WHAT'S IT LIKE? A sleek and modern new-build, the hotel is one of three new "lifestyle" Hiltons to be built in the UK in 2006 (the other two being the Hilton London Canary Wharf and the Hilton Manchester Deansgate). Cool greys and browns with splashes of red make up the understated colour scheme.
WHERE IS IT? The hotel forms part of the More London complex, an unfinished building project within walking distance of London Bridge station (with access to mainline rail services to the south, as well as the Northern and Jubilee underground lines). The site also contains the headquarters of Ernst & Young, as well as several coffee shops and restaurants, with more to come. A short walkway alongside the hotel leads to the Thames, with City Hall and the Scoop in front of you, and the attractions of buzzing South Bank nearby.
HOW MANY ROOMS? 245 rooms, including 55 executive rooms and one suite.
ROOM FACILITIES Unfortunately for a hotel located so close to the river, no rooms have Thames views (if you discount an occasional neck-craning glimpse of Tower Bridge). The rooms themselves are bright, modern and tastefully decorated, with large full-length mirrors in the bedroom, desks with plenty of workspace, and inviting easy chairs and footrests. Facilities in all rooms include a king-size bed, air conditioning, flatscreen TV, wired and wireless internet access (charged at £15 for 24 hours or £75 for one week), tea and coffee-making facilities, iron and ironing board, minibar and a laptop-sized safe. Bathrooms have Villeroy & Boch fittings and Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries, and executive rooms have a separate walk-in shower, as well as complimentary bathrobe and slippers. My executive room was on the tenth floor, giving access to the lounge on the same floor with complimentary breakfast.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS The Larder restaurant is on the ground floor towards the back of the hotel and is open 0700-2230 for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Head chef Jonathan McCann, previously of Claridges, the Dorchester and Mansion House, has created a menu combining "retro-style cooking with a sense of comfort food". Starters include delicious pan-fried scallops with parmesan risotto and lemon oil (£10.50), while main courses are split into fish, meat, grilled and vegetarian dishes – I tried the braised lamb shank with parsnip mash and thyme jus (£16.50). The Ruba Bar just past the lobby area serves cocktails and snacks until midnight Monday to Saturday (10.30pm on Sundays).
MEETING AND BUSINESS FACILITIES There are nine Hilton meeting rooms and the Tower suite, with capacities ranging from 400 down to six delegates. All have natural light, air conditioning and AV equipment – there is also a business centre on the second floor open till 9pm daily with internet, fax and copying services. The executive lounge has two complimentary internet terminals – wifi internet access is available throughout the hotel through BT Openzone.
LEISURE FACILITIES There is a Living Well Express health club on the third floor, but with so much to do along the Thames Path it seems a shame to be pounding the treadmill inside when you could be taking a walk up to Tate Modern and the Millennium Bridge.
VERDICT A great addition to the Hilton collection and one which, along with the other openings last year, signals a move away from the traditional Hilton feel. Its location will appeal to the leisure market looking to visit South Bank, but the hotel's proximity to the City and public transport connections makes it a good choice for business travellers as well.
PRICES Fully flexible internet rates for a midweek stay in early February started at £210, room only.
CONTACT Hilton London Tower Bridge, 5 More London Place, Tooley Street, London, +44 (0)20 3002 4300, hilton.co.uk.
Mark Caswell
