Hilton HHonors - Hilton London Paddington hotel or Hilton London Metropole hotel?

Ok, I am truly stumped as which way to go on this. I am off to London for a two day trip as part of my RTW. I am arriving into LHR late at about 2200 and leaving two days later to SIN (in SQ F no less, really looking forward to that). Anyway, I am choosing between the two hotels and after reading the reviews of both I am kind of stumped.

From what I can tell both are very close to Paddington station with one obviously being at the station. Which seems to be a major advantage for the Hilton Paddington.

However the Metropole seems to have significantly lower rates than the Paddington, which can swing things in its direction. The walking part to and from Paddington Station doesn't bother me much.

Does one property treat golds better than another? Which has better facilities?


I guess what I am looking for from you all is which would you go for?

Hey,

I havent stayed at the Paddington, but I have stayed at the Metropole.

It is right opposite Edgware Road station ( 1 station from Paddington or 10 minute walk)
The hotel is very nice, but with tiny rooms.
The facilites / services are good.
Oxford Street is very close (10 minute walk)

I would go for the Metropole

Cheers

I am diamond so it is a little different but I love the paddo hilton including the exec club.
I was not that wrapt in the metropole. they gave me a very dumpy room and it took a supervison at the front desk to agree that I should get the larger new rooms in the new wing.
But it depends on the difference in price.
The paddo is better for getting around on the bus or tube.
To me the paddo was worth another 20 pound-no more.

Stayed at both and like both. Not sure how much money factors in for you. For two days I would be inclined to stay at the Paddington property due to the ease of the train - Heathrow Express. If you were staying longer it would not matter.

If the money is an issue, I would not hesitate to stay at the Metropole. It is a five minute walk from Paddington. My family and I did it with luggage in tow - no problem. If you go the Metropole be sure to go straight to the Executive Lounge to check in - not the front desk. Your chances for a better room are greatly improved.

Stayed at both but only in suites (upgraded). Here are some comparisons.

Where Metropole is better:
1) I think this hotel is actually closer to a station. Edgware Road station, to me, seems faster to get to (the platform) from the Metropole than is the Hilton Paddington to the Paddington Station (confusing and busy)

2) Better view when you get it. I could see the London Eye from my room.

3) Hotel has a pool

4) Shower water pressure very strong

5) Room furnishings look newer.

Where Paddington is better:
1) Rooms are larger.

2) Bathroom better. Shower cubicle at Paddington has more space - Metropole was really cramped. Also, Metropole basin faucets have (strange) nozzle design that shoots water out very forcefully - causing splashes all over .

3) Heathrow Express. Metropole is a 7-8 minute walk away.

Both hotels sport similar toiletries (Carven) and lounges are similar.

Stayed at the Paddington (why does one FT'er call it the "paddo"?) in July on a 3-day award stay. As a Gold, they gave me lounge access to a basement lounge, but had good food for breakfast and all-day and evening beverages and a computer with hi-speed internet. Took Heathrow Express to get there and an easy walk up to the hotel. Easy to get to Underground to get anywhere in London rather quickly. Don't know about prices, as I stayed for free.

I have stayed at both at least 10 times each. IMHO

Paddignton is smaller and more intimate. The rooms are newer and larger. You can go from your aircraft via Heathrow Express and arrive in your room without ever going outdoors into the frequent rain. It's the least stressful hotel to get to from Heathrow to central London. Prices to tend to be higher here.

Metropole is nice but it's a VERY busy impersonal convention hotel. There are frequently masses of people in the 1000+ room hotel. This is the main detraction for me. That said the rooms are for the most part quite nice. This hotel has an outstanding health club with an indoor pool.

Both hotels have excellent access to mass transit. If the price difference is significant for you then go with the Metropole. Otherwise I choose Paddington when possible. Gold or Diamond status will give you the same treatment at either one.

I have stayed at both paddington and the Metropole. I like the Paddington for ease of connection to LHR, but that is about it.
I was in london Yesterday and today, just got home. I stayed at the Metropole for the following reasons:

1. As an HH gold I have always been upgraded and given lounge access, whereas I have not always had this treatment at Paddington.

2. The walk to edgeware Rd tube station takes 1 minute, and it is only a 5 minute walk to Paddington tube station, and the Hilton Paddington.

3. The hotel has a swimming pool and some nice restaurants. I particularly like the Nippon Tuk on the 23rd floor.

4. The executive lounge is very nice. It has only just been refurbished, and I was as always very well looked after. On the second day moved to a family room, so the wife and 2 children could join me. I was upgraded to a suite and the family were allowed in the lounge for breakfast, This alone is a considerable saving, as I was paying for the second night. Also If things are busy at check in/out as mentioned already, you can go to the lounge and beat the queue.

Just thought I'd share my experience at the Metropole. I stayed in March for 1 night on a layover from an inbound LGW flight to outbound LHR flight. Priceline for US$85+tax. Am HHonors Gold but didn't have my number handy; friendly receptionist "upgraded" me to the new wing anyway. Room was very nice. Decent size (almost like a US hotel!) and modern decor. Location was convenient to tube and fairly short walk to Paddington Station. It didn't seem like there was much of interest in the immediate vicinity of the hotel, although I didn't really have much time to look around.

I recently stayed at the Metropole for a few reasons:
1. Rates were lower than Padington
2. I get lounge access as Gold and not at Paddington--this was important as I had to do some interviews
3. The staff in the Lounge are very friendly--Nikita was great
4. Free Internet access in the lounge.

This time I got the newer rooms ( refurbished) in the same wing as the Exec lounge and the rooms were good

Does anyone know if the Metropole has wireless internet?
That is one of the reasons why I usually stay at the Paddington the common areas are a BT Openzone and I have been able to get a usable signal in my room.

For t-moblie subscribers BT was free at least up until recently.

Only drawback is the crappy lounge "the dungeon " and less than indifferent lounge staff.

mike

I'd take the Paddington because there's more shops surrounding it.

The area surrounding Metropole looks a bit dead.

I'd take the Paddington because there's more shops surrounding it.

The area surrounding Metropole looks a bit dead.
IMHO ther is not much difference. If i stepped out of the hilton Paddington, crossed the road, and looked up Praed street, I can see all the shops and the Hilton Metroplole. They are only a 5 minute walk apart, and share the same shopping area.

Well made the decsion. Ok so Hilton made the decision for me. I went with the Metropole. I managed to get a rate of L120 per night including tax, breakfast and a dinner. The closest the Paddington could come is L219 for the same room type. Hence it became a no brainer. I will post more afterwards when I get a chance. Price difference won out over convience on this one.

I went with the Metropole.

Do you have luggages ?
Suggestion, do not even think about the underground ! From Paddington station you can take a bus to the Metropole instead of walking. You can not do it in the opposite direction because it's a one way street. Or even a cab ... 4 or 5 GBP are enough.

I know that hotel quite while ( :D and :mad: at the same time !). Great but sometimes you need to verbally wipe them... be nice and reasonable but if something basic does not work ignore the useless magic service and go directly at the reception and ask to speak with the duty manager.

I am at the Metropole right now - was initially difficult to get in as it was full. I arrived at 6.30pm and they said I had to wait 45 mins for my room. Not a big deal - I went and worked out in the meantime.

They gave my a suite on the 14th floor of the West Wing - very nice (although I am not sure what to do with all the space :cool: ).

I checked in at the Executive Lounge.

Have stayed at the Metropole often. Try to get a room in the West Wing (might have to kick out the sitting presindent Bush though :) )

The rooms in the West Wing are all pretty new and have decent standard. The executive lounge may be nice, but the rooms on the exec floor are old and run down.
The hotel itself is however very busy and accomodates a lot of Arab/Middle East people (without judging - just a fact).

Genreally the rates a quite a bit cheaper than at the Paddington Hilton. The walk to the Heathrow Express is negligable.

I always go to the Met, and usually get upgrades sometimes even to a suite.

MSY-MSP, how was your stay? I have two rooms booked for tomorrow and would like to learn how they treat gold members.

We've stayed at both and we prefer the Metropole. We always seem to get better service and upgrades as Golds here. And we rather like their Executive Lounge. But I agree that it lacks some of the charm of some older-built hotels like the Paddington.

Here's some snaps of a Suite I managed to mooch our way into once:

http://members.aol.com/premexfiles/hilLONmetro243.jpg

Not too bad an upgrade for a Gold on one of those cheapie rates that included dinner and breakfast, eh? ;)

Does anyone know if the Metropole has wireless internet?

Yes. In public spaces. Same as Paddington. BTOpenzone.

Stayed at the metropole last Saturday and was quite impressed. Reserved two rooms on the cheapest advance purchase rate and both got upgraded to executive floor. Very nice lounge, especially liked the cocktail snacks (some kind of mezze with couscous salad and many other tasty things). Breakfast was OK, but nothing to write home about.
Got a very nice fruit plate delivered to the room.

Executive Rooms are on the small side, but nicely decorated in a more Scandinavian design vs. the heavy US-Style you find in most other Hilton's.

We are taking our 2 kids and staying at the Metro 11/23 - 11/29 on a 6 night reward stay. Got a great RA that confirmed us in a Queen Deluxe Family room and being a Diamond we have lounge access. We were torn between the Conrad(suites, more room with kids), Park Lane(location) and the Metro. Hope we made the right choice as we have not stayed at any of these locations and relied on some great info from all here. ^

We are taking our 2 kids and staying at the Metro 11/23 - 11/29 on a 6 night reward stay. Got a great RA that confirmed us in a Queen Deluxe Family room and being a Diamond we have lounge access. We were torn between the Conrad(suites, more room with kids), Park Lane(location) and the Metro. Hope we made the right choice as we have not stayed at any of these locations and relied on some great info from all here. ^

You won't regret it. I always use the Metropole when staying in London with the Wife and Children. We always get treated very well and I am only HHgold.

I got upgraded to a nice large suite at Metropole as a gold.

cmeyer38: I will be at the Metropole 11/20-22. I am attempting to get my wife and 2 sons (17/12) to meet me there on the 22nd thru the 25th. Your comment seemed to suggest you were all 4 going to stay in one room..? I have designs on this myself, and booked a TWIN FAMILY GUEST ROOM , which seems to have at least room for 3.

My plan was to show up on the 20th and (as Diamond) ask for an upgrade to something that would accommodate the family when they arrive... then extend the stay (they are not committed yet). Do you think your room is what I should be targeting?

The DD was not much help when I told them I needed a room for 2 adults and 2 children so they recommended I call the hotel directly and see what they could do. I spoke with a great reservation agent at the Metro, explained my situation and he told me no problem, as a Diamond I was entitled to an upgrade and he did it while we were on the phone. Reservations are still showing deluxe family room and we leave in one week.

Try to do the same and let me know what happens.

Just stayed at Metropole as a Diamond for two nights, checked in Thursday night, they tried to give me a crappy unrenovated room, finally after begging, got a nice large room in the new wing. The lounge was nice, snacks were weak, drinks were good. No Diamond amenity.

I'm tired of begging for a nice room. I do like the location. By the way this was my 12th stay at this hotel, repeat business means absolutely nothing to this hotel. My wife also a Diamond refuses to stay here.

idahost - was that at Metropole or Paddington (or somewhere else)?

Sorry, Metropole.

Just stayed at Metropole as a Diamond for two nights, checked in Thursday night, they tried to give me a crappy unrenovated room, finally after begging, got a nice large room in the new wing. The lounge was nice, snacks were weak, drinks were good. No Diamond amenity.

I'm tired of begging for a nice room. I do like the location. By the way this was my 12th stay at this hotel, repeat business means absolutely nothing to this hotel. My wife also a Diamond refuses to stay here.
I know the posting was about Golds at either hotel, but for the record: this Diamond has the same issue with the Metropole as idahost and his/her wife. After many "begging for a good room" experiences - and many chats with their friendly duty manager, I decided to keep my biz at the Paddington where I *always* get a nice room and am treated excellently by the staff.

I think it's all about what you value - but the Paddington is the best of the London hotels on an all-around value basis, imho.

<G>

I am diamond member I love the padd hilton exec club. After your first apperence they will call you with your last name. Very nice and helpfull staff.
:)

I am looking for an excellent Hilton property near the London EuroStar terminal. I will have luggage and would ike to keep the walk to a managable distance (2 kids).
Do these locations fit that bill?

Neither hotel is close to Waterloo Station which serves the Eurostar train to Europe.

The least expensive route between either hotel and Waterloo is the Bakerloo tube line with no transfers. The ride takes ~20 minutes. Both stations will have stairs to deal with. Yes, it is doable with suitcases. But everyone must be able to "handle their own bags" for this to work. Cost is £2 per person.

A taxi might cost ~£17.

There are things that are nice about the Paddington -- the proximity to the train station, the well stocked exec lounge, a good breakfast and the exercise facility. But there is also another lesser known benefit - across the street is a small currency exchange shop that gives excellent rates for cash exchanges! I wanted to go from $$ to Pounds and $$ to Euros and the rates were the best to be found. A gentleman in line behind us exchanging Euros for Pounds said that the rates were the best he had ever seen. So if you stay at the Paddington Hilton bring cash to change to Pounds instead of Travelers checks or using the ATM on the other corner to get a fantastic rate.

On the other side of the coin, I was a Diamond traveling with two teenagers and did not get an upgraded room. We had problems with the A/C in the room we were assigned and couldn't get much help. As a Diamond I expected more than I received.

Furthermore, they had put some protections in place on the computer in the lounge that prevented access to private webmail sites. I had to spend 10 pounds to check my email on my notebook instead.

Is early check-in typically forthcoming at one or both of these hotels?

I'll be in London for one (Saturday) night, arriving at 6:55 AM and departing next day at 2:00 PM. As a diamond on an award stay, I'm gravitating towards the Paddington, but agree with OP that this is a tough choice, even after reading several threads.

Do either of the lounges stay open in the evening or do they close after cocktail hour canapes/drinks?

Just stayed at Metropole as a Diamond for two nights, checked in Thursday night, they tried to give me a crappy unrenovated room, finally after begging, got a nice large room in the new wing. The lounge was nice, snacks were weak, drinks were good. No Diamond amenity.

I'm tired of begging for a nice room. I do like the location. By the way this was my 12th stay at this hotel, repeat business means absolutely nothing to this hotel. My wife also a Diamond refuses to stay here.
WOW almost the same as my experience in sept 2002. I have NEVER set foot in the hotel again and refuse to send anyone else there either.
I put everyone in the Paddo and they all go back! ^

Stayed at Metropole 11/20-24, first time. Had an 85 GBP rate. Arrived early (1000a) and they said an upgraded room in the west wing would be avail in 2 hours. I ended up in room 1074, which was appointed much like any Hilton US room. I had asked for and got 2 queens, since my wife and 2 children planned to come. Bottom line.. stay was pleasant, and room was certainly better than "normal" UK standards.

Having also stayed at the Paddington, my choice would be the Paddington if I had 1-2 people and the price was within 10-15GBP of the Metropole. Otherwise, the Metropole works fine. And, if I was bringing my family (4 of us), I would shoot for room 1074 (or similar), which would accommodate 4 with no problem. Didn't look like the Paddington had many rooms that would accommodate 4.

I'm heading to London in February and I think the Waldorf Hilton looks very nice. Does anyone have any experience there or do you only stay at the Metropole or Paddington? And what about the Trafalgar or Park Lane? Are these bad properties and a given that no one will stay here?

i haven't received a response to my posting yesterday? Could I get some feedback on other London properties besides Paddington and Metropole?

I'm heading to London in February and I think the Waldorf Hilton looks very nice. Does anyone have any experience there or do you only stay at the Metropole or Paddington? And what about the Trafalgar or Park Lane? Are these bad properties and a given that no one will stay here?

i haven't received a response to my posting yesterday? Could I get some feedback on other London properties besides Paddington and Metropole?

Sorry but some of us have other slightly more pressing things to do. I suggest you use the "Search" feature of FT.

MisterNice

i haven't received a response to my posting yesterday? Could I get some feedback on other London properties besides Paddington and Metropole?

I usually stay at Park Lane, Metropole or the Conrad. It just depends what you are looking for in a hotel or what location interests you.

I'm having a hard time calling this one. I nested a run to LHR into a business trip from the West Coast in January. Arrive Sat AM, depart Sun PM. I don't want to spend a lot of money, so I booked an award stay (35K) at the London Paddington: Easy access to Heathrow Express (keeping me out of Jan weather). Best paid rate I can find is about 130 GBPs or about $225 all in, which is too rich for a semi-MR.

I've got about 325K HHonors points, but there are some indications that my business travel may slow down in 2006, so I want to be careful about using them as I'm dreaming about two possible GLON2s or GLONP2s in 2006.

Best I can find at the Metropole is about 100 GBPs or about $175 all in. This is still pricey, but I'm signed up for the 3X promo so with diamond I can get 4X points. I've got a reservation elsewhere for lunch, but will probably just want to eat dinner in the hotel, which will add to folio and point total.

$225 is over my usual $200 threshold, but $175 isn't that far away from it either. Today I'm tending toward the Metropole, but would appreciate a sanity check from fellow FTers. Thanks.

You're talking about earning 7000 points vs. spending 35000. You'll still have enough points left for a GLON award even if you do spend the points. All else being equal, I'd spend the points. But that's me. Still, £100 is a decent price for a London hotel...

You're talking about earning 7000 points vs. spending 35000. You'll still have enough points left for a GLON award even if you do spend the points. All else being equal, I'd spend the points. But that's me. Still, £100 is a decent price for a London hotel...

True, but if I don't spend the points I have 332K points vs 290K points and it's two GLONP2s I'll need. And it is the £100 rate that is tempting me for essentially having 42K more points in my account than if I use the award. Thanks for the input.

True, but if I don't spend the points I have 332K points vs 290K points and it's two GLONP2s I'll need. And it is the £100 rate that is tempting me for essentially having 42K more points in my account than if I use the award. Thanks for the input.Well, if you really need two awards then you'll be spending the £100 :D -- it's as simple as that.

Well, both of them cannot really be considered as up market. If you don't get upgrades with to Metropole you might end up in a lousy small and dark room. Ever considered the Hilton London Heathrow Airport?

Cheers

T.

Well, both of them cannot really be considered as up market. If you don't get upgrades with to Metropole you might end up in a lousy small and dark room. Ever considered the Hilton London Heathrow Airport?

Cheers

T.

Have stayed at the Hilton Heathrow and it's fine, but since I have a full day I'd rather be in the city. As other posts have pointed out (and I know from experience), staying at LHR doesn't gain you a whole lot in terms of time (we booked a taxi to take us from Hilton Heathrow to the terminal; it's not real convenient).

I'd be surprised if in January as a diamond I didn't get an upgrade, but I guess it's always possible.

...we booked a taxi to take us from Hilton Heathrow to the terminal; it's not real convenient...

There is no need for a taxi. The Hilton is connected to Terminal 4 by a covered walkway and if you have luggage you'll find plenty of free luggage carts outside the hotel front door. If your departure is from terminals 1, 2 or 3 then you take the train from Terminal 4 to the other terminals.

The Heathrow Hilton lounge has appetizers & drinks up in the lounge and with that you can even skip dinner. I've always been given a room on the Executive floor with a great view of the airport runways.

The train from Terminal 4 to Central London takes only 15 minutes.

There is no need for a taxi. The Hilton is connected to Terminal 4 by a covered walkway and if you have luggage you'll find plenty of free luggage carts outside the hotel front door. If your departure is from terminals 1, 2 or 3 then you take the train from Terminal 4 to the other terminals.

The Heathrow Hilton lounge has appetizers & drinks up in the lounge and with that you can even skip dinner. I've always been given a room on the Executive floor with a great view of the airport runways.

The train from Terminal 4 to Central London takes only 15 minutes.

As I said, I've stayed there and thought the train/hop a bus/walk was a major pain to catch a flight early AM, so we just booked a taxi through the hotel.

Unlike others who complain it's soulless and ugly with crampled rooms, I found it more than adequate. But I'd rather spend the night in town as the airport location isn't any sort of major advantage given I'm on an afternoon flight out.

The train from Terminal 4 to Central London takes only 15 minutes.

And it cost only 24 GBP, so if you "Arrive Sat AM, depart Sun PM" you need one return ticket more for the additional trip to sleep at LHR.

It's sad but with 200 USD you can not afford a lot. A rate of 100 GBP means you have to pay 117.5. And it's really cheap for this category of hotels in London. The Metropole was renewed this year so I never had a really bad room.
Try to call the hotel or HH and kindly ask for an upgrade.

If you want to purchase 7000 HH points you should spend 87 USD :(
0.0125 USD per point
In your case with 117.5 GBP (200 USD) your balance difference is of 43000 points, i.e 0.0047 USD per point

IMO save the points for something better.

(we booked a taxi to take us from Hilton Heathrow to the terminal).


:eek:

Why would you do that when it's within walking distance?

Why would you do that when it's within walking distance?

If it had been just me, I would have taken the 10 minute walk to terminal 4, then the train to terminal 3, but at 5:00 AM on a cold October morning with a grumpy 15 year old hauling luggage, no thanks. :eek:

Volvic: I got the Metropole for 100 GBP all in.

I just booked the Metropole for the February London Do. The Executive King for GBP135 seemed a better deal than a non-Executive room for 10 quid/night less. Is this correct? I assume as a Silver I should probably pay for the Exec room if I want it, an upgrade is unlikely.

My recent 3 night stay at the Metropole was very nice. We had a very difficult check in experience due to the ongoing engineering work that was being done on the bathroom sink when were arrived. We checked in and went to the room and the sink had the drain removed and some faucet work was apparently underway. Subsequently, I was assigned a staff member from the Guest Relations desk who set off to fix the problem. After 2 hours waiting in the Executive lounge, a new room was available. Later that night we found multiple fruit baskets and bottles of water in the room along with a personalized note from the staff member.
We had a Deluxe Family room, it was appointed adequately, clean and at the end of the west wing floor plan. Overall the stay was fine with no other issues.

The hotel is very large and can be very busy, causing waitimes for elevators and other items to be a bit bothersome. Our stay coincided with the arrival of 350 US marching band teenagers for a New Year's Day parade. Needless to say, when they were in the lobby it was very noisy and busy.

The location was very good, convenient to both Edgware Road tube locations and Paddington Station within 5 minutes walk. We did the Family pass underground tickets every day and had a blast getting around the town. There are plenty of stores in the area for food stuff and eating.

^

We stayed at the Metropole for two nights at the beginning of an RTW in early December. I was very, very pleased. The staff was great. In particular the concierge service, particularly the person who I think is the head concierge was a real life saver in helping us with a problem that threatened our whole trip due to something important being forgotten (my wifes medicine). He helped us find an appropriate place to get a replacement in rapid time and saved the day. But they were great all around. I found the staff as a whole friendly and interested in making our stay the best it can be. Im pretty high on the place. We had stayed at the Connaught the previous trip to London and the staff at the Metropole gives up nothing to them in my opinion. Im planning on going there for my next trip to London, which Im hoping will be for the February Do.

Can you check in at the exec lounge if you are Gold? Where is the lounge located (where do you go from the main lobby?) Thanks.

Yes you should check-in in the lounge. When arriving at the main entrance, just cross the loby and take the elevator to the Exec. Lounge (I don't remember which floor it is).

Yes you should check-in in the lounge. When arriving at the main entrance, just cross the loby and take the elevator to the Exec. Lounge (I don't remember which floor it is).

Second floor (East Wing) exit>right>right again and you walk 15 meters but if when you enter you see there's no queue at the dedicated HH check in counter, use it. The check in desks (2) in the Exec Lounge can reserve the surprise of a long queue... but if you hope for an upgrade or a nice better room take the risk and go upstairs.

Yesterday there was a wonderful Canadian party. The hotel management organises every month (+/-) a theme night (19:00-21:00) for Gold and Diamond and someone else. Surprised by the presence of steaks and grilled salmon. The open bar with Champagne was even better. :D

Rather than starting a new thread, thought I'd tag onto this one since a lot of folk have experience at the Metropole.

We have a few FTers staying at the Met for the London Do Weekend. One who was going to stay at Hyatt (think she's Gold or Diamond w/ Hyatt) may switch to Met cuz of the prices (good deals that weekend), but she's not Hilton Gold.

One of the other FTers staying there is Gold. Can he bring her into the lounge w/ him - ie, meet her somewhere lobby or outside lounge & then walk in together for brekkie in the morning?

Pls advise. Thx! Cheers.

Just wanted to revive this thread. I'll be there later this week for a 4 day/3 night award stay for 105K points. Any recent reviews? I'm Gold, so we shall see how the treatment goes. The other option was London Hilton on Park Lane (http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=LONHITW) for 120K points or either the Hilton London Kensington (http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=LHRHITW) or the Hilton London Olympia (http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=LHROLHN) for 75K points.

Based on location and reviews, I chose the Hilton London Metropole (http://www.hiltonlondonmet.com/). The cheapest rate I could find for the 3 nights was $967USD (Hotels.com was $1,094.58), so I'm guessing I'm getting my points worth.

Anyway- I just wanted to see if any FTers had visited recently- esp on an award stay. Thanks in advance!

Russ

Just wanted to revive this thread. I'll be there later this week for a 4 day/3 night award stay for 105K points. Any recent reviews? I'm Gold, so we shall see how the treatment goes. The other option was London Hilton on Park Lane (http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=LONHITW) for 120K points or either the Hilton London Kensington (http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=LHRHITW) or the Hilton London Olympia (http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=LHROLHN) for 75K points.

Based on location and reviews, I chose the Hilton London Metropole (http://www.hiltonlondonmet.com/). The cheapest rate I could find for the 3 nights was $967USD (Hotels.com was $1,094.58), so I'm guessing I'm getting my points worth.

Anyway- I just wanted to see if any FTers had visited recently- esp on an award stay. Thanks in advance!

Russ

I did a mini review on the London forum (along with the LHR Ren):
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=517445&p=5346068
In short: everything was as described on this forum before. Well run property, great service. Great treatment as gold. Was on a paid stay, though, so can't comment on award stays. Stayed last month.

Just wanted to revive this thread. I'll be there later this week for a 4 day/3 night award stay for 105K points.
Anyway- I just wanted to see if any FTers had visited recently- esp on an award stay. Thanks in advance!

Russ

Russ -- I'm at the Metropole now in fact (and will be there through the 24th) on a paid stay as a Gold. I have to say the experience so far has been ok, but nothing spectacular.


Check-in was up in the lounge and was prompt, although I arrived at 2pm on a Sunday. When I went to the lounge on a Monday at 6:30pm, there was a reasonably angry mob of folks waiting to check-in. When I left at 7pm, some folks were complaining that they had been waiting for over half an hour.
Room was fine; I pre-booked at the lowest level and was upgraded to a nice King room in the West Wing (originally was moved into a two-queens room but the King room is much nicer). Note that there's a ~5 minute walk to the lounge, but the nicer room is well worth it.
Lounge is nothing to write home about. It's ok, but not at the level of the Munich City, Osaka, or Bangkok lounges. Breakfast looked good but I'm always in a rush to get out in the morning. The afternoon tea was nice. Canapes and other hot items are extremely weak versus asian lounges. Lounge staff are nice, and have been helpful in assisting with the lounge facilities/meeting room/checkin, but didn't have a lot of restaurant advice as I expected. I've never once been asked for my room information when entering the lounge. Lounge has been very busy during all food services but empty at other hours.
Concierge services have left much to be desired. The lounge staff haven't been great on restaurants, and they directed us to an absolutely horrible italian place when asked. We're working with a London Zagat guide instead and doing much better as a result.
Health Club facilities are very nice for a large convention hotel. The facilities aren't very mobbed either.


Overall, it's an exceptionally average hotel for large-scale Hiltons. I haven't stayed at the other Hiltons so I have nothing to compare it against, but I've had both better and worse other stays in the London metro area.

Hope you enjoy your stay this week.

hamburgler

Thanks for the info hamburgler! :)

I never used my points and the discover it's going from cat 5 to cat 6 is a shock because it's a nonsense. It's a good hotel but not so good.
Lounge: free alchool but limited food
Lounge: even finding a single seat to have breakfast is a challenge
Concierge: the older person is more than good, one of the young is quite the opposite. They have the 'time out' magazine for free but it's sort of hidden and you have to ask for it. 'Where' is not too bad but it's on an other level.
Check in: once I begged and Iwas allowed to check in at 8:30 am and I had one of the best shower... with my own Molton and Brown bath therapy. ^
TV: old ugly tube set. Forget flat screens.

Anyway- I just wanted to see if any FTers had visited recently- esp on an award stay. Thanks in advance!

Russ


Just returned from London yesterday, stayed at London Metropole for two nights.

The hotel was not very busy while I was there this time, it can be packed. Check in at the Executive lounge. My room was not ready at the time I checked in. I waited about 10 minutes while they searching another available room. I was put in the 9th floor of east wing. Have no problem with the room except some stains on the carpet (light beige color carpet so it shows) and safe not working. Room is good size and is comfortable. Bath room is a bit small, has separate shower and tub. Still have old style tube TV, not many channels available.

My rate includes breakfast so I tried breakfast at the lounge and at the Fiamma restaurant. Both places are fine for breakfast. Lounge is quieter so more comfortable to read paper. More food selection at the Fiamma and it is good to have eggs made the way you want there.

Lounge is a good place for a light snack and relax. Staff is very nice, place is kept clean and food is quickly replenished. Has two PC there for free internet access. Recall lounge open till 10PM, around 6-8PM has alcohol drinks.

Gym has stream/sauna/indoor pool/excise room. Facility is well-maintained. Swimming pool is covered by glass ceiling so has natural day light and open feeling.

Edgware station is right across the street from hotel, has District/Central/Bakerloo underground lines and many bus lines. Pretty easy to get to places. Can get to Heathrow airport by tube (District line change to Piccadilly line) or by taking Heathrow express at Paddington station.

Had a pleasant stay and no problem for me to return to this property again.

Well, I arrived Thursday @ 930a. I proceeded to the lounge and the nice young woman started the check-in process (putting my credit card on file etc); she never asked for anything showing points were being used (as I assume, its all electronic these days anyway). I was told no rooms were avail at the moment and waited in the lounge.

I wasn't that hungry (having flown in on the 777 in BE) but there was a decent spread. My room was ready at 12N.

I was given a room on the 6th floor in the east wing. The room is a decent size and nothing cosmetic is wrong with the room. The walls are thin, but I'm used to living in a downtown apt highrise, so I tune it out easily.

The t.v. is pretty sad. Only 15 channels and poor quality on some.

Off to meet up with friends. Thanks again for the feedback.

So Metropole versus Paddington.
Next Friday I'm looking at coming in from Heathrow in the early afternoon, hanging out with a friend for the evening (probably out late), and then I have Sat am flight 10am ish outa of Heathrow. THe price is comparable between the two properties, and I'm lowly silver.
Suggestions?

I will choose London Paddington since it will save your time to "commute" between the hotel and the train station (about 2 minutes cab ride) but still this is a plus since you can relax in your hotel room in the morning while knowing that the train station is "literally" downstairs without worrying the traffic.

So Metropole versus Paddington....THe price is comparable between the two properties, and I'm lowly silver.

Really? Usually can find much better deal at the Metropole. Paddington then for Heathrow Express.

Absolutely the Paddington. I have some more thoughts on the Metropole which I will post when I have a bit more time, but I was deeply disappointed with it based upon my two week stay that just ended. If the Paddington had been at the same cost, I would have moved there in a heartbeat.

hamburgler

Ok, so I booked the Paddington. I was looking at 98.1 pounds ad paddington versus 94 pounds at metropole.
Thanks!
-Shaown

Agree with all the most recent posts - if you can get the Paddington at a similar price, then it's a no-brainer :) - Go with Paddington !

But I too find that typically the Metropole will be 50GBP or so cheaper than the Paddington (especially for a mid-week business stay)

And the walk isn't actually that bad ;) - about 5 mins max ... Gets the heart started in the morning :D

John P

What are the chances of a Gold receiving breakfasts and /or lounge access using award nights at either hotels? Would the same benefits apply if two rooms are booked using an award or would they only apply to for one room?

Coming back from the Metropole today:

West Wing rooms were a surprise (quite new, big and at least not facing the facade of another building.

Food was at the best mediocre (English breakfast uneatable).

Location is not bad.

The M&S next door helps avoiding the minibar (Coke GBP 2,50)

Cheers
T.

What are the chances of a Gold receiving breakfasts and /or lounge access using award nights at either hotels? Would the same benefits apply if two rooms are booked using an award or would they only apply to for one room?

Guaranteed chances. I was there for 13 nights, 10 on awards as gold. Had lounge access and upgraded room in west wing.

Food was at the best mediocre (English breakfast uneatable).

I thought the breakfast was great, and I have dietary restrictions. I did miss eggs after a while, but the yogurt mixed with fresh fruit gave me enough protein. And the fresh berries were wonderful!

I used to be an Intercontinental loyalist, but decided to jump on the Hilton bandwagon for 2006. I am currently silver and I need 18 more nights before Sep2006 to become HHonors Gold.

I have a 12 night stay at the London Paddington Metropole booked from May 21st and on. And then I have a 9 night stay at a Hilton in the Northeast (back in the US) for June. So clearly I'm close to making Gold.

Some questions to the Gurus:
1) I know that the desk staff at Paddington pulls a lot of excuses for not putting you in the new wing. Last time I stayed at the Metropole Paddington, I didn't put up a fight because I wasn't even Silver yet. But now I feel entitled to getting the new wing, not only because I keep coming back, but because I'm so close to Gold. What should I do?

2) If I call 1-800-HHONORS, will they possibly upgrade me to Gold in anticipation of my upcoming status?

3) What is a good rate versus a ripoff rate for the Metropole Paddington? I'm currently booked at 129 GBP/nt. Sure my client is paying, but I don't like handing anybody's money over to big corporatations unless I absolutely have to.

Comments are appreciated.

Cheers!

A few years ago (before I was an HH member), I was consulting for a client in Maidenhead. The three weeks I stayed at the Paddington were so easy, both in amenities and convenience... in addition to get to the trains West every morning... and from/to the airport, it was just incredible.

I've stayed at the Metropole once, only once and it was no comparison to the Paddington. Also, the Paddington wins out if I have to be in the area, or need the trains, or I'm doing a quick visit and I plan on using the Heathrow Express.

A few years ago (before I was an HH member), I was consulting for a client in Maidenhead. The three weeks I stayed at the Paddington were so easy, both in amenities and convenience... in addition to get to the trains West every morning... and from/to the airport, it was just incredible.

I've stayed at the Metropole once, only once and it was no comparison to the Paddington. Also, the Paddington wins out if I have to be in the area, or need the trains, or I'm doing a quick visit and I plan on using the Heathrow Express.

The Metropole has had some serious upgrading work carried out in the last 2 years. The rooms at the Metropole are brighter and have better beds than the Paddington. The Metropole is only 5 minutes walk from Paddingon Station and the HEX. So the proximity of the station is not so much of an issue for me unless the price differential is quite small. The "lounge" at the Paddington is very poor and makes the Metropole lounge seem incredible in comparison.

The Metropole is only 5 minutes walk from Paddingon Station and the HEX...


To be fair, it is five minutes if you qualify for the London Marathon. For normal people like me it takes 10 to 15 from the West Wing reception to the platform....

I have a 12 night stay at the London Paddington Metropole booked from May 21st and on.

Which one? Paddington and Metropole are two different hotels.

Which one? Paddington and Metropole are two different hotels.

I guess the Metropole doesn't actually have 'Paddington' in it. So good question - and I meant London Metropole and not Hilton Paddington

OK.. another question to the Hilton forum.

I called Hilton HHonors service desk and laid out the case for why I should be promoted to HHonors Gold. The reason I gave was that I was 12 nights away from making gold anyways and I had 22 nights of stays coming up in the next 12 months. They put me on hold for a while but came back and gave me gold.

Now.. fast-forward to this past Sunday. I arrive at HIlton London Metropole and at checkin I'm told that the West Wing is all sold out so I'll have to put up in the Tower for 2 nights. Then finally, after 2 nights go by they transfer me to the West Wing. When I ask if I will get free Lounge access also they say that to get that I need to be Diamond.

Please help me understand what I am entitled to as a Gold? If I'm not mistaken the West Wing is just a modern version of the tower... it's the east wing where all the executives are put up. So if I'm not given an East Wing room then I should get what? Or is my room in the West Wing an executive room? I doubt it.

Please help me understand what I am entitled to as a Gold? If I'm not mistaken the West Wing is just a modern version of the tower... it's the east wing where all the executives are put up. So if I'm not given an East Wing room then I should get what? Or is my room in the West Wing an executive room? I doubt it.
Others may correct me, but judging on other posts on this forum, lounge access rules in Europe have changed in February and now only guests staying in exec rooms will be granted lounge access. So whether you get access is not directly related to whether you are gold or diamond, but to whether you are staying in an exec room or not. Of course diamonds are more likely to be upgraded to exec rooms.

Regarding the Metropole I have a map in my mind that the exec rooms are indeed in the east wing of the hotel. I am not sure of how many exec floors there are.

Now.. fast-forward to this past Sunday. I arrive at HIlton London Metropole and at checkin I'm told that the West Wing is all sold out so I'll have to put up in the Tower for 2 nights. Then finally, after 2 nights go by they transfer me to the West Wing. When I ask if I will get free Lounge access also they say that to get that I need to be Diamond.

Please help me understand what I am entitled to as a Gold? If I'm not mistaken the West Wing is just a modern version of the tower... it's the east wing where all the executives are put up. So if I'm not given an East Wing room then I should get what? Or is my room in the West Wing an executive room? I doubt it.

First, congrats on making Gold. Don't let your experience at the Metropole ruin it for you -- you'll see a lot of the benefits at other hotels.

The new rules state that unless you're on the club floor, you may not be allowed in the lounge. So perhaps what they meant was that any openings on the club floor were being filled by Diamonds (higher on the waiting list). In other words, if you had been a Diamond, you could have gotten on to the club floor, hence having lounge access. As a gold, you got an upgrade, but not a high enough upgrade for the lounge.

Did you end up getting comp breakfast anyway?

I stayed at the Metropole May 15-19 and was not upgraded (either to an exec room nor the West Wing) but had not issues using the lounge. But then again no one ever checked when I walked in.

I stayed at the Metropole May 15-19 and was not upgraded (either to an exec room nor the West Wing) but had not issues using the lounge. But then again no one ever checked when I walked in.

Sounds like the hotel is doing a brisk business. I've always received an upgrade, though I haven't stayed there in a few months. I really like this hotel--the only flaw is that they put eggs in a club sandwich :eek: Maybe the rules are different in the UK. :)

Sounds like the hotel is doing a brisk business. I've always received an upgrade, though I haven't stayed there in a few months. I really like this hotel--

Agreed - I have stayed many times and always received an upgrade - once to a Suite in the west wing. this was my worst stay to date!

I have only ever stayed in the East Wing part of this hotel, but I always thought that the West Wing was in fact the Tower? AFAIK all Exec rooms are in the East wing, but I have had repeatedly worsening rooms each time I stayed culminating in my last stay where I ended up on the 2nd floor, unable to sleep due to road noise, room vibration and inoperative AC. The Exec lounge at this property is always really crowded (since it seems the property is favoured by the more "value conscious" HH elites).

Last time I was at the Metropole (in March) there was a large sign at the HHonors desk at reception asking G and D members to go to the Executive Lounge for check-in. Given that, I can't see any G members being denied Lounge access at the property. Has this changed?

hamburgler

Last time I was at the Metropole (in March) there was a large sign at the HHonors desk at reception asking G and D members to go to the Executive Lounge for check-in. Given that, I can't see any G members being denied Lounge access at the property. Has this changed?

hamburgler

That sign is definitely still there and check in at the lounge is definitely still happening.

Thinking of a points stay at the Metropole in Aug. Interested in recent HH Diamond experiences for lounge access without the upgrade. Also, which wing is better for a family of 4.

I originally was going to stay at Paddington this past March for 3 nights. After I checked in and saw how tiny my room, I was not able to get upgraded, no club access and overall poor service (NOTE: I am and have been Gold for years) I went online, found MetroPole and stayed there for the last 2 of 3 nights. No one at Paddo even cared why I was leaving.

Granted, Metro was more busy, but I found the access to the Tube easier and closer for where I wanted to go, the club was great, the pool and gym were great, and the service was far superior.

Metro is now my hotel of choice in London!

Cheers!

I originally was going to stay at Paddington this past March for 3 nights. After I checked in and saw how tiny my room, I was not able to get upgraded, no club access and overall poor service (NOTE: I am and have been Gold for years) I went online, found MetroPole and stayed there for the last 2 of 3 nights. No one at Paddo even cared why I was leaving.

Granted, Metro was more busy, but I found the access to the Tube easier and closer for where I wanted to go, the club was great, the pool and gym were great, and the service was far superior.

Metro is now my hotel of choice in London!

Cheers!

I am glad you enjoyed the Metropole. I think it's a great hotel and stay there when I can.

Recently stayed at theHilton London Metropole and was upgraded to Exec. floor as a Gold-- got full access to Exec.Lounge and found the staff very accomodating. I was told that Exec floor wouldn't have been possible if the hotel was full ( it wasn't) and in that case they would have given me breakfast vouchers.

Just had a one day stay at the Hilton London Metropole on 16/12/06. The family were with me, so booked an advanced purchase rate of £129 plus tax for 2 adults and 2 Children. Checked in at Hhonours desk, as I heard Golds no longer get lounge access, and was unsure if I was still able to check in at the lounge. The lady at check in was very pleasant and recognised my gold status. She offered us all free breakfasts for the next morning and handed me a receipt for this.
We were given a room on the west wing. These rooms were renovated fairly recently and it was in excellent order. In the room we were given bottled water and cookies as an amenity. For the first time I actually drove to the hotel. The car park rate is £15 for 24 hours over the weekend, on weekdays it is £30. The staff were very helpful and we all enjoyed the stay. I know this hotel is large and can often seem impersonal, but I have always had very good treatment here and will continue to use it over the Hilton Paddington. ^

Interesting as the posts in this thread have started to turn downwards regarding lounge access. Is it now set in stone that only guests in exec rooms get lounge access? or is it still spotty? If they do give Golds the breakfast coupons, would they give three if three people are in the room? Would they offer coupons for evening drinks/snacks? What would stop people from still going to the lounge if no one is checking?

On another note...is this hotel easy to get to from LGW?

Interesting as the posts in this thread have started to turn downwards regarding lounge access. Is it now set in stone that only guests in exec rooms get lounge access? or is it still spotty? If they do give Golds the breakfast coupons, would they give three if three people are in the room? Would they offer coupons for evening drinks/snacks? What would stop people from still going to the lounge if no one is checking?

On another note...is this hotel easy to get to from LGW?

From LGW I would suggest the Hilton London Bridge - take the normal train service to London Bridge (usually express from LGW) instead of the GEX.

Are 3 guests permitted in a room at the Metropole and offered lounge access if applicable? I tried to book 3 people and the web site said not available for several dates.

Interesting as the posts in this thread have started to turn downwards regarding lounge access. Is it now set in stone that only guests in exec rooms get lounge access? or is it still spotty? If they do give Golds the breakfast coupons, would they give three if three people are in the room? Would they offer coupons for evening drinks/snacks? What would stop people from still going to the lounge if no one is checking?


I'm staying at this hotel most weeks at the moment. It is pretty much set in stone that only guests in exec rooms get lounge access. They give you a letter saying that when you check in as a Gold.

Not sure if three people would get breakfast coupons but you don't get anything for evening drinks/snacks.

Every time I have been upgraded over the last few weeks (not every time, about 50% of the time) I've noticed they have someone working on the lounge desk there who checks your room number and whether you are entitled to be in there. Of course they may not be there at other times but it looks like your chances of getting in at the moment wouldn't be high without the upgrade.

Thanks...any way to improve the chances of one, especially if arriving late in the day? Perhaps I can write someone there...any ideas?

Interesting as the posts in this thread have started to turn downwards regarding lounge access. Is it now set in stone that only guests in exec rooms get lounge access? or is it still spotty? If they do give Golds the breakfast coupons, would they give three if three people are in the room? Would they offer coupons for evening drinks/snacks? What would stop people from still going to the lounge if no one is checking?

On another note...is this hotel easy to get to from LGW?


When we stayed with 4 in the room on 16/12/06, 2 adults & 2 Children, the voucher they handed me allowed all 4 of us free breakfast.

I feel like a moron in that reading this fine and comprehensive thread I still don't have a definitive answer to which is right for an upcoming stay. It's almost too much information! Here are my parameters:

I will likely pay club rate to ensure access. At that point which is better for further upgrades to suite or larger room?

Which is better for the lounge- ie quality of food and drink?

Which has a better fitness/leisure center?

Proximity to train/tube is not an issue.

Any help is appreciated!