Posts Tagged ‘Hilton’

11 Mar

Hampton by Hilton in Croydon, 30 Dingwall Rd, Croydon, London, England,

Posted by Val Penny in Hotel Review. Tagged: , , , , , , .

I have stayed in Hilton Hotels all over the world. I have used Double Tree by Hilton often too, but when my daughter moved to a different part of London, the closest Hilton Hotel was a Hampton by Hilton, so I chose to stay there.

 

Hampton by Hilton London Croydon Exterior

I do not know this part of London well, but the Hampton by Hilton in Croydon, 30 Dingwall Rd, Croydon, London, England, is easy to find. It is only 335 metres away from East Croydon Station which has regular trains into central London to both Victoria and London Bridge.hampton by hilton out day

We arrived at the hotel late after a day with our family. It was dark and the area around the hotel did not, at first glance, hold much of interest. In fact, as I have said, the transport links are excellent and there are shops and other hotels nearby too.hampton by Hilton in

This hotel has a 24 hour reception, but the front doors to the hotel are locked at 10pm. If you plan to arrive after this time, phone to advise the desk. The young lady at reception when we arrived seemed bored, disinterested and gave us incorrect information about the hotel. It was disappointing. I have never had that problem in any Hilton franchise before and it was very disappointing. hampton by hilton reception

Having said that, the lifts in the hotel were quick and clean, our room was spotlessly clean, and breakfast was included in our rate, which made the hotel on a par with the Premier Inn cost-wise. Access is good for those with mobility issues too.hampton by Hilton breakfast

Breakfast was buffet style with a wide choice of cereals, fresh fruit, french pastries and cooked choices. Teas, coffees and fruit juices were also offered. The dining room is quite small for the size of the hotel, but the staff found us a table for four at a busy time nevertheless. hampton by hilton room

The staff on duty in the morning were all helpful, charming and courteous. Alessio on reception was particularly helpful and took responsibility for his surly colleague of the night before. This is the kind of service I have come to expect from hotels that bear the Hilton name, in any guise.hampton by hilton gym

The gym in this hotel, is small, but it is good to know it is there. I am sure that, although this was a first visit to Hampton by Hilton in Croydon, it will not be my last. I can recommend this hotel to those visiting London.

Val Penny

 

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2 Nov

Double Tree by Hilton, 1515 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005, USA

Posted by Val Penny in Hotel Review. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , .

My husband and I recently had a wonderful vacation in Washinton DC, USA. We met up with friends who live in a different part of the country and we all met up in Washington DC and stayed at the Double Tree by Hilton, 1515 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005, USA. The hotel is nice and central. It is situated equi-distant between Du Pont Circle and Macpherson Square metro centres.dc-coffee-table

This Double Tree by Hilton is adjacent to Scott Circle Park. My husband and I took a junior suite on the 7th floor. It was to the front of the hotel, so it was a little noisy, especially at the wekends, however, the room had pretty views over the park. This was clearly, once, an upscale hotel in downtown D.C. and is near the White House. However, the Hotel would now benefit from investment.

The carpets are a bit worn, the colour schemes are dated and the furnishings have seen better days. However, our suite offered really good value for money and our friends, who took a standard room, were also satisfied. The rooms all have large, flat-screen TVs and WiFi (for which there is a small fee if you are not a Hilton Honours member) The beds are large and comfortable. All suites add separate kitchen and living areas and ours also had a granite wet bar and a large bathroom.dc-bed

The bistro is disappointing. It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, but it is dark, dull, dated and understaffed. It offers contemporary American cuisine which is tasty, but the menu never changed the whole period we were there. There is a bar which has a “Happy Hour” lasting around 4 hours! It serves signature drinks and is busy and clearly popular. Unfortunately, it too suffers from dated furnishings and understaffing.  The amenities of the hotel also include a fitness center, valet parking (for which there is a fee) and a business centre. The rooms are clean and the bathrooms spotless. I did like the big, fluffy bath towels.dc-tv

Having said all that, this Double Tree by Hilton benefits from the most charming, helpful and dedicated staff. The majority of them could not do enough for us. Only one or two seemed to be going through the motions. The staff of the Double Tree by Hilton, 1515 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC is a great asset. We were all made to feel welcome and valued. At present this is a good hotel in a great situation with great staff. With some investment and modernising it would be a great hotel too. I will use it again, and recommend it.

Valerie Penny

2 Mar

Hilton London Tower Bridge Hotel, 5 More London Place, Tooley Street London SE1 2BY, England

Posted by Val Penny in Hotel Review. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , .

London, England is one of the most vibrant, exciting cities in the world and now that both of our daughters are based in the city my Welcome to the Hilton London Tower Bridgehusband and I try to visit them, and the city, regularly. We try to stay centrally so that both our daughters can visit us quite conveniently. On our most recent trip we stayed near London Bridge at the Hilton London Tower Bridge Hotel. The hotel is situated near one of London’s most renown historical landmark bridges, London Tower Bridge. It is ideally located on the doorstep of the city’s financial and shopping districts.

This contemporary hotel is a fantastic sightseeing location from which to explore London’s many tourist attractions. This London hotel is just five minutes away from the London Bridge City Pier for the Thames Clipper and a five-minute walk to The Borough Market, The Shard and HMS Belfast. Hilton London Tower Bridge is also opposite London Bridge Station for underground (Jubilee and Northern lines) and national rail services. Excellent rail links provide easy access to London’s gateway stations and all major London Airports via the Heathrow and Gatwick Express network.

Double Guest RoomThe Hotel is a modern Hilton Hotel in a fantastic city centre situation. The rooms are stylish, spotlessly clean and elegantly furnished. There is a 24-hour reception at the hotel. The fully equipped fitness suite is bright and modern. This hotel in London is the perfect base for corporate as well as leisure guests. The upper floors command stunning views of The Shard.

We enjoyed breakfast, although the usual dining room was being refurbished, the full usual Hilton hot and cold buffet was available. Service, as would be expected at the Hilton, was discrete and efficient. However, it was not friendly. We also experienced the fashionable destination bar TwoRuba for a drink before dinner. It is a perfect place to unwind with a vibrant atmosphere and polished service. I was not surprised to learn that this London landmark hotel has received a number of prominent Hilton service awards, including the coveted Brand of Excellence award.hilton bar

Hilton London Tower Bridge Hotel has high speed internet access in every guest room and wireless broadband internet access throughout so it offers something different and whether you are on business or pleasure. In the rooms the subtle touches of colour did enhance our stay.  The contemporary rooms are decorated in cool, calm tones and have large opening windows. There is also watch on-demand movies on the 25-inch plasma TV, a desk and an easy chair.

My husband and I both enjoyed our stay a this hotel and its position is so convenient that I am sure we will stay here again.

Valerie Penny