There’s little to complain about when staying in a five-star hotel, in one of the most fun cities in the world, in one of the swankiest neighborhoods. However, when you’ve been struck down by illness sometimes you just want the comforts of your own home. When I checked in to London Hilton on Park Lane, somewhat delirious with fever, I asked if I could cancel both my drinks reservation at The Revery Bar bar and my dinner reservation at Park Corner Brasserie as all I could think about was getting into bed and crashing out. The kind receptionist escorted me to my suite and offered to send some fresh ginger tea and honey and recommended I order room service.
The hotel was the first Hilton to open in the UK back in 1963 and, at 28 stories high, it created quite a stir when it opened. It has recently undergone a multi-million-dollar refurbishment which includes a sleek look to some of the signature suites.
Despite my rising fever and desperation to get straight into bed, upon entering the newly refurbished Kensington Suite, one of the hotel’s signature suites, I was rooted to the spot, completely mesmerized by the views — as the suite is on the 27th floor, the far-reaching and totally unobstructed views of the city are outstanding.
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The one-bedroom suite has a spacious living area with a dining table, a dressing area, marble bathroom with his-and-hers sinks and a bathtub. I heeded the receptionist’s advice and ordered room service which can be done easily via the suite’s iPad and any notes/requests can be added, too (I ordered spaghetti bolognese and asked for ‘lots of cheese’ to which I received three helpings — a dream come true). Enveloped in my fluffy robe, I enjoyed my dinner while watching the sky turn black and the lights of the city below begin to flicker on.
Feeling somewhat more with it the following morning, I headed down to the Park Corner Brasserie for breakfast. It was jam-packed with hotel guests and people having meetings, yet despite how busy it was, the service was spot-on with super attentive and friendly waitstaff who noticed I was missing a spoon (I hadn’t realized) and, crucially, were quick with my coffee order and refill.
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The Brasserie had a huge refurbishment last year and the apple-green leather sofas and trailing foliage pay homage to the neighboring Hyde Park. Speaking of, the Brasserie offers picnics for guests to take to the park or, if the English weather isn’t playing ball, the Sunday roast has proven immensely popular.
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There’s plenty to come at London Hilton on Park Lane, too — a bakery is soon to be announced; Shanghai Me & Bund, a restaurant and lounge, is set to open on the 28th floor later this year; and Mr Porter steakhouse is opening this fall.
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The Revery Bar is a brand-new addition with a fun, playful decor and cocktails to match. The bar serves a boozy afternoon tea called Tea, Cakes and Cocktails where delights are served on a golden tree-shaped cake stand and paired with cocktails and loose-leaf tea from the London Tea Exchange.
[See also: The Peninsula New York Shines Following Refurb]
