The welcome
I arrive from London Bridge train station, which is five minutes’ walk away. I take my bags in through the revolving doors and am checked in quickly, before being offered a welcome cookie. There’s free water on the check-in counter. I’m offered help with my bags, but decide to take things to my room by myself, walking through the slick lobby lounge to the lift.
The neighbourhood
The hotel is part of a riverside development called More London, which is mostly made up of offices and restaurants. It’s very smart and appealing, with access to the riverfront walkway and views of Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and HMS Belfast. On the other side of Tooley Street is Bermondsey, a newly-gentrified historic area filled with creative offices, restaurants and cafes. It’s also close to Borough Market, and within walking distance of the Tate Modern, South Bank and the City of London. On the Underground, the Jubilee Line from London Bridge offers direct access to Waterloo, Bond Street and Canary Wharf.
The scene
The 245-room, 14-storey block mostly caters to business guests, but it’s a great location for tourists, too. The lobby lounge is good for informal meetings and interviews, and has a buzz about it. The main restaurant, Jamie’s Italian, is on the ground floor, and open all day. It has a good atmosphere and is well-lit. There is a small gym on the third floor and on the ninth floor there’s an executive lounge with an outdoor terrace and great views of The Shard and City of London.
The room
My 26-square-metre standard room is on the fifth floor. It’s well-designed, with a good-sized bathroom, and the bedroom feels secluded. Double glazing keeps noise out, but the window can be opened for fresh air. There’s a functional desk area, plenty of cupboard space and tea- and coffee-making facilities. It’s businesslike rather than opulent, with a grey carpet, green walls and an artistic wooden headboard display.
The service
Hilton’s service motto is “Make It Right”, meaning that small things are taken seriously and rectified as soon as possible. Firmer pillows are delivered to my room promptly. Jamie’s Italian is well-staffed with pleasant young people. The Wi-Fi connection is good, though I have to keep logging in every few hours.
The food
The buffet breakfast at Jamie’s Italian is good, with fresh fruit, yogurt, juice, hot items and self-service coffee machines dispensing a variety of drinks. At lunch, I try a superfood salad, with beetroot, avocado, quinoa, pomegranate, toasted seeds, harissa dressing and cottage cheese (£7 [Dh34]), which is excellent value, followed by the prawn linguine (£15 [Dh72]), which is a big plate finished with tomatoes, chilli and fish broth.
Loved
The location, executive lounge terrace and food.
Hated
The selection of bathroom amenities was limited – there was no cotton wool, for example, and only two face cloths, which were not replaced at turn-down.
The verdict
A cut above the normal business hotel chain, without unnecessary opulence. A great base for business or leisure. Rates vary widely according to demand, from a bottom price of about £129 (Dh623) to more than £400 (Dh1,933), which will affect value for money.
The bottom line
Double rooms at the Hilton London Tower Bridge (www.hilton.com) cost from £129 (Dh623) per night, including taxes. The full buffet breakfast costs £20 (Dh97) per person.
rbehan@thenational.ae
