Hotel Review: Hilton London Tower Bridge

By ANDREW FERREN
The New York Times
Published: Nov 30, 2008

THE BASICS

Few urban renewal projects have triumphed like London’s South Bank, where a rough locals-only zone has been transformed into a must-see destination for tourists. The only thing missing is a proper range of hotels. Though primarily geared toward travel to the City, the business district across the river, the recently opened Hilton London Tower Bridge manages to fill two voids. During the week, its 245 rooms fill up with conference attendees and business types, but the weekend crowd — most in evidence at the breakfast buffet — is nearly all families and couples on a city break.

THE LOCATION

Ideal for both business travelers and trailing spouses, or anyone wanting to see central London. Current popular tourist destinations like Borough Market, the Design Museum and Tate Modern are a 10-minute stroll away, as are perennial haunts like the Tower of London and Shakespeare’s Globe. Lively river-view restaurants and bars abound, and just across the street is the London Bridge train station, where the Thameslink service puts Gatwick airport about 30 minutes away.

THE ROOM

Well tailored like a banker’s suit, with gray fabrics, dark wood finishes and Japanese-lantern- inspired light fixtures that lend a slightly Zen aspect to the décor. Punches of color, like vermillion piping on the throw pillows, and MP3-ready clock radios make it conducive for both working and relaxing. The standard rooms are slightly larger than average and designed for stowing luggage and briefcases where they can be easily reached, but not tripped over. A large closet features a laptop safe as well as an iron and ironing board.

THE BATHROOM

Almost as nicely thought out as the bedroom, with plenty of counter space for the Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries provided. But the towel rack is oddly on the opposite side of the room from the tub/shower, making for wet footprints on the burnished brown tile floor.

THE LOBBY

Airy and spacious with lots of seating nooks for casual meetings, the tiered lobby sees action all day long. The attentive but discreet bar service keeps everyone in cappuccinos or cocktails, depending on the hour and the business at hand.

ROOM SERVICE

Available 24 hours, with a full restaurant menu that includes heart-smart and vegetarian options until 10 p.m. Mushroom ravioli in a zingy red pepper coulis (£12.50, or $18.50 at $1.48 to the pound) and a ham and cheese sandwich with Brandon pickle chutney (£8.50) arrived in less than 20 minutes from a waiter who talked me into a glass of white wine (£7).

AMENITIES

There is decent gym with treadmills, stationary bikes, free weights and cross-training weight machines. For £10, guests can also use the nearby 37° Fitness Center, which has a 20-meter pool, a boxing ring and golf simulators. High-speed Wi-Fi in the rooms costs £15 a day.

THE BOTTOM LINE

With a standard rate of £309 (exclusive of taxes and breakfast), this hotel is clearly for the expense-account set, though weekend packages are often available. For anyone who has stayed at the business hotels in Tower Hill, where many restaurants open only for lunch, this is definitely a comfy place to get a bit more of London.

Hilton London Tower Bridge, 5 More London Place, Tooley Street; 44-20-3002-4300; www.hilton.co.uk/towerbridge.

© The New York Times. All rights reserved. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.