This question seems to come up alot:
TRAVEL:
Heathrow: 15 minutes to Paddington by Heathrow Express.
Gatwick: 30 minutes to Victoria by Gatwick Express. Also Thameslink to Kings Cross, Farringdon, City of London, Blackfriars & London Bridge. Plus Connex SouthCentral to Victoria.
HOTEL:
Heathrow: Slightly better overall standard than Gatwick, although very unfriendly, and the public area is in an atrium which is very clinical. Good (but expensive) oriental restaurant. Rooms are generally small.
Gatwick: More friendly. Generally larger rooms. Better bar. Cheaper food.
OTHER ALTERNATIVES:
If Hilton reservations tell you these are the only 'London' properties avavilable (for award stays), consider:
- The Sherlock Holmes hotel. This is a Hilton Associate hotel. Reservations often don't consider it.
- The Hilton Nationals at Olympia and Wembly. These are very inferior hotels, but much more central.
If you are looking several months into the future, you may want to wait until the Stakis hotels are available for reward stays - this will greatly increase room availability.
Nick