This month, a professional, stylish hotel ideally located in the heart of the capital. Stephanie Gilbert and Samantha Noble report.

‘Best of the Best’ once again heads to the capital, where we were lucky enough to stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton, right in the heart of the bustling West End. The hotel is situated close to many top tourist attractions, among them Covent Garden, the British Museum and theatreland.

As the great British weather was being so kind to us, we decided that before checking into the hotel we would take in some of the top tourist sights via an open-top bus tour, which covered most of London’s most famous attractions, including the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace.  You never fail to be amazed at just how much the city has to offer, no matter how many times you visit.

After our tour we stopped at a local café and dined al fresco, relaxing and enjoying a very welcome chilled glass of prosecco while taking in the atmosphere of the busy streets of London.

The hotel was in walking distance for us so we had a leisurely stroll to check in.  We were truly impressed by the professionalism of the staff on the main reception, and of course with the warm DoubleTree cookies which were offered to us while checking in. Our room was located in the executive suite wing of the hotel, allowing extra privacy and comfort.

The suite was luxurious and comfortable and we were greeted with complimentary fruit, wine, water and yet more yummy DoubleTree cookies! Our stylish room offered all the modern conveniences you would expect from the Hilton Group, including a flatscreen television, high-speed wireless internet and an elegant modern bathroom, fully equipped with all the essentials you may have left behind when packing.

After freshening up we decided to explore the rest of the hotel and its amenities. The hotel has a beautiful Edwardian façade but the inside surprises with a modern, yet relaxed and charming atmosphere. Our first find was the well-equipped gym, with everything the fitness enthusiast should require. Not feeling too energetic after our busy day, we took a walk through the rest of the hotel to find Bar 92.

Bar 92 boasts stylish and sophisticated décor, with a fabulous wine list and a deliciously tempting menu, suitable for all tastes. We chose to order a bottle of prosecco, Sant’ Orsola, which came to our table beautifully chilled along with a dish of marinated olives and smoked almonds, served by very attentive and friendly staff.

We dined in the hotel restaurant, which again had first class service and another tempting menu. For starters, we ordered a puff pastry tart with caramelised red onion, confit of cherry tomato and goat’s cheese, with a rocket salad and smoked haddock and spring onion fishcakes with a leaf salad and a caper mayonnaise. Choosing the same main course, we both enjoyed a grilled 8oz sirloin steak served with a warm bean salad and melted blue cheese butter, with a side of hand-cut chips. The food was of an extremely high standard and left us far too full for dessert.

After a very comfortable, peaceful night’s sleep we left for home, delighted again with the ideal location of the hotel. We found the DoubleTree Hilton West End to be a fabulous place to stay,
with friendly, attentive staff and excellent accommodation where any group or individual would feel at home. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would highly recommend this first-class hotel.

Info:     0870 590 9090          www.doubletree.com