DoubleTree by Hilton London – West End

Hotel Description

You know what? I was honestly a bit skeptical when I first walked up to the DoubleTree on Southampton Row – it’s one of those classic London brick buildings that could either be charming or completely dated inside. But stepping through those doors, I actually found myself pleasantly surprised. The lobby hits that sweet spot between corporate polish and genuine warmth, and yes, they still do those famous warm chocolate chip cookies at check-in (which, let’s be real, never gets old).

The location is what really won me over though. Southampton Row might not sound glamorous, but you’re literally a three-minute walk from Russell Square tube station, which means you can be in Oxford Circus in about ten minutes or Covent Garden in five. I mean, try finding that kind of connectivity anywhere else in central London without paying through the nose. Plus – and this is something most people don’t realize – you’re right on the edge of Bloomsbury, so you get all these lovely Georgian squares and tree-lined streets that feel worlds away from the tourist chaos. The British Museum is practically around the corner, and there’s this fantastic little café called The Espresso Room just down the street that does proper flat whites.

What I really appreciated was how the place actually functions for travelers. The rooms aren’t huge (this is London, after all), but they’re thoughtfully laid out with decent work spaces and those blackout curtains that actually work – crucial when you’re dealing with jet lag and those ridiculously early summer sunrises. The beds are comfortable, though I’d say the pillows are a bit soft if you prefer firm support. Honestly, the bathroom was my favorite part – proper water pressure and toiletries that don’t smell like industrial cleaning products. The wifi is solid throughout, which isn’t always a given in these older buildings. One small gripe: the elevators can be painfully slow during busy periods, but the staff genuinely seems to care about sorting out any issues quickly. The 7.2 rating feels about right – it’s not going to blow you away, but it delivers on the fundamentals without any nasty surprises, and in this part of London, that’s actually pretty impressive.

Rooms

• Single Room with 1 single bed for 1 adult
• Double Room with 1 double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Twin Room with 2 single beds for 2 adults, 1 child
• King Studio Suite with 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults, 2 children
• Twin Room – Mobility Access with 2 single beds for 2 adults, 1 child
• Junior Suite with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Deluxe Queen Room with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Superior Family Queen Room with 1 large double bed for 3 adults, 2 children
• Superior Queen Room with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Superior King Room with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Deluxe Double Room with Mobility Access with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Deluxe King Room with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Standard Queen Room with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Premium King Room with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child

Facilities