Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It’s Off To Hilton I Go

With a two week business trip to London just around the corner I had to make a decision about where I was going to stay.  It’s always tough for me to find a hotel in London that works within my company per diem.  As a Starwood loyalist I drool at the thought of staying at one of the Starwood London properties, but they typically price out way to high.  Hence, I need a backup brand.

After an exhaustive search of chain hotels, and independent hotels (keeping in mind I cannot pre-pay on a business trip) I ended up at a Hilton.  The Hilton London Kensington to be exact. The location is good for me – it’s in Holland Park and has easy access to the Tube and buses.  I’ve never stayed at this particular Hilton and I’m hopeful that the experience is better than the one I had at the London Hilton Hyde Park. I’m traumatized after that stay!

I earned gold status last year with Hilton so I’ll at least have free breakfast and wifi during my stay.  I realize that the Hilton Honors reward program has certainly took its hits this year, but since this is only my backup brand, I’m not too worried about that aspect.

So, that’s how I ended up at the Hilton again this year.  Maybe next year I’ll travel somewhere more affordable.

In light of the fact that I’ll be in London for the next two weeks, I thought I’d share some Hilton news from over the pond…unfortunately, both of these properties are way out of my budget…but they look lovely!

“Celebration 1963” Daily Delegate Rate At London Hilton On Park Lane

April 4, 2013, LONDON – Marking 50 years since London Hilton on Park Lane first opened its doors to the public, the flagship London property is commemorating its golden anniversary with an exclusive “Celebration 1963” daily delegate rate, priced at £63 per person. Inspired by its 1963 opening year, the rate celebrates the hotel’s leading presence in the meeting and events markets and is available on selected dates in April and during the month of the August.

Returning to its 1963 roots, as part of the package, delegates can enjoy a lava lamp-inspired cocktail each – an iconic item invented the very same year that the hotel opened. Served in the hotel’s chic and stylish POP bar, delegates can continue to take inspiration post-meeting from the bar’s Pop Art collection, created by renowned artist, Sir Peter Blake, famed for designing The Beatles’ album sleeve for Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

This special daily delegate rate is available 1st – 12th April, 2013 and 1st – 31st August, 2013 inclusive, and includes full-day hire of the main meeting room, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and welcome tea and coffee with Danish pastries. Delegates can enjoy a fork buffet lunch with water and soft drinks and an afternoon break, offering hot beverages and cake. Stationery and mints will also be provided in-room for added convenience and comfort.

London Hilton on Park Lane is celebrating its 50th Anniversary throughout 2013, marking the official date that its doors first opened to the public on 17th April, 1963. The hotel was the first American hotel chain to open in the UK, changing the face of British hospitality.

Hilton London Metropole Unveils £6 Million Lobby Transformation

April 19th 2013, LONDON – Hilton London Metropole is undergoing a major £6 million lobby transformation, revolutionizing the arrival experience in one of the biggest conference and events hotels in Europe. The hotel will be the first UK property to incorporate the Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand’s new innovative lobby design narrative, which provides smartly designed and functionally relevant lobby spaces, for guests and locals to work, socialize and enjoy.

The two phase refurbishment, designed by Aukett Fitzroy Robinson, reflects the Hilton commitment to creating engaging spaces. The completed first phase sees a new lobby bar – EDG Bar & Lounge – and Whisky Lounge, whilst the installation of double-height glass entrances will mark the overall completion of the project in August 2013.

Conveniently located outside of the congestion charge zone, Hilton London Metropole boasts first class conference and events facilities, including two large conference suites each with the capacity to hold 1,600 people and a third theatre style suite, which caters to 800. Located just 20 minutes from Heathrow Airport via the Heathrow Express at Paddington Station, the hotel also offers multiple restaurants, a 12.5 metre heated indoor pool, sauna and steam room.