[ARCHIVE to 2019] Hilton London Bankside {GBR}
Apr 6, 2019, 9:40 am
#676
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Phuket
Programs: SQ *Gold, BA, QR, EY, Hilton Diamond, IHG Plat, Marriott Gold, Amex Plat
Posts: 5,268
Apr 6, 2019, 9:45 am
#677
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Phuket
Programs: SQ *Gold, BA, QR, EY, Hilton Diamond, IHG Plat, Marriott Gold, Amex Plat
Posts: 5,268
Service in the Exec Lounge is not great, to be honest, with the guy in particular appearing to have no customer service skills at all & looks like he would rather be somewhere else.
It remains a pleasant space though & the range of drinks is perfectly fine. The canapés have decreased in quality it seems.
However the breakfast remains perhaps the best UK Hilton offering & the service in there is exemplary compared to any other I can recall.
It remains a pleasant space though & the range of drinks is perfectly fine. The canapés have decreased in quality it seems.
However the breakfast remains perhaps the best UK Hilton offering & the service in there is exemplary compared to any other I can recall.
Apr 6, 2019, 10:58 am
#678
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: MAN and LON
Programs: Mucci, BAEC LT Gold, HH Dia, MR LT Plat, IHG Diamond Amb, Amex Plat
Posts: 13,770
Service in the Exec Lounge is not great, to be honest, with the guy in particular appearing to have no customer service skills at all & looks like he would rather be somewhere else.
It remains a pleasant space though & the range of drinks is perfectly fine. The canapés have decreased in quality it seems.
However the breakfast remains perhaps the best UK Hilton offering & the service in there is exemplary compared to any other I can recall.
It remains a pleasant space though & the range of drinks is perfectly fine. The canapés have decreased in quality it seems.
However the breakfast remains perhaps the best UK Hilton offering & the service in there is exemplary compared to any other I can recall.
Compared to every other Uk Hilton lounge I have visited in tne last 18 months with the possible exception of the Hilton Tower Bridge, the Bankside is about the best. Whilst I think that service in many other Lounges e.g. Hilton Metropole London, Metropole Birmingham, Doubletree Tower Bridge, Desnsgate Manchester, Hilton Islington, Hilton T4, Hilton Park Lane etc. Is too poor, you have by UK and US standards to set the bar pretty high to be better than Bankside for all its imperfections.
Obviously in cheap staffing locations like Asia and the Middle East service is obviously better given a fair comparison against other London or UK Hilton’s Bankside is leaps and bounds ahead.
I am back myself tomorrow and note that I already seem upgraded to a one bed suite, so perhaps there is something to my hypothesis that they look after regular guests well here.
Apr 6, 2019, 4:19 pm
#679
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: norwich, uk
Programs: hhonors diamond
Posts: 5,397
Service in the Exec Lounge is not great, to be honest, with the guy in particular appearing to have no customer service skills at all & looks like he would rather be somewhere else.
It remains a pleasant space though & the range of drinks is perfectly fine. The canapés have decreased in quality it seems.
However the breakfast remains perhaps the best UK Hilton offering & the service in there is exemplary compared to any other I can recall.
It remains a pleasant space though & the range of drinks is perfectly fine. The canapés have decreased in quality it seems.
However the breakfast remains perhaps the best UK Hilton offering & the service in there is exemplary compared to any other I can recall.
Apr 6, 2019, 11:31 pm
#680
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Phuket
Programs: SQ *Gold, BA, QR, EY, Hilton Diamond, IHG Plat, Marriott Gold, Amex Plat
Posts: 5,268
Apr 6, 2019, 11:42 pm
#681
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Phuket
Programs: SQ *Gold, BA, QR, EY, Hilton Diamond, IHG Plat, Marriott Gold, Amex Plat
Posts: 5,268
it depends what your comparator is to be fair.
Compared to every other Uk Hilton lounge I have visited in tne last 18 months with the possible exception of the Hilton Tower Bridge, the Bankside is about the best. Whilst I think that service in many other Lounges e.g. Hilton Metropole London, Metropole Birmingham, Doubletree Tower Bridge, Desnsgate Manchester, Hilton Islington, Hilton T4, Hilton Park Lane etc. Is too poor, you have by UK and US standards to set the bar pretty high to be better than Bankside for all its imperfections.
Obviously in cheap staffing locations like Asia and the Middle East service is obviously better given a fair comparison against other London or UK Hilton’s Bankside is leaps and bounds ahead.
I am back myself tomorrow and note that I already seem upgraded to a one bed suite, so perhaps there is something to my hypothesis that they look after regular guests well here.
As a regular guest I have never been upgraded & indeed do not particularly take issue with this as I am out & about for 90% of the day every day & the standard rooms are excellent here.
The hotel remains my no.1 choice in London & indeed I have two more stays already booked
Apr 7, 2019, 3:18 am
#682
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: MAN and LON
Programs: Mucci, BAEC LT Gold, HH Dia, MR LT Plat, IHG Diamond Amb, Amex Plat
Posts: 13,770
My comparator is good service vs not so good/bad service. Simple as that. Its about attitude/approach/professionalism for me. I too have experienced each of the lounges you refer to (except Islington) but I treat each one on their own merits & do not use them as comparators, neither do I use the Asian/ME offerings as such.
As a regular guest I have never been upgraded & indeed do not particularly take issue with this as I am out & about for 90% of the day every day & the standard rooms are excellent here.
The hotel remains my no.1 choice in London & indeed I have two more stays already booked
As a regular guest I have never been upgraded & indeed do not particularly take issue with this as I am out & about for 90% of the day every day & the standard rooms are excellent here.
The hotel remains my no.1 choice in London & indeed I have two more stays already booked
Apr 7, 2019, 8:41 am
#683
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: UK - BHD
Programs: BMI Diamond Club refugee: BA-Br; HH-D
Posts: 912
Bankside really is a very good hotel (and exec lounge) in comparison with other UK (& US) hiltons. There may be the odd issue here and there... it may be a bit less special than it once was in spots, but overall it remains a top property.
May 6, 2019, 11:35 pm
#684
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 284
I had a leisure stay here on Sunday, actually got to use the lounge and other facilities.
I was, as usual these days, preupgraded to a one bed suite. I arrived about 5.30 and the guy on reception was disinterested and told me my room was still dirty that I’d chosen online. No welcome cava offered or a diamond welcome. Told me I would only have breakfast in the lounge and the restaurant was for ‘paying guests’. Off to my other, same category, room and I was a little miffed. A one bedroom suite overlooking the roof garden with tiny windows, the only thing making it a suite was a wall.
My key card didn’t work in the lounge door, so had to go and get that changed. Alfonso provided a warm welcome and the cava flowed until I changed to red wine, all served at my table. The lounge was busy with families being the long weekend but all were well behaved. Alternative beers and other options were made available to guests, with peroni being the default. Snacks were sausage rolls and quiche - along with the usual cold cuts, cheese and breads. At 8.30pm I said goodnight and went out into the city.
No turn down or welcome gift this time, but another good sleep on the Bankside’s soft linen. The shower in this room was rubbish, kept on falling down and is over the bath. Temperature was also very inconsistent.
Down for breakfast and the usual great welcome in Oxbo and no mention of an additional charge for diamonds. Everything was well stocked, my eggs were brought to the table in minutes and a good flow of filtered chilled water. It’s still one of the best Hilton breakfasts in London.
Checked out for two nights at home before back on Thursday.
I was, as usual these days, preupgraded to a one bed suite. I arrived about 5.30 and the guy on reception was disinterested and told me my room was still dirty that I’d chosen online. No welcome cava offered or a diamond welcome. Told me I would only have breakfast in the lounge and the restaurant was for ‘paying guests’. Off to my other, same category, room and I was a little miffed. A one bedroom suite overlooking the roof garden with tiny windows, the only thing making it a suite was a wall.
My key card didn’t work in the lounge door, so had to go and get that changed. Alfonso provided a warm welcome and the cava flowed until I changed to red wine, all served at my table. The lounge was busy with families being the long weekend but all were well behaved. Alternative beers and other options were made available to guests, with peroni being the default. Snacks were sausage rolls and quiche - along with the usual cold cuts, cheese and breads. At 8.30pm I said goodnight and went out into the city.
No turn down or welcome gift this time, but another good sleep on the Bankside’s soft linen. The shower in this room was rubbish, kept on falling down and is over the bath. Temperature was also very inconsistent.
Down for breakfast and the usual great welcome in Oxbo and no mention of an additional charge for diamonds. Everything was well stocked, my eggs were brought to the table in minutes and a good flow of filtered chilled water. It’s still one of the best Hilton breakfasts in London.
Checked out for two nights at home before back on Thursday.
May 6, 2019, 11:56 pm
#685
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: MAN and LON
Programs: Mucci, BAEC LT Gold, HH Dia, MR LT Plat, IHG Diamond Amb, Amex Plat
Posts: 13,770
I had a leisure stay here on Sunday, actually got to use the lounge and other facilities.
I was, as usual these days, preupgraded to a one bed suite. I arrived about 5.30 and the guy on reception was disinterested and told me my room was still dirty that I’d chosen online. No welcome cava offered or a diamond welcome. Told me I would only have breakfast in the lounge and the restaurant was for ‘paying guests’. Off to my other, same category, room and I was a little miffed. A one bedroom suite overlooking the roof garden with tiny windows, the only thing making it a suite was a wall.
My key card didn’t work in the lounge door, so had to go and get that changed. Alfonso provided a warm welcome and the cava flowed until I changed to red wine, all served at my table. The lounge was busy with families being the long weekend but all were well behaved. Alternative beers and other options were made available to guests, with peroni being the default. Snacks were sausage rolls and quiche - along with the usual cold cuts, cheese and breads. At 8.30pm I said goodnight and went out into the city.
No turn down or welcome gift this time, but another good sleep on the Bankside’s soft linen. The shower in this room was rubbish, kept on falling down and is over the bath. Temperature was also very inconsistent.
Down for breakfast and the usual great welcome in Oxbo and no mention of an additional charge for diamonds. Everything was well stocked, my eggs were brought to the table in minutes and a good flow of filtered chilled water. It’s still one of the best Hilton breakfasts in London.
Checked out for two nights at home before back on Thursday.
I was, as usual these days, preupgraded to a one bed suite. I arrived about 5.30 and the guy on reception was disinterested and told me my room was still dirty that I’d chosen online. No welcome cava offered or a diamond welcome. Told me I would only have breakfast in the lounge and the restaurant was for ‘paying guests’. Off to my other, same category, room and I was a little miffed. A one bedroom suite overlooking the roof garden with tiny windows, the only thing making it a suite was a wall.
My key card didn’t work in the lounge door, so had to go and get that changed. Alfonso provided a warm welcome and the cava flowed until I changed to red wine, all served at my table. The lounge was busy with families being the long weekend but all were well behaved. Alternative beers and other options were made available to guests, with peroni being the default. Snacks were sausage rolls and quiche - along with the usual cold cuts, cheese and breads. At 8.30pm I said goodnight and went out into the city.
No turn down or welcome gift this time, but another good sleep on the Bankside’s soft linen. The shower in this room was rubbish, kept on falling down and is over the bath. Temperature was also very inconsistent.
Down for breakfast and the usual great welcome in Oxbo and no mention of an additional charge for diamonds. Everything was well stocked, my eggs were brought to the table in minutes and a good flow of filtered chilled water. It’s still one of the best Hilton breakfasts in London.
Checked out for two nights at home before back on Thursday.
The current welcome gift is some weird popcorn mix, you didn't miss much.
I have found upgrades are good at weekends and quieter times, but midweek can be quite difficult to score a good room, perhaps as there are so many diamonds.
May 7, 2019, 2:40 am
#686
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 284
I’ve had cookies, popcorn and chocolate recently. I think the room change threw the service off here. I don’t need it, but it’s still an inconsistency. Which is what this hotel was all about.
The things that matter were still right though, so will continue to frequent. Weekend or not, my upgrades are almost certain these days.
The things that matter were still right though, so will continue to frequent. Weekend or not, my upgrades are almost certain these days.
May 7, 2019, 1:21 pm
#687
Join Date: Aug 2012
Programs: HHonors Diamond, KF Elite Gold, GHA Black
Posts: 17
For a first timer in London, which is a better choice? Bankside or TB? If both are about the same rate (Bankside a slight cheaper).
May 7, 2019, 1:42 pm
#688
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: JFK/LGA
Programs: AA EXP/5 MM, BA Blue Bayou, HH LT Diamond
Posts: 5,827
I will be staying here later this month and look forward to checking it out. In terms of the immediate previous poster I think the TB location is more central for a first timer.
May 7, 2019, 2:13 pm
#689
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: norwich, uk
Programs: hhonors diamond
Posts: 5,397
ROOMS- Bankside wins here on style but not necessarily views, beds slightly more comfy too, suites are amazing....Tb are nice too and can have better views but Bankside takes the crown.
EXECUTIVE LOUNGE - I actually prefer Tb myself, the canapés are better, I love the outside terrace with views over the shard, yes it’s a lot smaller than Bankside but less noisy ......Bankside can be a bit echoing.
and the bass from the function room can vibrate sometimes....... I love the fire pits and it’s posh but Tb wins it for me.
BREAKFAST - the hot food is better at Tb as it’s served in Jamie’s Italian but overall Bankside wins here with its amazing pastries and awesome honey nut granola......... Tb is good but Bankside is great.
SERVICE- hard to call but I feel Bankside has the edge, don’t know why...it just does....oh and has valet parking, at Tb it’s self park and a ten min walk.
UPGRADES - Tb, nearly always to executive level......Bankside not so but when they do the suite upgrades are great.
CONCLUSION - of course all my comments are only my opinion, others may not agree but personally if they were the same price I would probably choose Tb, I feel the location is better too.
May 7, 2019, 2:45 pm
#690
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: UK - BHD
Programs: BMI Diamond Club refugee: BA-Br; HH-D
Posts: 912
Most people would say Bankside but I’m still on the fence....... they are both great, let’s look at the key areas
ROOMS- Bankside wins here on style but not necessarily views, beds slightly more comfy too, suites are amazing....Tb are nice too and can have better views but Bankside takes the crown.
EXECUTIVE LOUNGE - I actually prefer Tb myself, the canapés are better, I love the outside terrace with views over the shard, yes it’s a lot smaller than Bankside but less noisy ......Bankside can be a bit echoing.
and the bass from the function room can vibrate sometimes....... I love the fire pits and it’s posh but Tb wins it for me.
BREAKFAST - the hot food is better at Tb as it’s served in Jamie’s Italian but overall Bankside wins here with its amazing pastries and awesome honey nut granola......... Tb is good but Bankside is great.
SERVICE- hard to call but I feel Bankside has the edge, don’t know why...it just does....oh and has valet parking, at Tb it’s self park and a ten min walk.
UPGRADES - Tb, nearly always to executive level......Bankside not so but when they do the suite upgrades are great.
CONCLUSION - of course all my comments are only my opinion, others may not agree but personally if they were the same price I would probably choose Tb, I feel the location is better too.
ROOMS- Bankside wins here on style but not necessarily views, beds slightly more comfy too, suites are amazing....Tb are nice too and can have better views but Bankside takes the crown.
EXECUTIVE LOUNGE - I actually prefer Tb myself, the canapés are better, I love the outside terrace with views over the shard, yes it’s a lot smaller than Bankside but less noisy ......Bankside can be a bit echoing.
and the bass from the function room can vibrate sometimes....... I love the fire pits and it’s posh but Tb wins it for me.
BREAKFAST - the hot food is better at Tb as it’s served in Jamie’s Italian but overall Bankside wins here with its amazing pastries and awesome honey nut granola......... Tb is good but Bankside is great.
SERVICE- hard to call but I feel Bankside has the edge, don’t know why...it just does....oh and has valet parking, at Tb it’s self park and a ten min walk.
UPGRADES - Tb, nearly always to executive level......Bankside not so but when they do the suite upgrades are great.
CONCLUSION - of course all my comments are only my opinion, others may not agree but personally if they were the same price I would probably choose Tb, I feel the location is better too.