When it comes to finding a reliable hotel, Hilton knows what it’s doing. The international brand has brought its dependable reputation and warm service to Bankside in the form of this comfortable, sizable and well-designed place to stay, and the first thing you’ll notice is just how convenient the location is. Just three-minutes away from the Tate Modern, the Hilton London Bankside lies within walking distance from Waterloo, Blackfriars and London Bridge Station.
The decor in our King One Bedroom Suite was simple, with unembellished furniture and very little artwork, but its fuss-free design made it feel organised and roomy. While the hotel doesn’t scream ridiculous grandeur like lots of London’s five-star hotels, the luxury here is in the detail. A lush bed, an HD and an LCD TV, a bright, sleek en suite with a powerful walk-in shower, tonnes of storage, a decent, comfortable living area and floor-to-ceiling windows made a spacious and bright room.
But the hotel’s facilities don’t stop there. In the basement, there’s a swish, boldly lit 17-metre long pool alongside a line of loungers, a hot tub and gym facilities. It’s a super-peaceful spot that feels buried deep underground, and though we visited in the evening and morning, the pool was nice and quiet on both visits.
Neighbourhood
Despite all the glossy sky rises shooting up around Bankside, the area still has bags of personality. It’s home to some of London’s most famous cultural institutions and is a great sun trap during the summer months. Have a gander east towards the pubs and bars around the Globe, or west towards Southbank and the National Theatre.
Nearby
Tate Modern: With a packed calendar of exhibitions, kid-friendly activities, and events each month, there’s no wonder this iconic gallery is one of London’s most iconic attractions.
Borough Market: Dating all the way back to the 1200’s, Borough Market’s fame and popularity have failed to waver – from classic greengrocers and fishmongers to crumble vans and sarnie spots, there’s a stall for every craving.
Kolae: sister to the ultra-popular Som Saa, Kolae is a cracking restaurant with a small but well-executed south Thai menu.
Time Out Tip
The Hilton London Bankside is a stone’s throw from the Globe. This recreation of the Bard’s famous wooden ‘o’ is one of London’s most famous, and sometimes controversial, theatres, and standing tickets start from just £10.
