A Review of the Hilton Waldorf Hotel – London

There are some hotel names that are synonymous with quintessential style but often the reality of such hotels is disappointing.  In my mind the Waldorf in London’s theatre district was a hotel I expected to be fabulous, wanted to be fabulous but feared wouldn’t be!  However from the moment the bowler hatted doorman welcomed us inside I knew disappointment was not on the cards….

Opened in 1908, the Edwardian style hotel oozes restrained glamour.  First stop…the Patisserie of course!

With a counter full of exquisite cakes and a wonderful champagne list, I set up camp in the Homage Patisserie whilst our room was being prepared.  This beautiful wood panelled room really captures the spirit of an afternoon in Paris…sipping drinks, eating gorgeous cakes, people watching, reading papers, listening to jazz…the interior designers have created a graceful glamour that makes customers feel very at ease and that they are also being treated to a special experience.  It is lived-in yet luxurious – elegant Louis XVI chairs & sofas are upholstered in soft shark grey fabrics, whilst smart ruched table lamps add a romantic touch to the intimate marble-topped tables.

Passing through the lobby lounge I noticed the most dapper man in all of London playing the piano.  Unfortunately I didn’t have the nerve to ask for a photo fearing that it would put him off his stride…but I did take a shot of the area later that includes a contemporary classic patterned carpet (I know I am sometimes a bit ‘carpet mad’ but I think this really is one of the most effective and enhancing uses of carpet that I have seen for quite a while).

Before heading up to our suite I took the opportunity to pop-in and admire the stunning glass covered banqueting room ‘Palm Court’.

Other than the impressive scale of the room I was struck by the clean white space embellished with huge columns, intricate cornicing and striking lanterns.

Onwards and upwards….to the bedroom suite!

I was pleasantly surprised by the brave Satsuma tones used in the bedroom which brought a warm, intimate atmosphere to the large open space.  I’ve always been a fan of a bedroom layout that places the bed centre stage, pulled away from the wall, creating a theatrical and unconventional room plan. 

Although I know it wouldn’t suit everyone, I also like bathroom/shower spaces in hotels that open onto the bedroom area.  For me this type of flowing openness makes using the space more of an unusual experience which is delightfully different from my homes layout. 

The Waldorf uses semi-frosted glass for the toilet and shower cubicles which allows semi-privacy…but other hotels (such as the fabulous Epoque Hotel – Hospes Hotel Palacio de los Patos in Granada) go for complete transparancy between the bath and bedroom areas in some rooms with the option of a light curtain that can be used to screen-off the area by modest bathers.  http://www.epoquehotels.com/h-gallery.php/granada-hotels/boutique-hotel/h/hospespalaciolospatos/l/en#pictures

One of the bonuses of staying in an Executive room at the Waldorf is access to the Executive Lounge.  In this former billiard room complimentary breakfast is served along with complimentary afternoon teas and pre-dinner cocktails & canapes.  During my stay I partook of all 3!  The comfortable lounge area combines Flint Grey, muted Berry stain shades and Chocolate which creates a quiet, relaxing palette and provides an informal ambiance.  After I had thoroughly indulged in hot & cold canapes we headed down for dinner…

The Homage Grand Salon has Louis XVI-style decor.  Elegant columns and sparkling chandeliers set the stage for a wonderful dining expereince. 

Although the dining space is huge and high, an intimate atmosphere has been achieved by the placement of tables between the columns along each side of the salon, providing semi-private dining nooks.  Plus, as in all areas of the hotel, the attentive staff offer a warm, knowledgeable and precise service to their guests that prevents the hotels grand and impressive interior from being in any way intimidating.

To visit the Waldorf website click this link: www.hilton.com/waldorf