The Hilton hotel on Park Lane is a towering presence in London’s skyline, welcoming over 200,000 guests each year. This iconic hotel has been a witness to history, hosting the Beatles in 1967 and experiencing the tragedy of an IRA bomb attack a decade later. In 2012, the hotel became the temporary home of the International Olympic Committee, further solidifying its place in the city’s vibrant tapestry. As the first skyscraper hotel in London, the Hilton is celebrating its 60th anniversary this April, marking six decades of unforgettable moments.
Behind the Scenes: A Team Effort
Behind the opulent rooms and extravagant events lies a dedicated team that makes the Hilton’s operation run like clockwork. Every morning, the hotel’s senior staff gather for a crucial meeting led by Matthew Mullan, the general manager. They discuss guest numbers, potential issues, and feedback, ensuring that the hotel continues to offer exceptional service.
Matthew’s journey with the Hilton spans almost 35 years. He has managed hotels across the globe, from Egypt to Abu Dhabi, but his path to hospitality was unplanned. “It was an accident, really,” he shares. “I started in food and beverage and joined the company as a trainee manager. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it ever since.”
One particular memory stands out for Matthew: hosting a visit from former US President Bill Clinton in Belfast. “It was his last international trip before leaving office,” he recalls. “He exudes such an aura, and when he walked into the hotel lobby, everyone fell silent.”
Dedication and Pride: Stories of the Hilton’s Staff
The Hilton’s staff are the heart and soul of the hotel, each with their own unique stories and contributions. Natalila Brodiak, a member of the events team, moved to the UK from Ukraine in 2000 and continues to support her family back home. She proudly displays a Ukrainian flag pin on her uniform, a symbol of her unwavering patriotism. “I’m proud of my country, and I wear this pin to show support,” she says. “It means a lot to me.”
Filipe Seabra, a long-serving member of the events team at 79 years old, has been part of the Hilton family since 1967. Having moved from Portugal in the 1960s, he began his career at the Four Seasons hotel before finding his home at the Hilton. “This is my life. Hilton is my life,” he shares. “The people I work with are the most friendly I’ve ever met, and it’s truly a team effort to ensure everything runs smoothly.”
Roy Firth, a doorman for 11 years, cherishes the people he has met and the experiences he has had during his time at the Hilton. “I couldn’t have had such amazing experiences anywhere else,” he says. “From meeting the Dalai Lama to hosting the Olympic committee and celebrating the diamond and platinum jubilee, I feel blessed to have been a part of it all.”
A Legacy of Hospitality: The Future of the Hilton
On the 28th floor, Galvin at Windows, the hotel’s restaurant, offers stunning panoramic views of London. Its general manager, Peter Avis, started his hospitality journey as a dishwasher in Miami at 17. “I had no formal education, and my school told me to get a job with the council and sweep the streets,” he shares. “But my sister got a modeling contract in Miami, and I went out there with her and decided to stay.”
Avis has since worked at numerous hotels and restaurants, finding his current role at Windows in 2020. He faces the challenge of a hospitality workforce shortage, a consequence of Brexit and the pandemic. “There’s a hole in the workforce, and a crisis in hospitality recruitment,” he explains. “But we’re creating opportunities for young people who might not have had the chance to work in our industry, such as those with disabilities. It’s not just the right thing to do, it’s the only thing to do.”
The Hilton on Park Lane is more than just a hotel; it’s a testament to the enduring power of hospitality, a reflection of London’s history and its people. With its rich past and bright future, the Hilton stands tall as a symbol of dedication, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of its staff.
