Hilton HHonors - London -- Euston, Olympia or Kensington

Lots of great threads on London Hiltons but have a question:

My wife (an HHonors Gold) and her friend are going to London next Summer. They would like to stay in a Hilton but the Euston, Tower Bridge, Olympia and Kensington are the only ones that look OK budget-wise.

As my wife and her 75-year old friend are traveling alone, I want them to be in a SAFE and central area. I know from the reviews that these aren't the best Hiltons but any recommendations. I also really think they might want A/C in July.

I don't want to have to worry about them!

Thanks much.

Euston is near Oxford Street and not too far from Trafalgar Square. Olympia, IIRC, is near Earls Court, so it's not near the center of London--so to speak! Kensington is in a very nice, elegant part of London. I like this hotel. I'd say each of them is safe. If you want to be near the heart of the action, Euston is probably your best bet. For a nice, relaxed time, I'd pick Kensington.

Stay away from Euston. Go with Kensington...much nicer area and hotel.

Euston is near Oxford Street and not too far from Trafalgar Square. Olympia, IIRC, is near Earls Court, so it's not near the center of London--so to speak! Kensington is in a very nice, elegant part of London. I like this hotel. I'd say each of them is safe. If you want to be near the heart of the action, Euston is probably your best bet. For a nice, relaxed time, I'd pick Kensington.

Euston is not near Oxford Street. It's across the street from the Euston train station and near the Kings Cross station. The British Medical Association has a number of buildings nearby. It's closest to the Bloomsbury area. That's a nice area to be in, but the hotel is a little removed from things. There are three tube stations/lines within walking distance, but not much else to walk to from there.

If the rate is good I'd probably pick the Kensington area, although I don't know anything about that hotel.

There is nothing wrong with the Euston hotel, but also nothing that stands out. I stayed there a few years ago before it was part of Hilton. I got a super low rate (65 pounds/night). At that rate it was worth being a little removed from things. If I went back I'd probably try another hotel. Again, there was nothing wrong with the hotel, but I'd be willing to try someplace else.

the variability of the English climate means that a/c may not be necessary on some July days but if there is a hot spell it is a must.

agree that kensington - which has a/c - is best for your purposes. it is about a 15-30 minute walk (depending upon energy) along a nice avenue to notting hill gate (which has a theatre, cinema, bookstore etc), and there are bus stops right outside the hotel. at least one of the routes goes straight into central London. Tube (central line) is c 5 minutes walk. another advantage is that the heathrow-central london Airbus stops at the hotel. there also a few restaurants, delis etc between the hotel and the tube station.

only caveat is that there is a dodgy area (shepherds bush) few hundred yards to the west but, with the normal care needed in any big city, there shouldnt be a problem.

Euston is not near Oxford Street. It's across the street from the Euston train station and near the Kings Cross station. The British Medical Association has a number of buildings nearby. It's closest to the Bloomsbury area. That's a nice area to be in, but the hotel is a little removed from things. There are three tube stations/lines within walking distance, but not much else to walk to from there.

If the rate is good I'd probably pick the Kensington area, although I don't know anything about that hotel.

There is nothing wrong with the Euston hotel, but also nothing that stands out. I stayed there a few years ago before it was part of Hilton. I got a super low rate (65 pounds/night). At that rate it was worth being a little removed from things. If I went back I'd probably try another hotel. Again, there was nothing wrong with the hotel, but I'd be willing to try someplace else.


It's close by cab. My preference is for the Kensington Hilton. I like that area. It is a little out of the way, but it's a great place to stay.

Have never stayed at the Olympia, but my last 2 trips found me at both the Kensington and the Euston. My choice would be the Kensington. If your wife and friend are sightseeing, and find the walk to Shepherd's Bush tube station a little challenging, there are busses stopping right out front of the Kensington. Neither is especially close to anything, but neither is too far away by tube.

Euston has no exec lounge, and that made a difference for me. Rooms were comparable, with perhaps a nod to Kensington. All in all.... given the choice, I'd pick Kensington

One last thought.. keep your eyes on the price at Metropole and even Paddington, as you can occasionally get comparable rates there and they are much preferable to Kensington/Euston/Olympia. Perhaps you could consider covering the difference in price by combining an award night with the rest of the stay, or if it's a long stay, split the stay between two hotels (may be too big a hassle for many).