wizla

If I was choosing I would go for the Conrad, even though the Waldorf used to be my favourite uk Hilton it’s now poor due to huge cutbacks, and now they have removed the spa it’s simply not worth the high prices they are charging, unless location is king I now think the Conrad is better

toothy

I agree with this too. The Conrad is a much better hotel.

wizla

A few months back I would have disagreed with my above statement but whilst I turned a blind eye to a few cutbacks after covid it’s now ridiculous and blatant there are doubletrees much much cheaper with the same level of service and amenities.

potatooo

Conrad over Waldorf for a comfortable stay. Otherwise, I have found myself staying at Hilton Paddington more often due to the ease of hopping on the Heathrow Express downstairs. Can't be that convenience for a quick trip.

est-gratuite

Waldorf lounge sucks big time, go for the Conrad to get much better value for money.

pauleeepaul

Agree the Paddo is super convenient- not just for the HEX but for the tube and GWR as well.

As an aside today is my 20th anniversary on FT I hope (but am skeptical) that i give as much advice and insight as i have received over the years. It has been a case of two halves- a decade of global travel for two MNCs with a secondment to London, and one of being a dad with twins now almost 10 and a lot less travel. I still get to London now and then though, where i just finished up a great stay at the Hilton Park Lane and am now fittingly sat celebrating in the BA CCR .

wizla

I’ve always found you informative , your sense of humour shines through in your comments and I like that it’s very English and refreshing……20 years is impressive too.

YXU

Hi all, I'm visiting London for the first time next January (I know it's a bit embarrasing, especially cause I'm from "London" Canada lol). My brother and I are in our late 20s and have the hotel shortlist down to these 3: Canopy, Paddington and the Waldorf.

Main thing I'm looking for is a good breakfast (very imp) and also location for all the touristy activities (though it seems all 3 are close to transit options per above). I take it only the Waldorf has a lounge between the 3 but I expect to be out all day and don't care all that much for it. Would appreciate any tips, thanks!

corporate-wage-slave

Welcome to the other London then. Canopy is marketed to your age demographic and is the most modern. Waldorf has a lounge, so does the Hilton Paddington. Waldorf will gain marks for being central, you will be able to walk to quite a few places within a few minutes. It's probably the best of the three for breakfast though the other 2 locations are by no means terrible. Canopy is in the City of London, the financial area, it does have a lot of things to see around there, with plenty of shops and cafés during the week, but on Saturday and Sunday it will be very quiet there (which brings a charm of its own). As you say, lots of transit options. Paddington is a busy area but the tourist locations are further over really, but it's pretty convenient for Heathrow. I would also consider the Metropole, it's a better hotel with good breakfast options. Maybe West End Doubletree, which really is central and I think does a good stab of breakfast. If it was your second visit to London I'd perhaps add Hilton Islington, it's a bit further out but the tube and bus options are good there.

JJeffrey

Just curious as to why these 3 made the shortlist?

The ONLY reason you stay at the Paddington Hilton when visiting London is for the ease of getting to LHR.

Been there countless times but only for one night stays where I had an early flight out of LHR the next morning. If that's not a consideration then IMO I'd cross that one off, there are much better options.

In terms of central location and access to tube it's tough to beat the Conrad or Hilton Park Lane. But both of these can be very pricey, hence my question above.

wizla

If it was me ( I’m a Londoner ) I would choose the Waldorf, unfortunately this hotel has had many cutbacks lately but the breakfast is very good and it’s on the doorstep of most of the tourist attractions.

WVmike

Conrad St. James if my fav.

YXU

Thank you so much! This is very helpful, I'll probably go for Waldorf based on your recommendation and Wizla's!

Thanks!

YXU

It wasn't a scientifc selection process by any means, it just happened that these 3 were decently priced using my company's travel portal, they seemed special-ish or new and, to a certain extent, they were "Luxurious" and not a North American Hampton Inn standard.
Oh and Paddington cause I'm a tourist and I saw paddington the bear

wizla

No worries my friend…… if you click on the Waldorf thread I have many trip reports on that hotel, although you may have to go back a couple of pages as I’ve not stayed for a while.