The London Hilton on Park Lane

Introduction: Situated opposite the 350 acres of open space at Hyde Park is the London Hilton Park Lane Hotel. The hotel first opened in 1963 having been designed by William B. Tabler Architects. The 28 floors reach 331 feet (101 meters) affording wonderfully panoramic views over London. The hotel has become synonymous with London and still referred to as 'THE' Hilton, despite being one of many such branded hotels within the capital. Enjoying an enviable location on the edge of one of the countries most affluent and desirable areas, Mayfair. Many large companies have offices here just to take advantage of this internationally known address. Mayfair is largely a mix of residential apartments and corporate offices with top brand shops. Located here are roads such as Bond Street, which attracts visitors from all over the world thanks to its reputation for the best in upmarket jewellery and fashion. The hotel is actually at the south end of Park Lane (a busy main road) a short stroll from Hyde Park Corner. Just the other side of Hyde Park Corner is another popular park, Green Park, which marks the start of the grounds of Buckingham Place (0.5 miles). Also off of the corner is Piccadilly which offers some excellent shopping with names like Fortnum and Mason. Just over half a mile to the north is Marble Arch, which also marks the start of Oxford Street, one of Europe's busiest shopping streets and very much geared towards the tourist. London's famous West End and hectic nightlife centres around Piccadilly Circus less than a mile to the East. In fact a few minutes taxi ride in any direction will find a host of some of London's bet known attractions. A selection of which include Apsley House (former home to the Duke of Wellington, known as number One London) (0.16 miles), Wellington Arch (0.21 miles), Michael Faraday Museum (0.45 miles) and the Queens Gallery (0.54 miles). London's top attraction of the London Eye (Millennium Wheel) is 1.3 miles away just on the other side of the River Thames by Westminster Bridge.

Hotel:
An internationally renowned hotel, the Hilton park Lane offers 5 star service and facilities and a choice of no less than 6 restaurant and bars. Full concierge services.

The hotels bedrooms have marble bathrooms (with bathrobes, hairdryer) and measure 40m²/430sq.ft. All bedrooms are modern in style, are air-conditioned and use soothing colours in their decor. They all have views either over Hyde Park or the surrounding area of London. In-room amenities include minibar, satellite television (with games and pay movies), safe, high speed internet access, Sony Playstation, tea/coffee maker, desk, phone and dataport.
Executive rooms are decorated with a burgundy colour scheme and include a trouser press and give access to the executive lounge.
All suites are at least 64m2, have executive lounge access, a fax machine, separate lounge and bedroom area with an en-suite bathroom.
Room service is 24 hours and Kosher food is available. Daily newspapers delivered to room. Connecting rooms possible. (can be requested but subject to availability). Floors have lift access.

Dining:
Galvin at Windows Bar: 98 seats. Located at the top of this 28 floor hotel with views over the surrounding area. A lavish and glamorous environment for this cocktail bar with a bar menu that includes such items as Oak smoked salmon and piquello peppers on toast. Open 10.00 till 01.00 (Monday till Thursday), Friday till 03.00, Saturday: 17:30 till 03:00, Sunday: till 22:30.
Galvin at Windows Restaurant: Elegant styled à la carte restaurant. 108 seats. Also on the top 28th floor with three hundred and sixty degrees of view, right around the restaurant, makes for a stunning setting. The central part of the restaurant is raised from the floor to give better views. Serves seasonal contemporary French haute cuisine. Open 07.00 till 22.30 (Sunday till 14.30), closed between 10.00 and noon and 14.30 till 18.00 (Saturday 10.30 till 18.00), (Sunday 10.30 till noon).
Trader Vics: 290 seats. Is an exotic restaurant and tropical bar and known for its Mai Tai cocktail. Serves a French Polynesian style menu. Features Tiki carvings on the walls. Open 12.00 till 01.00 (Monday till Thursday, Friday till 03.00), Saturday 18.00 till 03.00, Sunday 18.00 till 23.30.
Pop Bar: 40 seats. Lively Champagne bar. Pommery Champagne served in mini bottles. The setting is one of gold/cream colours with leather chairs. Open 16.00 till midnight.
Podium Restaurant (was the Park Brasserie): 120 seats. Had a £500,000 refurbishment in 2007 overseen by designer Aukett Fitzroy Robinson. Decorated with silver leaf and ivory glass and American style window blinds. A la carte restaurant serving contemporary seasonal European cuisine and located within the hotels lobby. Open 07.00 till 01.00 (Sundays till midnight).
The Whisky Mist at Zeta: 240 seat capacity. Newly opened in June 2008 and created by Nick House & Piers Adam. There are two bars and a nightclub/dance area. Offers a range of drinks including vintage wines, Champagnes and Cocktails. A feature is being able to drink from large containers such as a Victorian trophy cup which costs around £2000 to fill. The restaurant serves a menu that includes smoked salmon, mini burgers, potted shrimps and Aberdeen Angus steak.
Open: 17.00 till 02.00 (Closed Sunday)

Dedicated business centre providing fax, internet access, Secretarial Services, Photocopies and Transparencies, Mobile phone rental and Courier Service. Open 07.00 till 19.00, Saturday 09.00 till 13.00, closed Sunday.
WiFi in all public areas.
The Hilton Park Lane has 5 meeting rooms that have a capacity for between 20 and 50 guests. 3 of these are especially suited as boardrooms centred around a single large table. These are all located on the business level on floor four. A 6th room on the first floor is suited to large events and is called the Grand Ballroom with a capacity for up to 1,200 guests. In total there are 13 function rooms/conference rooms.
The hotel has an onsite health club (Hilton Fitness by Precor) with sauna, steam room and solarium, as well as a well equipped gym (cardio machines, free eights, stretching area, personal trainers). Open 06.30 till 21.00 (from 08.00 weekends). 3 massage and spa treatment rooms also with complex open 10.00 till 22.00 (till 18.00 weekends).
Onsite unisex hairdresser open 09.00 till 18.00.
Hotel offers luggage storage facilities. Florist and gift ship within building. Hotel provides currency exchange service.

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Parking: Available. Underground car park with 200 spaces. (charges apply)
Room Numbers: 450 / 28 floors
Check-in: 15.00 (3 pm)
Check-out: 12.00 noon (express late check-out options)

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Awards:
Top business hotel in UK (Businesstraveller.com 2009)
World Travel Awards: England's Leading Business Hotel 2007/2009
Visitbritain.com-Enjoyengland.com 2007 awards: Large Hotel of the Year 'Silver Award'
Galvin @ Windows restaurant: Tatler's Restaurant Awards 2007 "Best Front of House"
Visit London 2006: Best large hotel

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History: The hotel was the target of a bomb planted by the IRA (Irish Republican Army, no longer active) which took the lives of 2 people (further 63 hurt) on 5th September 1975.