Look, I’ll be straight with you about the London Hilton on Park Lane – it’s one of those hotels that’s been around forever (since the 1960s, actually) and honestly, it shows in both good ways and… well, some not-so-good ways. But here’s the thing: the location is absolutely unbeatable. You’re literally across from Hyde Park Corner, which means you can stumble out of bed and be people-watching in Green Park in about two minutes. I mean, you’re walking distance from Buckingham Palace, Harvey Nichols, and that whole Mayfair scene without dealing with the tourist chaos of somewhere like Covent Garden.
The rooms themselves are a bit hit-or-miss – some have been updated and feel properly luxurious, while others still have that slightly dated corporate vibe going on. But you know what? If you snag one of the higher floors (and definitely ask for a park view when booking), the views are genuinely spectacular. There’s something pretty magical about watching the city wake up over Hyde Park with your morning coffee, especially during autumn when all the trees are changing. The staff has always been solid in my experience – not over-the-top friendly, but competent and helpful when you need them. Check-in can get a bit backed up during peak times though, so don’t expect to breeze through if you’re arriving on a Friday evening.
What really works about this place is how it sits right in that sweet spot between the posh Mayfair shopping district and the more relaxed park area. You’re a five-minute walk from the Tube at Hyde Park Corner, and honestly, the Piccadilly line connection makes getting to Heathrow pretty painless. The downside? Well, it’s Park Lane – so expect some traffic noise, especially if you’re facing the street. Also, parking here will cost you an arm and a leg, but that’s London for you. The hotel restaurant is fine but nothing special (there are way better options just around the corner anyway), and the gym is decent enough if you need to work off all those pub meals. For a 5-star property, the 7.7 rating makes sense – it’s reliable and well-positioned rather than cutting-edge luxurious, but sometimes that’s exactly what you want when you’re trying to actually explore London instead of just hanging around your hotel all day.