Originally Posted by
Hav2fly
All the front rooms have traffic noise virtually all night and the lower the floor, the louder the noise.
Originally Posted by
stanj
Given my previous experiences w/ the traffic noise when facing Aldwych and what other posters said about the overall noise on the E level rooms, I was hesitant.
She showed us the room, which was newly renovated and quite large. The windows seemed well sound-proofed...
So we threw caution to the wind and took the E level room. Overall, I'm glad we did. Noise was not a major issue, but there was the occasional loud motorcycle or car going by and some hallway noise.
In my experience, the double-glazed windows in the newly-renovated guestrooms filter out most of the traffic noise. Of course, the occasional sound of a motorcycle or emergency vehicle will make it through, but the same is true at any inner-city property short of a high-rise tower.
I much prefer a view of tree-lined Aldwych over the depressing inner courtyard, even if it comes with a bit of noise.
Originally Posted by
jamesteroh
I have my first stay there on Friday. Should I expect problems with them having a room at 1 p.m. ready or should I plan on having to have my luggage stored?
As others have noted, the Waldorf Hilton is a busy property, and check-in is often unavailable before early to mid-afternoon. Whenever I've arrived early, however, the front desk has provided a key to the executive lounge, which offers water, soft drinks, espresso, coffee, etc. outside of the published breakfast, tea, and evening reception hours. The bell desk will happily store your luggage and deliver it to the room once available.
Originally Posted by
jamesteroh
Was also wondering the hours in the lounge for free drinks and canapés.
Afternoon tea: 15:00 - 18:00
Evening reception: 18:00 - 20:30
The canapés and alcohol are removed promptly at 20:30, though the attendants kindly give ample warning and offer a last round.
Originally Posted by
jamesteroh
Does anyone know if there is a shower facility to use to shower and change at if my room isn't ready? If there is, I'll just head directly there from LHR instead of using Yotel.
Not a big deal if they have to hold my bags for a couple hours if there if I can at least shower and change as soon as I get there
The third-party gym on the ground floor includes full locker rooms with several showers, and elite members receive complimentary access. The gym could use better upkeep, to be sure, but it should do in a pinch. There is a private entrance for hotel guests one level below the lobby, where the business center is also located.