Originally Posted by
diamond club freeloader
I have checked into TB early (before 10am) on a few occasions and been given a room both times. This included being given an UG to an exec room, though all their rooms are nice so my priority would be to get the room, grab breakfast in the lounge, and then proceed with the day ahead!
TB Can be done in a car for £40ish from LHR in about 45 mins though at that time of day may take longer. Best to do this with a fixed-fare minicab/car service though! Thst is my preferred route to this hotel from LHR if more than one person travelling to avoid tube changes with luggage etc. If travelling alone (and luggage-light) I take the tube from LHR to Greenpark then change to the Jubilee line down to London Bridge (still just about <1hr).
Sorry can't advise about the Conrad, my first stay there is next month.
Good points ^ some comments:
If this is your first time in London, and/or you don't need to sleep after the flight...then definitely worth just getting a room, maybe a shower and some breakfast and then getting out and exploring the city. I believe the only difference between the exec rooms and 'normal' rooms will be the shower separate from the bath. (non exec have shower over bath IIRC but I might be mistaken on that). Obviously bathrobes and slippers you can ask for as a diamond and should get at the TB property and they'll bring some water for you no matter where you are in the hotel as well. The exec rooms are higher up (floors 10/11/12 from memory) but the views are not great as too many other office buildings around so get the views from the exec lounge or exec lounge terrace.
I don't tend to fly into London and then stay as I live in Bristol but the above advice is spot on. If you haven't been before and have big / several bags to drag around then a taxi or uber will be the best bet to avoid hassle especially if you are tired or had a bad flight. If you have been before / slept well or are just adventurous and don't have several large bags to carry up / down stairs / escalators then the tube is fine and reasonable way to go. Regardless of terminal you come in on at Heathrow, use the Piccadilly line to green park then transfer to the jubilee line to London Bridge. Can't remember the green park stop regarding stairs / escalators though sorry.
Once at the london bridge station go outside and turn right past the museum and within 200m you'll be at the hotel.
Best bet between the two hotels is the tube. Jubilee line westbound to Westminster then change to district or circle line westbound one stop to st. james park. Be aware that some lines don't run on weekends due to engineering works or are limited in the routes they do. Check the tft site for info before you travel:
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tube-dlr-overground/status/
You can get a day travel card which gives you unlimited travel for the day or consider an oyster card if you plan to come back often. (some wireless bank cards now work as well).
You could also use the HEX from LHR to central London but wouldn't advise that for this trip and timings personally.
Hope this helps and that others correct any mistakes or provide additional info.
Safe travels, enjoy your stays at the Conrad and Hilton TB. ^