London Hilton on Park Lane

A trusted linchpin of London’s luxury hotel scene the London Hilton on Park Lane has for over 60 years defined luxury hospitality in Mayfair with everyone from Princess Diana to the Beatles stepping through the hotel’s revolving doors. As part of its 60th anniversary, it undertook a multimillion-pound renovation which has seen it unveil two new food and drink experiences, a large open-plan ‘social’ lobby and a complete renovation of suites, its executive lounge and a rolling programme of guest room renovations. Following on from Simon’s review of The Park Corner Brasserie earlier in the year The Luxury Editor was very kindly asked back to experience the hotel in its entirety and we were not disappointed! Read on to discover more.

The London Hilton on Park Lane has been a powerhouse of luxury hospitality ever since it opened in 1963. It marked the first Hilton property to open in the UK and was defined by its brutalist concrete frame a trademark style of architect William B. Tabler who in his career designed many Hilton properties globally. It was also the first skyscraper hotel to open in London and thanks to its positioning on Park Lane it still commands uninterrupted views over Hyde Park today.

Lobby

One of the most striking changes to the hotel during this renovation process has been in the lobby, which is now bathed in warm, gold-toned hues and is completely open plan allowing flow between the reception & concierge desk, brasserie and bar. Its centrepiece is an art installation ‘Falling Still’ by award-winning London designer Giles Miller. Made up of 2,000 aluminium leaves which have been carefully arranged in a tiered wave to evoke the motion of leaves in the wind, symbolising both stillness and energy. An anodised finish adds a soft, reflective quality to the light, creating a dynamic experience as guests move around it. The piece serves as both a centrepiece and a subtle space divider between the lobby and lift area.

Location

The London Hilton on Park Lane is perfectly positioned on the edge of Mayfair, it’s a 15-minute stroll west to Knightsbridge, a ten-minute walk north to the top of Oxford Street and Marble Arch, 15 minutes south to Buckingham Palace and a short walk east through Mayfair to New Bond Street. The nearest underground station is Hyde Park Corner which takes you on the Piccadilly Line into central London.

Rooms & Suites

With 453 rooms and suites, it is a formidable-sized hotel serving more than 200,000 guests annually. Rooms start from Queen Guest Rooms, through to King Guest Rooms (both located on floors 5-8), King Deluxe Rooms (located on floors 9-16, offer panoramic views over Hyde Park, Mayfair, or the city of London) and King Executive Rooms (floors 17-27 offer enhanced views and come with complimentary Executive Lounge access and breakfast) For families, you can book a Family or Family Connecting Room and all of the above also come as twin options too.

Suites

The hotel has a cornucopia of suites to choose from which have all been renovated as part of the upgrading process occupying the uppermost levels of the hotel. The new suites radiate understated elegance, enriched by bespoke art pieces and bathrooms graced with marble and brass. The colour scheme harks back to the soothing tones of the English countryside, whilst also reflecting the influence of Inge Beck, Hilton’s Director of  Interior Decoration for Hilton Hotels International in 1963. Moreover, the design palette incorporates Mayfair’s traditional colours, from the deep burgundies inspired by 1960s Savile  Row fashion to the verdant greens evocative of nearby Hyde Park. 

Suite names appear to all give a nod to Royalty; the Regal Suite, Coronation Suite & Buckingham Suite and I was delighted (being Scottish) that my suite was named after Balmoral, the late Queen’s favourite residency. Located on the 27th floor of the building (of which there are 28) this floor gains maximum elevator envy and is also home to the largest suite in the property the aptly named Presidential Suite.

Balmoral Suite

The Balmoral Suite comes in at 75 sq. m./807 sq. ft. space and offers sweeping views of Hyde Park across its multiple windows and vantage points. This elegant suite includes a living and dining area, guest washroom, and a super king bed with 300 thread count sheets and duck-down pillows. The two luxurious marble bathrooms are fitted with Roca smart toilets (think remote controls and gadgets) and Molton Brown amenities, while a Nespresso machine and Newby loose-leaf tea add special touches. Accommodating up to 3 guests, the suite also offers connecting rooms if you want to extend the space further.

Entrances

There are not one but two entrances to the Balmoral Suite, the main entrance has a vestibule, with a small recessed wardrobe for hanging jackets and a console table and a mirror with the hallway leading you into the main reception area.

Lounge & Dining Room

A palate of pastel and cream tones is mixed with period furniture and retro-style dining furniture. Remote controls – control the curtains and blinds, while the gigantic smart TV on the left wall provides entertainment.

View From The Lounge and Dining Room

It’s fair to say that the views from the hotel are simply incredible, every time I looked out there was something new to look at as day, turns to dusk and then to night. Having stayed in many of London’s most luxurious properties none can match these views across Hyde Park.

Bedroom

A central king-sized bed sits in the centre of the room, with a Juliet balcony facing opposite the bed. A dressing table to the right, and drawers and seating area are to the left. Bedside lights include soft downlighting and small pull-out reading lights.

Bathrooms

The suite features two bathrooms both finished with marble and brass with the master bathroom offering a slightly larger floor space in the shower area.

Walk In Wardrobe and Second Hallway

Executive Lounge

Located on the first floor the Executive Lounge is a large lounge space with a floor-to-ceiling window across the entire length of the space. Central chairs and sofas along with recesses to either size which allows for different guest configurations and throughout the day and evening, complimentary drinks and snacks are served.

Whilst I already have dinner and drinks organised, I disregarded calorie counting and decided to indulge in some pre-dinner nibbles. There is wide a choice of wines, beers, free-pour spirits and a large selection of hot and cold nibbles to graze on.

I was really amazed with this gadget it has a touch of Willy Wonka to it – controlled by a tablet you can ask it to dispense a range of hot and cold drinks, sparkling water and even milk for your coffee.

Revery Bar

Revery Bar is one of the new hospitality offerings in the hotel located on the ground floor off the lobby it has a touch of Roger Dean in this stylish and dream-like retreat which loops around behind the lifts. Shades of lime wash and terracotta interplay with lavish red seating and nooks to hide away. While punk-inspired design touches and mirrors enhance the bar’s brightness. At the heart of the bar is a sensuous, curved marble counter paired with plush red velvet stools, offering a front-row view of the mixologists’ craft. Led by Head Bartender Giusepina De Filippis, the bar boasts a diverse range of expertly curated cocktails. With live DJ sets, Revery Bar creates a vibrant atmosphere perfect for both entertainment and socialising. I opted for my favourite drink a margarita which was served perfectly with a small brown of nuts and olives.

Park Corner Brasserie

Park Corner Brasserie is the hotel’s new modern brasserie. illuminated by natural light and featuring sumptuous green leather furnishings,  Park Corner Brasserie delivers an expertly curated experience of seasonal British fare under the culinary leadership of Chefs Jean Didier and Anthony Marshall, the menu is sustainably sourced and fine-tuned to please the most discerning of palates. You can read Simon’s full review here for a more detailed insight.

I was very impressed with the perkiness of my battered fish – which I fed back to my server who said I wasn’t the first to highlight this and it’s all down to the batter!

Park Corner Brasserie is also where breakfast is served which offers a large continental and hot breakfast serving, along with a selection of à la carte breakfast options.

What’s Next

It is also worth highlighting that the hotel dining options are being expanded even further with the soon-to-open MR PORTER (whet your appetite by reading our review of their Amsterdam restaurant) which is replacing what was Old Trader Vic’s on the ground floor and will feature and will feature a main bar, wine library, chef’s table, and open kitchen. In addition, Galvin at Windows which occupied the 28th floor is being replaced with Shanghai Me which has locations in Dubai and Doha. This 1930s-styled restaurant will offer a Pan-Asian menu offering.

Fitness Centre & Spa

I had all the best intentions of visiting the gym during my stay, however, the free-flowing wine in the executive lounge followed by cocktails and dinner got the better of me so I am ashamed to say I didn’t reach it. However, there is a 24-hour fitness centre on the lower ground floor with a range of cardio equipment and weighs, sauna and steam room. If you need some guidance you can book a personal trainer session for an additional charge and unwind with a spa treatment which ranges from massages and facials, through to body scrubs.

Pet Friendly

As we discovered this year many Hilton properties are pet friendly and the London Hilton on Park Lane is no exception – allowing you to bring a well-behaved dog or cat for a small additional charge (read more about my pet travels this year here).

Final Thoughts

A trusty faithful in Mayfair, the London Hilton on Park Lane has for 60 years served the area diligently, this renovation offers an immaculate new product offering which can only surprise and delight every guest who walks through the hotel’s doors. The London Hilton on Park Lane is included in our guide to the best luxury hotels in London and Park Lane.