Sprawling Hotel But With Great Views
This Hilton Hotel is tucked away in a rather dull back road called Rotherhithe Street. It seems to go on forever but eventually just as you are about to give up, you see the hotel on your left hand side (if coming from the Rotherhithe Tunnel end of Rotherhithe Street).
The rather small car par is accessed via a ramp from the street but if it is full, which it often is, come out of the car park again and drive to your right and you will find some free street parking after the Blacksmiths Arms pub on your right. (By the way, the pub serves exc Thai food and real ale at much cheaper rates than the Hilton)
This is a rather sprawling hotel. Very confusing to find your way around. The reception area is at one side of a small inlet on the River Thames and the bar, restaurant and the 3 rooms in which functions are held (the Thames Suite, the London Room and the room adjoining the aformentioned restaurant) are on the other side of the inlet.
Guests are forced to walk quite a distance across a covered bridge to get from one side of the hotel to the other. They also have to work out what floor each bit is on. It is anything but obvious and not well signposted.
London Room - across the bridge, along a corridor, up a set of stairs, turn right.
Restaurant - across the bridge - Up two flights of stairs, passed the grand piano, find the bar and then ask someone to direct you to the restaurant (you will never find it otherwise !)
Swimming pool and gym - No idea - and I have been there about 15 times. (Not that I have ever tried to find it! )
I am sure you must be beginning to get the picture.
The restaurant, which is upstairs near the bar, offers both a la carte and a pretty good eat all you like buffet service. Prices are in line with what you would expect to pay in the West End, even though this hotel is actually in the middle of nowhere. The quality of the food and the level of service does not disappoint.
My room was fairly unremarkable, larger than average size, with a comfortable double bed or sometimes you get 2 doubles if you are in a twin. Perfectly acceptable en suite facilities. Clean, quiet.
Unique Quality: If I had to pick one thing which would make me visit this hotel again it would have to be the view - The building could not be any nearer to the river Thames if it tried. In fact you can reach the hotel by river, as many of the London riverboat services stop there.
Sometimes they have a barbecue outside on the terrace which is off the Thames Room. Thats always very nice !
