my personal experience but will also touch upon aspects of the first stay.
A Prime Location in the Heart of London
The hotel enjoys a convenient location in London’s bustling city center. It’s just a short walk from Hyde Park Corner Tube station or a 10-minute walk from Green Park station, making it easy to explore the city’s numerous attractions. For those planning a Christmas visit, it’s also close to the enchanting Winter Wonderland.
A Refined Welcome and Luxurious Accommodations
The renovated reception area feels more spacious and welcoming. I was greeted with a warm smile and a complimentary glass of bubbly while I checked in, setting a delightful tone for my stay. During both visits, I stayed in an Executive Room, which provided access to the exclusive lounge. The refurbishment is evident throughout the hotel, from the elegant hallways to the luxurious rooms, making it feel more upscale than a standard Hilton.
The new Executive Rooms are completely modernized with stylish furnishings and a smart new bathroom. I was fortunate to have a room on the 21st floor with a stunning view of the fireworks. While not all rooms face the London Eye, Executive rooms are located on the higher floors, often offering views of the Thames.
A Room with a View and Practical Amenities
One of my favorite features of the hotel is the comfortable window seat, perfect for enjoying the breathtaking views. This was our chosen spot to watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks. The room doesn’t have a dedicated desk, but the chair and freestanding table provide a comfortable space for working, with a nearby power outlet for your laptop.
While the windows are single-glazed, they can become fogged up in the morning, which quickly dissipates. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your preference. The room features luxurious bathrobes, ample storage space, a Nespresso machine with proper glasses, a kettle, and a bottle of water. Though there isn’t a minibar, the empty fridge offers convenient storage.
The tablet in the room provides access to hotel information, room service, and Pressreader, allowing you to read a selection of major publications. The tablet’s auto-dimming feature is a welcome addition, preventing distractions at night. It also provides a convenient way to chat with the front desk.
The room is well-equipped with power outlets, including USB ports on both sides of the bed. The light switches, while unlabeled, are simple to figure out with just three options. The bed itself is comfortable, and the room is quiet, providing a peaceful haven for a good night’s sleep. The quality bed linens are a delight, although I would have preferred pillows with a bit more substance.
Modern and Stylish Bathrooms
The bathrooms are sleek and contemporary, boasting high-end features. The toiletries are a significant upgrade from standard Hilton amenities, featuring large-size pump Molton Brown hand wash and body lotion with a citrusy fragrance. Additional amenities, including a toothbrush, mouthwash, and shaving kit, are neatly packaged in a leather-style case. The shower boasts Molton Brown shower gel, shampoo, and conditioner, adding a touch of luxury to the bathing experience.
I was particularly impressed with the well-lit mirror, which incorporates a small magnifying mirror. The large shower features convenient button-type controls, a significant improvement over traditional styles. The rainhead shower offers generous water pressure, and you can even operate the second smaller shower simultaneously.
A Memorable New Year’s Eve Celebration
The breathtaking views of the fireworks from our room were truly unforgettable. Seeing the display from above offers a unique perspective that surpasses watching it on TV or from the ground. With the BBC broadcast playing in the background, we could hear the music, Big Ben, and the countdown, creating a special and relaxed atmosphere. The 24/7 room service provided us with a delicious meal, delivered promptly on a proper room service table.
A Refined Lounge and Exquisite Dining Options
The newly refurbished lounge is a luxurious and inviting space, divided into distinct areas, offering a variety of seating options. While the lounge was bustling on New Year’s Eve, it was much quieter during my previous visit. The bar top seating near the food and drinks is perfect for working.
The lounge offers a variety of food and drink options throughout the day. The drinks and canapés were impressive, with a selection that could easily serve as a light meal. I appreciated the wide range of drinks, including white, red, and rosé wines, prosecco, Aperol for a spritz, and quality gin. Even non-drinkers were well catered for with non-alcoholic spirits and high-quality soft drinks.
The hotel also boasts two exceptional dining destinations with stunning London views: the rooftop restaurant Galvin at Windows and the 10 Degrees Sky bar. I haven’t had the opportunity to dine at Galvin at Windows, but I’ve enjoyed cocktails at the bar on several occasions.
The newly introduced Revery bar, located in the lobby, offers an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere. I tried a few cocktails, including the smoky mezcal-based Arriba Arriba and the Revery Martini, and enjoyed the fun snacks, including lobster sliders and native oysters.
A Delightful Breakfast Experience
While the lounge offers breakfast, I opted to experience the Park Corner Brasserie, the hotel’s main restaurant. The newly refurbished restaurant is stylish and modern, offering a far cry from the typical cafeteria-style breakfast areas found in some hotels.
Breakfast is served until 11 am, a welcome convenience after a late New Year’s Eve celebration. The friendly staff swiftly provides coffee, tea, and juice upon seating, and they are attentive to your needs, offering refills. In addition to the comprehensive buffet, a small a la carte menu is available for an additional charge. The buffet offers a wide selection of options, including the usual full English breakfast, Arabic dishes such as labneh and Arabic bread, a variety of salad, meat, and cheese, high-quality yogurt, pastries, and fruit. The beautiful croissants are a highlight.
While the selection was excellent, I would have appreciated the inclusion of smoked salmon, considering the hotel’s upscale nature. However, this was my only minor critique. I decided to try the shakshuka from the menu, and it was delicious, with the right amount of spice, making it well worth the extra cost.
Additional Amenities and Pricing
The hotel offers a 24-hour fitness facility with weights, cardio machines, a sauna, and a steam room. Parking is available, but it’s priced at £50 per day. Standard rooms start at 80,000 Hilton points, while Executive Rooms on New Year’s Eve can cost around 225,000 points if booked closer to the date. It’s advisable to book as soon as the rooms are released, as they are currently unavailable for booking. Cash prices start at £223 during sales.
A Luxurious Escape with Unforgettable Views
The new décor is a significant improvement, and the elegant and sophisticated Revery bar was a highlight of my visit. While this is not a standard Hilton, the price reflects the exceptional location and high standard of accommodation. The breathtaking views from the higher-level rooms are truly special, making the experience truly memorable. It was a perfect way to celebrate New Year’s Eve in style. I would undoubtedly return for another New Year’s Eve celebration, seeking a sophisticated yet low-key experience.
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