The Hilton London Paddington, a majestic landmark in London’s Paddington Station complex, boasts a fascinating history dating back to the mid-19th century. This opulent hotel, once known as the Great Western Royal Hotel, was the brainchild of the visionary engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Brunel, the hotel’s first managing director, envisioned a luxurious haven for travelers embarking on journeys across the globe.
The project was fueled by the Great Western Railway Company, whose directors were convinced by Brunel’s vision. The funds for the grand hotel were secured through the sale of shares to these railway executives. Construction began in 1852 on Praed Street, and after 14 months of meticulous work, the doors of the Great Western Royal Hotel opened on June 9, 1854. The grand opening was graced by the presence of H.R.H. The Prince Albert, Prince Consort, a testament to the hotel’s prestige and the excitement it generated.
The hotel, designed by the renowned architect Philip Charles Hardwick, was a marvel of Victorian architecture. It cost a staggering £60,000, including furnishings and fittings, and aimed to rival the most luxurious hotels on the continent. Its imposing façade, effectively forming the main entrance to Paddington Station, served as a grand welcome for travelers arriving by train. The hotel was built by the esteemed firm of Messrs Holland Hannen & Cubitts, founded by the visionary builder Thomas Cubitt.
A Touch of French Elegance: The Architectural Legacy
Hardwick, a master of his craft, incorporated the distinctive Second Empire style into the hotel’s design, a groundbreaking approach for buildings of this type in England. The hotel’s interior and exterior were adorned with intricate embellishments, with a surviving allegorical sculpture in the pediment by the talented John Thomas. The hotel’s design was heavily influenced by the grandeur of Louis XIV, further enhanced by a striking sculpture above the entrance, symbolizing Peace, Plenty, Science, and Industry. Thomas, a celebrated artist, would go on to create many statues and decorative elements for the iconic Palace of Westminster.
A Vision Unfulfilled: Brunel’s Grand Scheme
The Great Western Railway initially leased the hotel to a subsidiary company, the Great Western Royal Hotel Company. Brunel, the company’s engineer, served as chairman from 1855 until his untimely death in 1859. His ambitious vision for the hotel was grand, aiming to provide a seamless experience for passengers traveling from London to New York. The idea was that travelers would enter the Great Western Royal Hotel and be effortlessly transported and housed in the various enterprises overseen by the Great Western Company.
However, Brunel’s dream of a fully integrated travel experience never materialized. The Great Western ship, intended for transatlantic travel, was scrapped before the hotel’s completion. The company had bid for, but ultimately lost, the coveted Atlantic mail contract to the Cunard Company, dashing hopes of a smooth transatlantic journey.
From Aristocratic Tragedy to Corporate Ownership
In 1861, the hotel witnessed a tragic event. The 2nd Duke of Buckingham and Chandos, a prominent figure in the political world, passed away in the hotel, burdened by financial woes. The Duke had served as a Conservative Lord Privy Seal in the early 1840s.
The Great Western Railway assumed full control of the hotel in the late 19th century. In the 1930s, the railway company undertook significant renovations under the guidance of their architect, Percy Emerson Culverhouse, extending and modernizing the hotel both inside and out.
A Change of Fortune: The Hilton Arrives
In the 1980s, following the British government’s privatization of British Rail, the hotel was sold to private ownership. The hotel underwent a major refurbishment and reopened in 2001 as the Hilton London Paddington, joining the renowned Hilton Hotels chain.
The Hilton London Paddington stands as a testament to its rich history, seamlessly blending the grandeur of Victorian architecture with modern amenities. This grand hotel, a vital part of the Paddington Station complex, continues to welcome travelers from around the world, offering a luxurious experience rooted in the history of travel and innovation.
