BotB

Doubletree Hilton Tower of London Trip Reports and Reviews


Port of london Authority Building by BA_pics, on Flickr

Not seen a thread on this hotel yet so MOD's please merge if there is indeed a dedicated thread for this hotel already.

I recently stayed here for two nights having booked two rooms (one on points and one with cash) and thought I would give feedback for others considering this relatively new rebranded hotel.


Queen Bed by BA_pics, on Flickr


Floor Plan 9th Floor by BA_pics, on Flickr


Entrance by BA_pics, on Flickr

Booking:

Generally there seems to be availability when other nearby Hilton hotels are too expensive or are booked out. The pricing can vary significantly though so do check other hotels to ensure you are getting a good deal. (for example, when I booked the DT was cheaper than the Hilton Tower Bridge…but two weeks out from the stay a friend decided to come along and the nearby Hilton was actually cheaper at that time!)

Room on points was 40k for a night for a basic double room. This was upgraded at check in to an executive floor room with free breakfast, wifi and mini bar.

Room booked with cash was also a basic refundable rate for a double room and was upgraded to an executive floor room with the same amenities as the points room.

Overall, good value for money and I'm very happy they upgraded both rooms to exec floor as a diamond over New Years when the hotel was full. ^

Location:


View right from window of 931 by BA_pics, on Flickr

Seems it should be as accessible as the Hilton Tower Bridge but in reality it isn't…although not a show stopper, I would prefer the Hilton Tower Bridge every time for several reasons. However, you can get here via the tube station Tower Hill (using the Circle or District line) but beware that it just seems a bit further out and there are not as many sights within walking distance as other Hilton chain hotels in my opinion. You can of course walk over the Tower Bridge or get to the locations using the tube (or cab) but as mentioned just a slight bit more trouble or longer than other locations in my opinion…however, it is in a very clean and quiet area if that is important to you.

The hotel is close to the tube station though so you only have to go about 200 m from the station to the hotel entrance and the streets here are not as busy with good sidewalks so friendly for push carriages or suitcases (once you get up the stairs at the tube station).

The views are decent from the hotel and the sky lounge bar on the roof which is a plus if you can get a higher floor.

Check In:

The hotel is generally quite busy due to the lower price or lower point threshold for a London hotel so most of the check in desks were busy while we were coming or going…however, they do keep a few people out front so that most times there were 3-4 people about to help if needed.

The check in desks are a long line along the right hand side as you come into the hotel with the lobby and bar to the left. There is a bright airy feeling to the lobby and the roof is a glass sky light so does let in more light.

There is a dedicated HHonors desk and we managed to get served quickly at a normal desk even with several people trying to check in at the same time. ^

The staff were always very friendly, knowledgeable and polite…trying to help and ensure you were happy and on your way quickly.

One room was ready right away when we checked in at 12 noon and the desk clerk assured us the other would be ready shortly but were were happy to simply get the one room and then go out and explore to come back later and get the second room then.

We were given our cookies and welcome letter which also serves as a drinks voucher for the lobby bar as there is no executive lounge here. (a new letter was put in the room each day as well so at least providing one drink a day).

The elevators are behind check in to the right down a corridor with the main restaurant to the back and left of the check in area.

The rooms:


Wardrobe by BA_pics, on Flickr

Both rooms were identical and the hotel did take my preferences into account as we had rooms away from the elevator.


Desk area by BA_pics, on Flickr

The rooms were an okay size and quite similar to the London Westminster rooms I had also stayed at recently.

The bathrooms are fairly small and only suited for one person at a time. You would likely not get a third stow away bed into the room so if there are more than two of you…you will need an extra room.


Bathroom by BA_pics, on Flickr


Shower by BA_pics, on Flickr


Sink by BA_pics, on Flickr

Internet is available on the provided iMac computer / TV in the room or via wifi by logging in with your name and room number. The speed was fine and even when fully booked I never noticed any speed issues during peak hours.

The heating controls are the typical one button to change the temperature with 5 settings possible (cold, cool, room temperature, warm and hot)…the fan setting is just below with auto, off, and then a few fan speeds to select…nothing more.


Glasses by BA_pics, on Flickr

There is a window you can open and let fresh air in and we had this open at night and did not find it too noisy even during New Years Eve!!! Very quiet location helps greatly here.


Floor to ceiling windows by BA_pics, on Flickr

The windows are nearly floor to ceiling and provided a great view from the executive floors (9 and 10th floor). Sky lounge is on the 12th floor (and only accessible from one side of the elevators).


Minibar by BA_pics, on Flickr

We had a room facing the Thames and the Shard as well as the Trinity house / Port of London Authority building and statue.

The mini bar in the executive rooms are stocked and complimentary for Gold and Diamond members I am told. The pictures show the contents (there were 4 mineral waters in there though…my wife had already got through a couple by the time I took the shots)…


Minibar contents free for Diamonds by BA_pics, on Flickr

They do not restock the fridge though each day so this is it in case you stay a few days.


Tea service by BA_pics, on Flickr

The room had a safe, iron board, iron and decent storage facilities.


Wardrobe contents by BA_pics, on Flickr

Interestingly, the duty manager came up and knocked on the door…when I answered, I was passed a tray of chocolates and his card…and before I could ask…he disappeared on me….so not sure if the congrats tray was a mistake or just a pleasant welcome gift for diamonds…I think it was for someone else and they simply delivered it to the wrong room but wasn't going to give it back!


Mistake by BA_pics, on Flickr

Other facilities:

There was some work out facility but I did not use it so can't comment. There is no pool.

Breakfast was included free of charge for Diamonds and Golds. (full hot buffet…no continental option as far as I could see…)

We received free breakfast for both rooms as a diamond both mornings.

The lobby bar does serve some light food as well as drinks and there was plenty of seating areas for small 1-5 person groups available, even though the hotel was very busy.

There is a second restaurant in the hotel but it was closed during our stay, possibly due to New Years….looked very good though.

The Sky Lounge was very modern and had glass walls and ceiling so very open and airy and proved to be popular for many hotel and non hotel visitors.

Overall Impression:

I liked the hotel, the staff were very good and friendly and genuinely wanted to help people out even when busy! The rooms were a bit small but no smaller than any other double tree in London and they were in good condition and kept clean. I would come back and recommend it to others if my other Hilton favourites were full or too expensive in comparison but the slightly harder to reach tube location and lack of a lounge stop me from calling it a favourite.

Hope this review and pictures of the room are of use and interest. If there are any questions please do ask and I will try to remember and answer if I can!