Thanks to the advice from this forum last year, my son and I had a great stay at the London Waldorf Hilton last summer. I'm now planning a return trip to the hotel in about 3 weeks for a 6-night stay--this time with my stepmother. Last year I was HH Gold, this year I am HH Diamond. Last year, we paid for the stay with points, this year, we're paying cash.

We booked a basic room type, and I contacted the hotel Guest Services, and they have upgraded us in advance to a King Hilton Executive. I believe this is the same room type we were upgraded to last year.

Last year, we went with a design style room, and that worked out well. We were on the 1st floor [UK], and that was convenient. This year, the guest services manager has put us in a traditional style executive room because I mentioned that my stepmother has difficulty sleeping and might like a place to sit and read, but she said to let me know if I'd rather have a design style room.

I'm hoping someone here has seen both types of rooms and can offer some advice about which one might be better. Despite the open bathroom plan, our room was fine last year because the whole bathroom area was on the other side of a wall from the bedroom area. In fact, it would certainly be possible to roll the desk chair over to that area to sit and read late at night without disturbing someone who was asleep--maybe even better than having the sofa in the same room as the bed.

We also liked having a room that faced the street--the soundproofing was good. I'm not sure where all of the Executive rooms are located and whether any have really nice views.

Anyway, I'd greatly appreciate any advice anyone could offer. If the design style room is preferable, I'd like to let them know right away.

I'll admit I was hoping for an upgrade to a junior suite with a separate seating area given that I'm Diamond and paying cash this year, but I know upgrades aren't guaranteed, and I am grateful to have an upgrade confirmed in advance.