Thank you, I did do that route in the end, I'm not sure I'd do it again (and not with anymore than HBO), though I maybe didn't help matters by ending up on the bus just after 5pm.

As you alluded to it just drags because it takes so long, and being an idiot I ended up waiting on the wrong side of the road (for anyone contemplating this, cross the road when you come out of the tube station), so missed a bus and had to wait 15 mins for the next one.

Hotel is as good as ever, upgraded to exec, lounge offerings were ok - garlic mushrooms, salad, cheese and meats, with wine (including prosecco), beer and spirits available free pour. Only downside is the hotel appears to have switched from Coke to Pepsi.
Didn't try the restaurant or breakfast as I ate in CX F instead in the morning.
Welcome gift in the room of a smoothie and 3 Ferrero Rocher chocolates (much better than the apples being given out last year!).