I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned this before but from the age of 19 to 24 I worked as Cabin crew for Virgin Atlantic. I had the best time and visited the most amazing places that I probably would never have got to see if it wasn’t for doing that job, I’m so grateful for that and would recommend to to anyone who is considering it. As you can imagine, I was living out of a suitcase most of the time and staying in a different hotel each week, so once I had decided to hang up my wings and change careers I avoided hotels for quite some time. Whilst most people get excited about a night away in a hotel I would much prefer the comfort of my own bed, nice thick duvet and comfy pillows. I have a thing with hotel bedspreads, most hotels, especially in the USA have thin sheets underneath which obviously get laundered after each guest departs but what about that paterned bedspread? How often does that get washed?? They’re always so patterned that anything could have stained it!!
So when I was invited to the Amara Living Christmas party in London and was offered the chance to stay at the Hilton London Bankside it was the first time that I’ve actually been looking forward to staying in a hotel on my own, maybe this will be the hotel that cures me!
I had a lovely, peaceful train journey down to London, catching up on a few podcasts and drinking hot coffee which doesn’t happen that often. Then I jumped on the Tube to Southwark station which is on the Jubilee line and the Hilton London Bankside is only a 5 minute walk from there. I’m sure you all know by now how much I adore succulents and fairy lights so the giant letters outside the hotel were the perfect welcome. This must be one of the loveliest times of the year to visit, as I stepped into the hotel lobby it was like stepping into Christmas. The scent was amazing and I soon realised it was the smell of hot mulled wine and mince pies which you could help yourself to, the perfect touch on such a cold, winters day. The lobby itself is super stylish and modern, it has a mid-century industrial vibe feel to it with gorgeous lighting. The receptionists couldn’t have been more friendly and welcoming. My room wasn’t quite ready so they took care of my bags and I went to explore, like a true tourist! The Hilton London Bankside is perfectly located near the Tate Modern, the Globe Theatre, The Shard and Borough Market which was the direction I was heading in…. naturally!
Borough market is the kind of place that I could wonder around with my Husband all day long, tasting cheeses, cured meats and sipping mulled wine as we go. We would have come away with enough food to feed the street, but my little wheelie case was already full and I needed to keep room for a touch of retail therapy the day after. So I left empty handed and headed back to the hotel but I would love to go back with my Husband one day soon.
When I arrived back at the hotel my room was ready and my bags were already waiting in there. The room was beautifully designed in a similar industrial aesthetic to the rest of the hotel. A lovely geometric carpet, concrete effect wall coverings and modern furniture. There was a coffee machine and a very well stocked mini bar which has free soft drinks including mineral water and fizzy drinks. You can also get complimentary chocolate too, what’s not to love? The bathroom was very spacious with 2 showers and a bath… so many options! I opted for the enormous walk in shower which was just what I needed after a day of trains, tubes and lots of walking. Now the most important part….. the bed!!! You’ll be pleased to hear there wasn’t a nasty patterned bedspread in sight… just a gorgeous, soft, white, snuggly duvet, in fact it was the comfiest bed I have ever slept in and I had the best nights sleep!
My train back home was early afternoon so I set my alarm early and ordered breakfast to my room. As you can see, there was a great selection, it was so tasty and I managed to eat almost everything. I was all set for a bit of Christmas shopping (self gifting) before heading home.
Unfortunately due to lack of time I didn’t get chance to take advantage of the spa & indoor swimming pool or eat and drink in the hotel restaurant & bar. I would love to return here with my Husband and have more time to enjoy all the facilities. Overall I can totally see how this hotel has a 5* rating, the staff are super friendly and helpful, whenever I was passing through reception I was always approached and asked if I needed help. I can definitely say that the Hilton London bankside has cured me.
I would highly reccommend the Hilton Bankside and can’t wait to return. You can view their website and book online here.
Loved reading this with my cuppa this morning x
Thank you so much Mandy xx