If you were challenged to name the world’s most famous hotel brands, I’d bet Hilton would be one of the first on your lips. Having been around for over 100 years, London Hilton on Park Lane was the first UK outpost (launching in 1963) and was London's first skyscraper hotel with 28 floors. Previous guests include Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Diana and The Beatles, so it goes without saying that expectations were high ahead of my visit…
DesignMyNight’s Review Of London Hilton On Park Lane
Make sure to take in the opulent surrounds at Revery bar on the ground floor.
Need To Know:
- Address: 22 Park Lane, W1K 1BE
- Area: Mayfair
- Hotel Type: Luxury
- Transport: Hyde Park Corner tube is the nearest (roughly five minutes away) but the Elizabeth Line stops at Bond Street which is handy for Heathrow
- Attractions Close By: Buckingham Palace, Oxford Street and Hyde Park, plus The V&A and Natural History Museum are a half hour walk. The hop-on-hop-off buses also stop outside
- Perfect For: First-time tourists in London seeking a bougie getaway
Service & Price
- Service: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Value For Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Cost: Half board rates for a Sunday in September, including breakfast and a three-course dinner, came in at approx. £1,500
Check out sights like Canary Wharf without ever leaving your room.
Room Quality & Comfort
Room: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Perched on the 18th floor, facing east, the biggest draw of my Executive Mayfair Suite was the view. I’m not even exaggerating when I say we let out an audible gasp when opening the door for the first time; the panorama was that good. Expect the Houses of Parliament, The London Eye, The Shard and St Paul’s Cathedral right round to the City and BT Tower.
As for the room itself, it was angular shaped with a corridor linking the bedroom and living area; the latter had a French balcony. There was ample storage, a full length mirror and an incredible window seat where you could lie down and admire the London scenescape. We loved the full-sized Molton Brown toiletries and finishing touches like a loofah, plus the bedside tablet was particularly helpful and gave you answers for everything. While the decor wasn’t the most modern and some furniture (as well as the carpet) was a bit tired-looking, I didn’t seem to notice too much as ogling at the skyline was much more a priority.
Our advice, don’t skip on the executive lounge access too, particularly between 5pm and 7pm where canapes and an unreal selection of drinks (both complimentary) are served.
Dining Highlights
Food: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
While Shanghai Me is on the top floor, we stayed at ground level and dined in the modern British restaurant Park Corner Brasserie. The surrounds were stylish and elegant, bringing together neutral tones of cream, dark wood and forest green, paired with gorgeous cylinder-shaped gold lights.
- Slow–cooked pork belly – this starter was my date’s favourite dish of the entire night. Think mouthwatering meat in a rich, BBQ sticky sauce which was a nice match with his creamy celeriac slaw; the beautiful leaf detailing provided crunch too.
- Roasted cauliflower – cooked with a delightful char, prepare for a Sunday special served right. We’re talking tomato grilled on the vine, buttery green beans, moreish parsnip and carrot, alongside a flavourful onion gravy. The best bit? My potatoes – big and crisp. Although I appreciate it said vegan on the menu, being a vegetarian I would have loved the option of a Yorkshire pudding too.
- Park Corner Burger – layers of oozy Red Leicester cheese, indulgent black truffle mayo and succulent patties, presented in a toasted brioche bun, made up this absolutely stacked main. Top tip, triple-cooked chips need to be ordered separately.
- Sticky toffee pudding with caramelised pear – I couldn’t resist ordering this classic dessert. Imagine moist sponge with gold leaf, paired with silky, creamy vanilla ice cream and punchy ginger gel. I didn’t detect much pear flavour, the crumb was more biscuity, but still, this plate definitely delivered.
We loved Park Corner Brasserie's fun personality, while the roast dinner and burger (pictured right) fed us up after a day on our feet.
Drink: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We then made our way next door to Revery bar for a nightcap. This playful, seductive space was as pretty as they come: ruby red interiors, gigantic lighting with stylish, Saturn-shaped bulbs, frosted glass detailing, tasselled cushions and chic curtains that separated out the tables (ideal for date night). Special shoutout to the bartenders who were super friendly and knowledgeable, guiding us through the menu and giving us recommendations. The menu was whimsical and fun, usefully ranked in terms of low ABV to high.
- Naughty By Nature (£18) – this special for negroni week, crafted with sage-infused gin for a herbal twist, was sensational. I loved the pickled beetroot on top too.
- As I Am (£9) – mixing an aromatic alcohol-free spirit with mango, tarragon cordial and citrus, this well-balanced mocktail was more savoury than expected, but honestly it was superb.
Breakfast: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We were back in the London Hilton restaurant, Park Corner Brasserie, for a buffet breakfast (included in our rate but £38 if bought separately). You can expect an amazing spread, covering all the usual but with some welcome additions, including hummus, a selection of flower-topped fruit compotes, banh mi bites, smoked mackerel, made-to-order omelettes and a huge parmesan wheel.
Our Overall Experience At London Hilton On Park Lane
DesignMyNight Review Out Of 5: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I thoroughly enjoyed my time at London Hilton on Park Lane, from the welcome prosecco which set the tone for our mini-break to the kind service we received throughout. I experienced a very peaceful night’s rest, although the light-sleepers among you may prefer to be away from the lifts (it honestly didn’t disturb us at all). You’d be hard-pressed to find a better location, and as you’ve probably gathered, the highlight was definitely the viewpoint from our room and can imagine how wonderful it would be for the New Year’s Eve fireworks – so bookmark this review if that’s on your London bucket-list.
