Hilton London Bankside was opened in 2015 at the site of an old essential oils distillery. I wasn’t expecting much, but as I approached Suffolk Street, the large, lit-up Bankside words with a foliage backround brightened up the whole street.
The lobby has a large industrial feel with dark colors, artworks and interesting décor. Concrete floors, an impressive rug, plenty of wood, and beautiful light fittings set the scene.
The uniformed staff who manned the four marble tables were especially friendly. I was delighted to be welcomed with a glass Prosecco, and to have the opportunity to choose old-fashioned sweets from an old-fashioned sweet trolley. I filled my boots with sherbert saucers and milk bottle sweets – a nostalgic journey to my school days.
Hilton Bankside caters to business travellers, couples, groups of friends, and families. There are also family suites with connecting rooms, and amenities for children.
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They tell me there are 292 rooms, including the Vegan suite which has furniture made from pineapple skin. The colours are autumnal tones, made atmospheric by dim lighting. Bedside reading torchlights are available for night reading.
Our junior suite (524) had a narrow living room with a sofa and armchair, and a TV. It led to a spacious bedroom with a kingsize bed (very comfortable), another TV, and a large shower area for two. I was very pleased with the abundance of plug sockets around the desk.
There are many amenities, including a mini-bar, a hairdryer, an iron and ironingboard, a safe and tea and coffee facilities. I also had the pleasure to wear the softest bathrobes.
Food & Drink
Hilton Bankside offers two restaurants. The OXBO Bankside continues with the industrial theme and has quirky animal heads on the walls – not real, but visually interesting. The menu is predominantly British. We had a soft miso cod dish, a trout with asparagus dish, and a juicy breast of chicken. The cream caramel dessert was delicious. The drink menu includes a staggering 100 types of gin. I was tempted to choose a Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand to drink with my trout.
The Distillery offers lighter snacks in a convivial atmosphere with comfortable seating. Those staying in executive rooms have access to the Executive Lounge It’s open all day for coffee and snacks and after 6pm there is cooked food – enough for a full meal – snacks, waffles desserts, sandwiches, drinks and alcohol are served and included in the room rate. The Executive Lounge is a great place to relax, hold a meeting, watch TV, or take a shower.
The Facilities
Hilton Bankside features a well equipped gym and a beautiful heated indoor 17-metre pool with a built-in jacuzzi. The lockers were great and I loved the spin dryer for my swimsuit. The gym is right next door.
Valet parking is available and costs £40 per night.
What’s nearby
Southwark tube station was only a 10-minute stroll away, as were many attractions and sights such as South Bank with its theatres and Tate Modern. The Millenium Bridge offers a beautiful vantage point from which to watch the toings-and-froings of the Thames. St Pauls Borough Market London Eye and Tower Bridge all are within walking distance.
VERDICT: The Hilton London Bankside Hotel is located near the Tate and Southbank and offers great accommodation and plenty of services in a modern and frivolous environment.
