BACKGROUND
The former Jurys Inn Islington was rebranded as a Doubletree by Hilton last summer, making it the tenth London property for the Hilton Worldwide full-service brand.
It has undergone a full refurbishment and expansion that has added 143 guestrooms to bring the total to 372. An executive lounge and meeting space has also been added.
Under the agreement, the hotel continues to be owned and operated by Jurys Inn.
WHAT’S IT LIKE?
This is a contemporary hotel with a large lobby. To the left of reception is a restaurant and to the right a lounge with colourful couches. A corridor between the welcome desk and eatery leads to a foyer that can be used for functions, and the lounge – there is a separate lift here to the Executive rooms.
Check-in was straightforward and I was presented with a warm Doubletree chocolate-chip cookie, a brand perk for all guests.
WHERE IS IT?
On Pentonville Road, a five-minute walk from Angel Underground station, which is one stop or a 15-minute walk from St Pancras International for the Eurostar.
ROOM FACILITIES
Guest rooms are 21 sqm, while Deluxe and Executive rooms are bigger at an average 24 sqm. Corner rooms are larger still (30 sqm) – these can be requested when checking in using the HHonors app.
In terms of décor, the rooms do not look quite as modern as the public spaces – they have dark wood furnishings and colour schemes of either duck-egg blue and green, or red and brown, with London-themed artwork. But they are comfortable and practical, with good working space and plenty of power points and natural light.
Standard facilities include free wifi, safes, irons/ironing boards, hairdryers, mini fridges, air conditioning, tea and coffee facilities and flatscreen TVs.
Most bathrooms have a shower over a tub but some have a shower only. Aroma Actives amenities are being phased in to replace those from Crabtree and Evelyn. Room service is from 6.30am to 11pm.
Executive rooms also come with robes, slippers and bottled water. Guests staying in this category can access the ground-floor executive lounge, which offers free coffee, soft drinks and a continental breakfast, and canapés and alcohol from 6pm to 8pm.
South-facing rooms on higher floors offer stunning views, although this side overlooks the main road (windows are double-glazed). I was in a quiet, north-west-facing King Executive room, away from busy roads.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS
The casual Grill restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner. In addition to grilled meat and fish, the menu offers good vegetarian options.
I had the spinach, roast pepper and feta tart with cherry tomatoes (£14). It took a while to arrive and was rather a small portion but was full of flavour. For breakfast there is a buffet and an à la carte menu. The bar specialises in gin cocktails.
BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES
There are five ground-floor meeting rooms ranging from 26 sqm to 118 sqm. The biggest holds 90 delegates theatre-style and has an outside terrace. Computers are available for guest use in certain areas.
LEISURE FACILITIES
A 24-hour gym has Precor equipment.
VERDICT
A good-quality property with a relaxed, airy feel, professional service and well-equipped rooms.
FACT FILE
- HOW MANY ROOMS? 372 – 263 Guest, 66 Deluxe and 43 Executive.
- HIGHLIGHTS Free wifi, quiet rooms and friendly service.
- PRICE Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in March started at £199 for a Guest room.
- CONTACT Doubletree by Hilton London Islington, 60 Pentonville Road; tel +44 (0)20 7282 5500; doubletree.com
Miriam Jones
