London Hilton on Park Lane is the most iconic hotel in the Mayfair district. As the very first Hilton to open in the UK, it has set the standard of excellence for its successors.
London Hilton on Park Lane Front
The hotel overlooks Hyde Park, so just a short walk away and close to London's most popular attractions such as the West End theatres, historic landmarks and famous shopping districts. It is also close to the Green Park stations which offer easy access around the city.
London Hilton on Park Lane is renowned for its world class dining, modern facilities and elegant rooms with views that are second to none. I was afforded the opportunity to stay in this very hotel to find out if it really had everything I would need for an unforgettable stay in London.
I stayed in the suite on the 25th floor which had stunning views of the London scene. The room itself was light and airy with contemporary décor of light wood, polished sliver accents and glass panelled doors to open up the space. Voiles hung delicately about the windows to let in natural light while still giving us some privacy. The earthy grass green and daffodil yellow soft furnishings were reflective of the park's lush colours that could be seen from my window.
Upon arrival were we're greeted with a cocktail glass cascaded with fruit and a dessert decorated with chocolate work to whet my appetite for what would be served to me later.
The bathroom had oak wood panelling and granite surfaces for a clean and minimalist finish.
To my delight there was a walk in wardrobe too, sadly I didn't have enough to fill it- but it felt lavish to have so much space for my things. Perfect for the businessman or woman looking to stay for an extended period of time.
I dined in Trader Vics, the hotels on-site restaurant and London's only Polynesian themed restaurant. The first place in the city to get a famous Mai Tai cocktail, you get to dine with a Tiki twist. The cuisine is made in wood fired Chinese ovens which were used to cook with over two thousand years ago in the Han Dynasty.
The tiled floors, wooden beams, totem polls, ceremonial decorations, pillars and Aztec prints give the impression of dining in a bar just off the ocean. No expense has been spared in the minute details to give the atmosphere of a beach bar. Residents can leave the bustle of the city to retreat here to enjoy a cocktail or two and live music every Friday and Saturday night.
The waiter seated me in the centre of the restaurant so I could take in the all of the intricacies of my surroundings. All of the staff were very attentive to my needs and made sure I had everything I needed for a comfortable dining experience.
From the Tidbits and Pupus menu I had the Cheese Balls- Cheddar, Emmental, coriander and jalapeno golden fried with sweet chilli and mustard style dips. This is the perfect way to begin your meal if you are a cheese lover as the flavours were strong and rich- the next best thing to your cheese board at the end of your dining experience. With a hint of spice the appetiser was soft, gooey and warming on a cold autumn eve.
The Beef and Reef is one of Trader Vic's favourites so I had to try out one of their signature dishes. Wok'd beef tenderloin and prawns with garlic, black pepper, scallions, red onion and basmati rice- made for a rather upmarket surf and turf. The rice soaked up the juices of the beef and the sweet and aromatic sauce. The dish was light and fresh making it a welcome change to the carb heavy versions so often served in other establishments.
I would highly recommend the Chi Chi cocktail if you have no room for dessert and are a fan of Pina Coladas. Trader Vic's version had their very own twist on the classic with a splash orange and a hint of vodka to make it that little bit boozier! It was presented in a hollowed coconut cup and adorned with fruit making it the perfect palate cleanser to end the meal.
So did the hotel cater for all my needs as a visitor to London? I would have to say- yes. It had the access, the views, the beautiful décor and the grandeur one would expect of a hotel on one of London's most famous streets. The staff were kind and particularly helpful during dinner. I would highly recommend you dine in Trader Vic's the next time you're in London as you won't find anywhere like it in the rest of the UK.
Note to residents: Parking costs £50 for 24 hours.
Tagged in London