Review Waldorf Astoria London: free upgrade to Suite is always a pleasure
The Waldorf Astoria in London, officially known as The Waldorf Hilton, is a historic institution that embodies elegance and luxury [...]
United Kingdom
The Waldorf Astoria in London, known officially as The Waldorf Hilton, is a historic institution that embodies the elegance and luxury of the British capital. Founded in 1908, the hotel was inspired by the legendary Waldorf Astoria New York.
In this article:
Since its opening, it has hosted celebrities, heads of state and discerning travelers, becoming a symbol of Edwardian opulence that has adapted to the times without losing its old-world charm.
A Prestigious Location
Did you get your flight cancelled, miss your connection, land late?
You could get up to 600€ compensation per person
Located in the heart of the city, within walking distance of Covent Garden and the West End, the Waldorf Astoria enjoys a prime location that makes it ideal for travelers exploring London.
Its proximity to major theaters, luxury boutiques and the most exclusive restaurants makes it a perfect choice for both those wishing to immerse themselves in the cultural life of the city and those seeking an elegant retreat in the beating heart of the metropolis. In addition, the proximity to Holborn Station provides easy access to the entire city, including international airports.
The Waldorf Astoria on the Big Screen
Due to its iconic architecture and sophisticated interior, the Waldorf Astoria in London has been chosen several times as a film location. Among the most famous films shot inside the hotel stands out. The Golden Compass (2007), which took advantage of the hotel's refined environments to recreate scenes of luxury and mystery. Also Bright Young Things (2003), a film adaptation of Evelyn Waugh's play, used the halls of the Waldorf to set its scenes of lavish 1920s parties.
Check-in
When in recent weeks I was invited to the Premiere of Cathay Pacific's new Aria Suites I have a lot appreciated the choice of hotel where I would be staying. One of those facilities that had long been on my radar, but which I had not yet managed to book in my wanderings.
Therefore, I did not pay for this stay, but amazingly I got all the benefits provided by my status: upgrades, lounge access, and points, of course only those related to expenses made at the hotel.
The welcome was warm and a few minutes later I was in my room.
The Suite at the Waldorf London
When you get an upgrade, as I have explained several times, you can expect a better view or a higher floor. In this case I was graciously offered the best room in the entire hotel a king suite. In a nutshell, this room costs on average three times as much as a basic room.
By English standards this was a very large room, sure To call it Suite would not be correct because it is one room, very large, but still an open space.
On the website these rooms are labeled as "recently renovated" I have no idea how recent, but certainly the environment is fresh.
There is everything that is logical to expect from this sign, which I recall is one of the most luxurious in the Hilton portfolio. Two sore points, the first being the automatic mini-bar, a real jinx, not least because it makes it impossible to refrigerate, for example, the water that as elite members you get for free.
The second was the view of cosmic nothingness, indeed the backside of nothingness.
The bathroom was also renovated, but in this case I would have preferred a walk-in shower to a shower inside the tub.
The environments
The problem with space, in a hotel that also has a convention center, is that you have to give it up somewhere. In this case, there is a lack of a suitable area to wait for friends before going out, since the only area is the one right at the entrance, but too small for the size of the hotel.
There is a beautiful swimming pool (which I did not make time to visit) and a large gymnasium that is also open to outsiders.
The lounge
Being able to take advantage of lounges, in hotels that offer this service, is a real plus that allows you to save money, but above all to be able to better enjoy your stay both when you are on business and when you are with your family.
Of course we're not talking about the lavish wedding banquets that some lounges in Asia offer their guests, but we're still in London, and being able to have an aperitif, drink all you want in "open bar" mode is a real plus.
Food&Beverage
At the entrance is the tea room, a small but elegant area to have the classic 5 o'clock tea as only the UK knows how to do.
On the opposite side is The Wild Monkey, an iconic bar where you can enjoy cocktails and linger for one last drink before bedtime.
Last but not least there is Homage, the main restaurant and the one where breakfast is served.
Waldorf London's breakfast
The main problem is that the hall is too small to handle an influx of guests such as those at this hotel, if we are then talking about a midweek day where 9 out of 10 people are in town for work, it means that at 8 a.m. it will be impossible not to queue.
A la carte breakfast in addition to a small but interesting buffet located in the center of the room.
The taste of real English sausages takes me back, every time, to when I was 11 years old and for the first time I was faced with a breakfast of scrambled eggs, beans, mushrooms, and the half grapefruit, me who had grown up on lattes and cookies.
Conclusion
The Waldorf Astoria in London is more than just a hotel: Is a piece of living history that continues to enchant its guests with its timeless elegance.
Whether for a luxury stay, a cultural experience or a stroll through London's most iconic sites, this hotel is an unbeatable choice for those seeking the perfect blend of history, comfort and sophistication.
Pro
- The Suite
- The environments
Against
- Small breakfast room