When the London Hilton on Park Lane opened in 1963, it was an instant rule-breaker. Rising 100 metres across 28 storeys, it defied the unwritten agreement that no London building should rise higher than St Paul’s Cathedral.
Apparently HM the Queen had reservations about the new hotel – primarily about guests being able to see into her back garden. That tells you everything you need to know about its location and outlook: Hyde Park in one direction, Buck House in the other.
Not only was it London’s OG skyscraper hotel, it was the city’s first Hilton – and more than six decades on, rejuvenated by a multimillion-pound refurbishment in 2024, it remains one of the capital’s defining hotels.
The vibe
There’s an understated glamour at London Hilton on Park Lane. Guests are greeted by warm golden tones, and the fluttering of ‘Falling Still’ – a sculpture by London designer Giles Miller, composed of 2,000 suspended aluminium leaves that shift and shimmer – a subtle reminder of the hotel’s proximity to the Royal Parks.
The hotel’s roster of rock’n’roll patrons includes the Beatles, Keith Richards and Diana Ross. Neil Armstrong and his compatriots stayed here after returning from the Moon. Harold Sakata, aka Oddjob, hosted a party at the hotel's then-007-themed bar in the wake of Goldfinger.
Even the Queen clearly got over her initial misgivings as she visited on several occasions. And if it’s good enough for royalty, it’s good enough for you.
The rooms
There are 453 guest rooms and 56 suites to choose from. If you have the readies, head up on the 26th and 27th floors for the Signature Suites Collection.
The ten lavish suites each riff on a different chapter of London life. Bespoke interiors meet serious residential perks, from French balconies and private pantries to sprawling entertaining spaces, steam rooms and freestanding tubs angled towards the skyline, complete with handy ‘mood lighting’ button.
The Ambassador Suite channels the polished craftsmanship of Savile Row, while the Presidential Suite nods to the equestrian legacies of Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Wellington. Ceremonial shades of royal blue and gold run throughout, but the real showstopper is the private balcony overlooking Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park. Time it right, and you may even catch the Household Cavalry rehearsing below – surely the most London wake-up call imaginable.
Suite guests also enjoy access to the Executive Lounge, offering a welcome breather from the bustle of Park Lane.
Food & Drink
The hotel’s multimillion-pound makeover has seriously upped its food and drink game, with five new venues spanning caffeine fixes, cocktails and destination dining.
Tucked beyond the lobby, the sultry Revery Bar is all curved marble, copper accents and plush velvet, serving dream-inspired cocktails alongside classic serves.
Next door, the light-filled Park Corner Brasserie delivers seasonal British plates, low-waste kitchen wizardry and wine pairings overseen by Master of Wine Rudina Arapi.
There’s plenty more talent behind the scenes. Executive Chefs Nicolas Smalberger and Jean-Didier Gouges head up the culinary operation, while Bake Off: The Professionals winner Sam Leatherby brings a playful flourish to the hotel’s patisserie and Disney Princess Afternoon Tea.
Elsewhere, Amsterdam import MR PORTER combines a steakhouse, bar and lounge in one glamorous package, while EL&N Bakery supplies pastries, focaccia, brunch favourites and small-batch coffee for those on the move.
The literal high point is Shanghai Me on the 28th floor. London’s highest pan-Asian restaurant pairs 1930s Shanghai glamour with Chinese and Japanese-influenced dishes – and knockout Hyde Park sunsets. Book ahead – this isn’t the sort of place where you can simply turn up and expect a table.
Inside track
The Hilton has one of London’s largest ballrooms, capable of accommodating up to 1,250 guests. Princess Diana delivered her famous ‘Time and Space’ speech here where she announced her decision to scale back her public duties and seek a more private life.
London Hilton on Park Lane, 22 Park Lane, London W1K 1BE, parklanehilton.com.
