Kitty Hawk

I understand this hotel is opening in September 2000. Does anyone know exactly where it is?

Merry

It is a Crown Estate development on the South side of Trafalgar Square - currently enshrined in scafffolding and plastic.

Essentially it is Hilton's answer to the Marriott Couty Hall, but some how I think they will struggle. Parking will be very difficult, getting taxis to stop will be very difficult, the views will be limited, the noise levels wil be high and the pollution will make you splutter.

As a location I'm sure it seemed like a good idea at the time, but lets see what facilities they can crowd into that limited space.

But all that said, I love Hilton International properties and will be doing my best to swing by as soon as it is open.


Nick

Kitty Hawk

Ah, but it's within walking distance of (most) of the theatres, and my client's London office is in walking distance, so taxis are less of an issue. I'm used to the congestion, and I don't drive in London, so I'd be happy if they manage to squeeze a decent Hilton in the space.

I've got a late September trip penciled in, so I hope they stick to the schedule.

Thanks, Nick.

Merry

I will give it at try, but I suspect it will be pretty down-market, it just isn't in the right location for anything upscale.

In I wanted to be that close to Trafalgar Square I think my preference would be the Royal Horesguards Thistle.

Enjoy your stay and let me know what it was like if you get there before me.

Nick

Kitty Hawk

Ok, Nick, you're going to beat me there.

My late September trip just got moved up to early August (I love to be in London with twelve million coach tours ) so I expect a full and detailed report from you!



[This message has been edited by Kitty Hawk (edited 06-23-2000).]

MileJunkie

Kitty Hawk - I would much rather visit London in early August than late September. Weather is so much better!

[This message has been edited by MileJunkie (edited 06-25-2000).]

Kitty Hawk

MileJunkie:

Can't count on that!

RMINIONE

This hotel has now openned--Another London option. Can any of our London experts get us an update on the property?

milesmilesmiles

I visited a friend last week who was staying there last week. It is in good location (close to sites and restaurants). Hotel itself is "minimalist" with nice but few appointments (if you know the Langham, this is the opposite). Small lobby but supposedly friendly staff. Don't believe they have executive lounge but do get free breakfast. Saw friends room (he is Diamond) which was comfortable with very nice bathroom (stand-up shower and tub bath). For what it is worth, room has DVD player and good sound system. He did have trouble with hot water (couldn't get much, which made shower and adventure) which took about 3 days to correct).

All in all I think OK - not sure how rates stack up vs other options.

DOC 2 BE

Agree with everything noted above. No Executive Lounge.

Visited it last week when I was staying at the Metropole. Requested a tour. Everyone is dressed in black -- Ian Schragerish hotel. Minimalist and quite modern. Views from the rooms of Trafalgar Square are not worth the extra $, but the view from the old Cunard Line's boardroom is great.

The rooms are larger than most London hotel rooms and are quite nice, so are the bathrooms. One downside -- no health club --they are thinking of puttin one in -- given that many of those who stay there would like to stay in shape.

Extremely nice rooftop view where parties take place and I think there are plans for a rooftop bar.

Excellent location for the theatre, Covent Garden, Westminster and Big Ben, etc., but this is not your family style hotel. Very cool bar scene on themain floor lobby, and minimalist desingned restaurant downstairs. This week they are to be launching a prix fixe theatre menu -- don't know if you can have the bill included in your hotel bill to get points. Very good late night Thai restaurant 2 doors down, with what appears to be a nightclub!!

Young and young at heart should like this if the price is right. A welcome addition to the London Hiltons.

BTW, no way the Paddington Hilton will be finished on time, look towards early next year.

I really liked the Metropole.

[This message has been edited by DOC 2 BE (edited 08-01-2001).]

Larrude

Your correct about the Hilton Paddington. I was booked in for a couple of days in late October - I received a letter stating that opening was now scheduled for 1 December.

A couple of days later I received a letter that The Beautiful Game (Andrew Lloyd Webber musical) was closing early and my tickets would be refunded.

I'm starting to get a complex!

Larry

Karen2

"The Beautiful Game" is not that great which would explain why it is closing early. Also, stayed at the Metropole which is no longer a cheap hotel but we also liked it. Looks like I will be testing Islington next month.

DOC 2 BE

Our stay at the Metropole was for a convention that the firm paid for so cost was not an object. The Concierge Lounge was great, and the A/C in the new "West Wing" was fantastic, as it was in the health club. Was upgraded to an ap't suite with a stove and oven, no less. However, the maintenance service at the hotel leaves a lot to be desired.

See Witches of Eastwick with its new lead, you will llike it. I saw it on 1/2 price tix front row center.

TravelManKen

My wife and I spent this past weekend at the new London Trafalgar Hilton - it is AWESOME! If you like W-Hotels, you'll love the Trafalgar. Basically Hilton made a photocopy of Starwood's W-Hotels ( http://www.starwood.com/whotels/index.html )in San Francisco & the original in New York and built it in London - just with bigger rooms.

Arrival - Bellman was waiting at the door of our car as it came to a stop, immediately asked for our bags. Escorted us to the check in counter where they had already pre-selected an upgraded room. The front desk also apologized (that's a change) for not having a suite available, but only a premium room - we made sure to let them know that is was no problem. The Bellman then escorted us to our room.

The Room - Very large, great view of Trafalgar Square, nice bathroom, in room high speed internet access (although I was banned because we were on vacation), satellite TV, CD Player, surround sound stereo and the crown jewel - in room DVD PLAYER!!! The room had a freaking DVD player system with an entire catalog of DVDs available from the concierge.

Room Amenity - We left the hotel to grab some lunch and when we returned there was one the best amenities that I have ever received from a hotel. There was the diamond shaped plate with salmon, cookies, ham, fruit and cheese - tons of fancy color and decor to make it look great. Then we receive two 1.5 Liter sized bottles of Voss Sparkling water in these incredible looking bottles.

Bathroom - Now I'm a stereotypical dude - dont' really care about anything but a toilet. However my wife wanted to take about 30 pictures. Very unique soaps, bathrobes & stuff like that - I did like the all glass see-through shower (Hey I'm married, I can say that)

The Lobby Lounge/Bar - Very nice. A combination of sofas, recliners, window bay chairs and other unique stuff. The bar is about 25-30 feet long, stainless steel with purple trim. They had some wild drinks on the menu - I had a Vodka Espresso Martini.

Restaurant - Great food & menu. Free continental breakfast for Gold & Diamonds or a 14.50 Pound discount on the 18.50 buffet.

Concierge - Extremely friendly, knowledgeable & helpful. Arranged a sedan transfer to Heathrow as well as a sightseeing tour and charged it all to our room.

Overall - It's a in my book!

------------------
Ken in Sacramento

DOC 2 BE

Thanx Ken! My sentiments were same when I was given a tour of the property that I reported in another thread. Glad to see that the staff and the hotel surpassed your expectatations.

How was the breakfast -- Cont'l or Buffet?

Did the restaurant have a pre-theatre prix fixe yet? Also, any further word on their building a health club?